2026 is shaping up as a pivotal year for Zak Coghlan. Formerly known as the lead singer of Irish indie outfit Sunburn, the talented artist has now stepped into the limelight with a solo project, the result of a couple of years of personal turmoil and a move from Dublin to London. ‘Lead Balloon’ is Coghlan’s sophomore single, following up from March’s ‘Composure’. In it, we find Zak at his most mature and cohesive, perhaps also a tad wiser, fiercely delving into electrifying yet evocative guitar-coded matter.
Compared to its predecessor, ‘Lead Balloon’ assumes a more triumphant, uplifting character, still retaining the relatable, vivid storytelling that’s now become a personal brand for Coghlan. We are most impressed with his vocals, to be honest; Zak’s tone is very precise, but also sort of gritty and rough around the edges, a feature that makes the track melodic and chaotic, certainly introspective and lively. This is even more apparent in its chorus, an unapologetic slice of anglo-indie euphoria.
Delving deeper into the fine and complex creative ethos that propels Coghlan’s lyricism, we are told: “It captures the intensity of youth, heartbreak, and personal growth rooted in the storytelling traditions of his Irish upbringing”. ‘Lead Balloon’ has been recorded in Dublin and produced by Keelan O’Reilly. Zak may now be based in London, but he maintains strong ties with his homeland. Proudly Irish!
Recommended! Discover ‘Lead Balloon’ now: