For Nina balances between tension and release in driving alt-rock single “Hounds”

Emerging alt-rock trio For Nina captures these disorienting emotions and more in their new song. Driving guitar lights up Holly Owens’ smooth vocal lines in “Hounds”, a burning tightrope walk between suspending vocals and fierce instrumentation. Owens sings of finding a balance between being vulnerable and masking as drums come into play, with the track then exploding into its full-fledged alternative rock sound. Drenched in that sonic heaviness, the trio of drums, guitar, and vocals split off on their own journeys, bringing in unexpected layers of instrumental embellishments and harmonies.

Ricocheting between its moments of stripped-back reflection and full-on rock intensity, “Hounds” strikes an unlikely balance between its relatable, vulnerable lyrics and roaring instrumentals, reflecting a simultaneous anger and sadness. It relays the familiar restless feelings of being in your twenties.

Like most good things in life, “Hounds” came about unexpectedly. “The track came out of nothing really,” the band says. “We were just jamming out over the main riff and then everything seemed to click and within half-an-hour we had the song. We wrote the chorus in a way that hopefully highlights the uncertain chaos of being twenty-something. We were in a tricky place with our college course at the time and the feelings manifested themselves within the song. At least those feelings led to something good.”

The Dublin-based trio met in college in 2023 and quickly discovered their shared musical passions. Despite being on the scene for less than a year and change, the band’s self-released singles have been enough for fans to pack venues across Ireland — including for their debut live performance. Rock fans are excited about the emerging group, and their momentum is only picking up. With blistering new tracks like this, we can understand why.