The first single of 2026 from The Wran is Sullivan’s John, a dark, hypnotic re-imagining of the iconic Traveller ballad by Pecker Dunne

The song is led by intertwining banjo and delayed guitar over timpani-style drums, echoing the tale of John leaving the comforts of home to take up the uncertain, wandering life with the “tinker’s daughter”. Each verse holds its tension, expanding at its own pace, until it fractures into the slip-jig “Hardiman the Fiddler”, a transition inspired by Jordan O’Leary. With this transition, the drone gives way to a distorted bass and pushing rhythm section, driving the song forward like the roads travelled by Sullivan’s John.

The Wran:

Hailing from the Comeragh Mountains of County Waterford, The Wran are four brothers: Tommy, Danny, Seán and Stephen Dunford. They bring a fresh voice to Irish music, blending trad with punk and a hint of psychedelia to create music that feels both timeless and new.

Drawing inspiration from Planxty, The Pogues and Lankum, The Wran combine traditional and modern instrumentation, including banjo, harmonium, acoustic guitar, bass VI and drums. They are dedicated to keeping the Irish language, traditional songs and storytelling alive while continuing to push it forward in their own way.

After an explosive live debut in 2025, including accoladed performances at Glastonbury, Green Man, All Together Now, and Electric Picnic, the band went on to support The Scratch and Kíla, play Dublin’s Notable NYD festival, and sell out their first Irish tour. With momentum building fast, The Wran are no longer Ireland’s best-kept secret as they gear up for their first UK tour in January 2026.

The Wran also did a special 60-minute live feature on WLR last Summer you can listen back to it HERE

Watch Sullivan’s John Official Video Here