Cork shoegaze veterans Flywheel return with “CryBaby,” a dark and immersive dream-pop single that captures the band’s renewed creative energy while staying connected to the atmospheric character of their early work. Following “Stop Looking at Her,” the track introduces a compelling blend of hazy textures, post-punk urgency and psychedelic colour. There is a sense of movement throughout the song, as Flywheel build a dense sonic environment that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly alive.
Ann Marie Ryan’s ethereal presence is central to the track’s appeal. Her mellow, deadpan-cool delivery floats through the surrounding layers with a striking sense of restraint, creating an intriguing contrast against the intensity beneath her. Mark Tangney and Kieran Curtin’s guitars form a powerful wall of vintage fuzz, while Paul Kelleher’s bass and the driving rhythm section give the song its forward momentum. The result is a carefully balanced meeting point between dream-pop softness and the darker edge of post-punk.
“CryBaby” also represents an important evolution for Flywheel. Originally formed in Cork in the early 1990s, the band released their debut album “She” in 1996 before embarking on an extended hiatus. Their reunion in 2020 brought a renewed sense of purpose, and that maturity is evident in the way the vocals now occupy a more prominent position within their expansive arrangements. Their influences—from My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive to Cocteau Twins and The Fall—remain recognisable but the band approaches those references with their own identity.
As the lead single from their forthcoming five-track EP, “CryBaby” offers an enticing glimpse into Flywheel’s current direction. Recorded in Cork and produced by Andy Killian, its crisp yet heavy production gives every layer room to contribute to the atmosphere. Fans of Slowdive, Wolf Alice and Lush will find plenty to appreciate, while longtime followers may enjoy hearing a veteran band rediscover its creative spark with such confidence.
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