Sprints (band)
Sprints (band): A Rising Force in Irish Garage Punk
Formed in Dublin in 2019, Sprints (stylised as SPRINTS) is an Irish garage punk band that has quickly made a name for itself in the music scene. With a lineup consisting of Karla Chubb (vocals, guitar), Sam McCann (bass, vocals), Jack Callan (drums), and Zac Stephenson (guitar), the band has carved a niche with their energetic performances and relatable songwriting. Over the years, they have released a series of singles and EPs, ultimately leading to their critically acclaimed debut album, “Letter to Self,” released in January 2024.
Formation and Early Years
The genesis of Sprints can be traced back to the childhood friendships of its founding members. Karla Chubb, Colm O’Reilly, and Jack Callan grew up together and began playing music at the tender age of ten. Their shared passion for music led them to form a band that would later evolve into Sprints. In their pursuit of creating a distinctive sound, they added bassist Sam McCann to the lineup, who also contributes vocals both in the studio and during live performances.
Chubb’s musical influences are rooted deeply in punk rock, drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Patti Smith, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and PJ Harvey. These inspirations shaped not only her vocal style but also the thematic elements present in the band’s songs. The band’s first single, “Pathetic,” was released shortly after their formation in 2019 and was intended to be a straightforward expression of relatable experiences. This approach to songwriting became a hallmark of their style, focusing on honesty and raw emotion.
Discography: Singles and EPs
Sprints wasted no time in establishing themselves within the music industry. Following “Pathetic,” they released “The Cheek” in September 2019, which received positive reviews for its catchy hooks and energetic chorus. This single was soon followed by “Kissing Practice” in February 2020, produced by Daniel Fox of Gilla Band, who helped embed rich textures into their sound.
In 2021, Sprints took a significant step forward with the release of their EP titled “Manifesto.” This work was inspired by Ireland’s campaign for Repeal The 8th and highlighted women’s ongoing fight for bodily autonomy. The EP showcased the band’s commitment to addressing social issues through their music while maintaining their punk ethos.
In March 2022, they released another EP titled “A Modern Job,” featuring notable tracks like “How Does the Story Go?” and “Little Fix.” These releases further cemented Sprints’ reputation as an emerging force within the garage punk genre.
Debut Album and Critical Acclaim
The culmination of Sprints’ efforts came with their debut album, “Letter to Self,” which was released on January 5, 2024. The album received widespread critical acclaim for its raw energy and introspective lyrics. Critics praised Chubb’s ability to convey deep emotions through her songwriting while highlighting the band’s unique blend of genres that encompassed punk, grunge, and garage rock.
Following the album’s release, Sprints embarked on an extensive tour across Europe, the US, and the UK from February to May 2024. Their electrifying live shows garnered attention from numerous music publications, including Clash Magazine, which lauded their performance energy. However, amidst their rising success, founding guitarist Colm O’Reilly departed from the band in May 2024 due to personal reasons related to public performance.
Evolution of Line-up and New Music
After O’Reilly’s departure, Sprints initially brought in a series of guest guitarists during their summer tour before welcoming Zac Stephenson as a permanent member of the band. This new lineup allowed them to solidify their sound further while continuing to explore themes relevant to their generation.
In late 2024, Sprints released “Feast,” a stand-alone single that delves into themes of gluttony, consumption, and desire. This track showcased their evolution as artists while maintaining the raw essence that fans had come to expect from them. The band’s commitment to addressing societal issues through their music remained evident as they continued to write new material.
All That Is Over: Anticipation Builds
As 2025 progressed, anticipation for Sprints’ sophomore album began to build. On March 29, 2025, during a performance at The Grand Social in Dublin, Chubb announced that they had written and recorded a new album titled “All That Is Over.” They debuted this new album in full during that show, much to the excitement of fans present.
The first single from this upcoming album was titled “Descartes,” released on June 24, 2025. Following this release were dual singles “Rage” and “Beg” on July 24 and another single titled “Better” on September 3. Each release further demonstrated their growth as musicians while retaining their signature punk sensibilities.
“All That Is Over” was released on September 26, 2025, receiving critical acclaim akin to that of their debut album. The evolution of Sprints from emerging artists to established musicians is evident not just in their discography but also in their growing fanbase across various platforms.
The Future of Sprints
With two successful albums under their belt and a solidified lineup featuring Chubb, McCann, Callan, and Stephenson, Sprints is poised for continued growth. Their commitment to honest songwriting paired with an ever-evolving sound positions them well within both the Irish music scene and beyond. As they navigate future tours and new releases, fans can expect more raw energy and thought-provoking themes that resonate with listeners around the world.
Conclusion
Sprints has emerged as one of Ireland’s most exciting musical acts since their formation in 2019. With a dedication to crafting relatable songs anchored by powerful performances, they have quickly gained recognition within the garage punk genre. As they prepare for new releases and tours ahead of them, it will be fascinating to see how they continue to evolve artistically while remaining true to their roots. With each step forward—be it through innovative singles or impactful albums—Sprints solidifies its place within contemporary music culture.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).