Mark your calendars for January 12, 2026, because Dan Hegarty’s 2FM Alternative is about to take you on a sonic journey you won’t forget. But here’s the catch: to dive into this musical adventure on RTÉ.ie, you’ll need to disable your ad blocker or whitelist the site—a small step for an immersive experience. And this is the part most people miss: the playlist is a carefully curated blend of genres and eras, designed to challenge and delight even the most seasoned music lover.
Kicking things off is Moby’s timeless classic, ‘Honey’, a track that effortlessly bridges the gap between electronic and soul. Next up, Bar Italia’s ‘Omni Shambles’ brings a modern, chaotic energy that’s both unsettling and captivating. Grimes’ ‘Flesh Without Blood’ follows, blending futuristic pop with introspective lyrics that leave you pondering long after the song ends. Closing the first segment is Ria Rua’s ‘Movin’, a groovy, upbeat number that’s impossible not to move to.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Kingfishr’s live performance at Eurosonic 2025 is a highlight, but their sound is polarizing. Tracks like ‘I Cried, I Wept’ and ‘The Saviour’ are raw and emotional, while ‘Shadow’ leans into a darker, more experimental vibe. Is Kingfishr the future of alternative music, or just a passing trend? Their interview at Eurosonic 2025 might offer some answers, but it’s their live renditions of ‘Eyes Don’t Lie’, ‘Anyway’, and ‘Caroline’ that truly showcase their versatility.
The playlist wraps up with Lankum’s ‘Ghost Town’, a haunting folk piece that feels both ancient and urgently relevant. It’s a bold choice to end on, but one that leaves you reflecting on the power of music to transcend time and genre.
So, what do you think? Is Kingfishr’s experimental sound the next big thing, or does it miss the mark? And does Lankum’s ‘Ghost Town’ deserve a spot in the alternative music canon? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
