Indie-Folk’s new voice Solene Laurence makes a strong first impression with Punch Line
Music Review | 2nd Feb, 2026
Blending indie folk with soft-touch pop, emerging singer-songwriter Solene Laurence is already turning heads as one of the freshest new names on the scene. She might only be 18, but there’s a quiet confidence and maturity running through both her sound and her songwriting that feels well beyond her years. Hailing from Cork, Solene has been writing for a long time now, steadily building a collection of songs, and the first taste we get is her debut release, Punch Line.
Some songs arrive in a flash, others need time to simmer. Punch Line
is a bit of both. It first came together a couple of years ago in a short, intense 20-minute burst when Solene was just 16. The song then sat patiently in the background until she decided the moment was right to record it, and that wait has clearly paid off.
There’s a definite country-tinged warmth to Punch Line
, wrapped in a melodic pop sensibility that keeps things light and accessible. Solene’s vocals are emotionally raw and effortlessly suited to her indie-folk leanings. It’s not a fast track, but it pulls you in, the kind of song that quietly sneaks into foot-tapping territory before you even realise. A subtle but lovely shift heading into the chorus gives the song an extra lift.
Punch Line
feels like a strong opening chapter to what could be a very exciting journey. With an EP in the works and plans to get out playing live, Solene Laurence is absolutely an artist worth keeping on your radar.
The single, Punch Line, is available through all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: Solene Laurence
