Bricknasty

Music has a unique way of bringing hidden emotions and untold stories to light. Case in point with Irish group Bricknasty. The band—made up of Fatboy (vocals/guitar), Dara Abdurahman (bass), Korey Thomas (drums), and Louis Younge (sax/keyboards)—blends modern jazz, neo-soul, electronics, and indie pop to create music that paints an honest picture of life in Ballymun, a forgotten suburb of Dublin.

Fatboy, who performs wearing a pale, monstrous mask, draws deeply from his personal experiences growing up in Ballymun. He uses voice notes and creative instrumentation to tell raw stories about drug abuse, family struggles, and mental health. Bricknasty’s debut EP, ‘INA CRUELER’, reflects this rawness, pieced together in fire escapes, bedrooms, and even the backs of cars. Despite these rough conditions, their music surprises with its soothing, mellow, and heartfelt tone.

Their follow-up project, ‘XONGZ አስቀያሚ ጡብ’, features a more collaborative approach, moving seamlessly between smooth, jazzy grooves and tender ballads. This release captures the band’s fearless creativity and evolving sound, offering something fresh and deeply expressive.