The Wran recast Irish tradition with alt-folk homage “The Waterford Boys”

It’s hard to miss the spotlight on Ireland right now. From the rodeo pop trills of CMAT and the roars of post-punks Gurriers, to the world domination of Fontaines D.C., a wave of Irish talent is clawing its way across the planet. Part of this new wave is The Wran, a band of four twentysomething brothers emerging from County Waterford. Pushing Irish folk into new heights of punk, psychedelia and rock, The Wran are about to embark on a new UK and Ireland headline tour, fast gaining traction as one of the most powerful names in the alt-folk scene. Tommy, Danny, Seán and Stephen Dunford were raised in the small village of Kilbrien at the foot of the Comeragh Mountains. Music was always going to be embedded into their lives. “The trad community is abundant in Waterford,” says Tommy of their upbringing in the southeast of Ireland. “Our parents would be avid music listeners.” Coming of age to a soundtrack of Snow Patrol, The Pogues and U2, surrounded by a strong trad presence, the Dunford brothers naturally began making their own music, albeit in different worlds. Older siblings Tommy and Danny were drawn to rock, writing songs and playing in local pubs from the age of 12. Seán and Stephe...