The Wran Put Their Own Spin On Irish Folk Classic The Limerick Rake
Irish folk music has never been afraid to evolve, and The Wran are quickly becoming one of the most exciting new names pushing the genre in a fresh direction.
Blending traditional Irish music with punk attitude and psychedelic influences, the band have built a sound that feels both familiar and completely their own. Storytelling is at the heart of what they do, with a strong focus on Irish culture, language and those raw family harmonies that give their music plenty of character.
The Wran Are Reworking Irish Folk For A New Generation
The lads first announced themselves in 2025 with Some Say The Devil Is Dead
, an energetic debut that showed exactly what they were about. Rather than simply recreate a traditional song, The Wran gave it a high-octane alternative folk makeover.
Singles Sullivan’s John
and Fear Dearg
followed, helping the band attract plenty of attention and build a growing following.
Now, with work continuing on their upcoming debut studio album, The Wran have released their fourth single, The Limerick Rake.
Dating back to the late 18th century, The Limerick Rake
is one of those Irish folk songs that has been passed down through generations. Its story follows a man looking back on a life filled with drinking, gambling and romantic adventures. There's humour in the tale, but also a darker side as he reflects on his reputation, the people he has wronged and the consequences of his choices.
The Wran take all of those elements and give the song their own distinctive treatment.
A Gritty Take On The Limerick Rake
Musically, The Wran don't stray too far from the spirit of the original, but they certainly give it a heavier edge.
Accordion, banjo and acoustic guitar create a rough-and-ready folk foundation, while a low, droning bass adds a darker and slightly psychedelic feel underneath it all.
It's this combination that makes the track work so well. There's plenty of traditional Irish character here, but it doesn't feel like a straight recreation of an old folk standard. Instead, The Wran make The Limerick Rake sound like their own song.
The arrangement really comes alive towards the end, with the slower, lumbering feel eventually giving way to a faster-paced jig based around The Limerick Rake
air. It's a great way to finish the track and gives the song an extra burst of energy.
Final Verdict
The Wran are proving that traditional Irish folk music still has plenty of room to evolve. The Limerick Rake
keeps the humour, storytelling and character of the original while adding the band's own mix of punk energy, psychedelic atmosphere and traditional instrumentation.
It's another strong release from a band who are clearly finding their feet and developing a sound that stands out from the crowd.
With their debut album on the horizon and a growing reputation as a live act, The Wran are definitely a band worth keeping an eye on.
Ireland & UK Tour Dates
28th - 30th Aug - Electric Picnic Festival
09th Oct - Dublin - Workman's - SOLD OUT
10th Oct - Limerick - Dolans - SOLD OUT
11th Oct - Galway - Roisin Dubh
13th Oct - Dublin - Workman's - Extra Date Added
15th Oct - Cork - Cyprus Avenue
16th Oct - Kilkenny - Cleeres - SOLD OUT
17th Oct - Belfast - Ulster Sports Club
07th Nov - Manchester - Deaf Institute
08th Nov - Leeds - The Attic
10th Nov - Nottingham - The Bodega
11th Nov - Birmingham - Hare and Hounds
12th Nov - London - The Lower Third - SOLD OUT
13th Nov - Bristol - Thekla
09th Dec - Dublin - 3Arena with The Pogues
10th Dec - Belfast - Telegraph Building with The Pogues
12th Dec - Killarney - Glenagle Arena with The Pogues
The single, The Limerick Rake, is available through all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: The Wran
