Ireland embraced its own in 2019. No wonder, considering the abundance of talent breaking cover to thrill homegrown fans and international audiences. Two standouts: Dermot Kennedy, whose glorious emergence was testament to perseverance and highest-quality songcraft, and FONTAINES D.C. The blistering five-piece—alongside fellow Dubliners The Murder Capital—breathed fresh, unrestrained life into the nation’s post-punk scene.