Therapy Horse: Exploring the Depths of Noise Rock from Cork

Cork-based noise-rock trio Therapy Horse have released their new single, “Sister To None,” following their debut single “Let Me Be Clear” in 2025. The band, comprised of Emily Dollery (vocals/bass), Cormac Donovan O’Neill (vocals/guitar/electronics), and Eoin Schuch (drums), are gaining recognition for their intense and emotionally raw soundscapes. They have recently shared the stage with notable acts including American band Faetooth, UK post-punk group Heavy Lungs, and Irish artists such as PUCK, Mother Of Pearl, Skinner, I Dreamed I Dream, Silverglass, and The Low Field.

The Making of “Sister To None”

Emily Dollery describes “Sister To None” as a product of the band’s collaborative songwriting process, evolving from jam sessions in 2024. She notes the lyrics emerged from a stream-of-consciousness approach during these jams. While the song’s foundation was present from their earliest performances, it truly matured through live shows, with the band continually refining its structure, and dynamics. Dollery considers it their most emotionally charged song and one of the most challenging to perform.

Band Members and Backgrounds

The members of Therapy Horse bring diverse academic and artistic backgrounds to their music:

• Emily Dollery: Holds a Master’s degree focused on disease in gothic literature. She also creates the band’s cover art using digital illustration techniques and enjoys crocheting.
• Cormac Donovan O’Neill: Possesses a degree in Criminology and is an avid reader, recently completing Michel Foucault’s “The Archaeology of Knowledge.” He also plays keys/synths in another band called Pebbledash.

Musical Style and Influences

Therapy Horse defines their music as a blend of spooky, moody noise rock, no-wave, and shoegaze. Cormac Donovan O’Neill succinctly describes it as “very loud and upsetting.” Their musical inspirations are equally diverse:

• Emily Dollery: Cites Lingua Ignota, Gilla Band, Sonic Youth, Pixies, Wednesday, Sweet Trip, Unwound, and Chelsea Wolfe as key influences.
• Cormac Donovan O’Neill: Draws inspiration from Glenn Branca, Sunn O))), Leonard Cohen, Lori Goldston, Harold Budd, Lydia Lunch, Autechre, Mogwai, YVETTE, and Sonny Sharrock.

Early Musical Experiences

The band members’ earliest concert experiences reflect their varied tastes. Emily Dollery’s first gig was a festival featuring Example and UB40, while Cormac Donovan O’Neill fondly remembers attending Aslan concerts with his father and brother at the Cork Opera House.

First Records and Current Favorites

Emily Dollery’s first record purchase was “Ceremonies” by Florence and the Machine, while Cormac Donovan O’Neill chose “Sam’s Town” by The Killers, appreciating its songwriting and guitar-driven sound. Currently, Emily is enjoying “DM:AM” by M(h)aol, and Cormac is captivated by “Isn’t It Better Than Staying in Bed?” by Cork band Crying Loser.

Lyrical Resonance

When asked about their favorite lyrics, Emily Dollery highlighted a passage from Wednesday’s “Bull Believer,” appreciating its exploration of faith and fate. Cormac Donovan O’Neill chose a lyric from Kate Bush’s “Cloudbusting,” resonating with its message of hope and the power of positive thinking.

Desert Island Discs

If limited to a single song for life, Emily Dollery would choose “Dark Spring” by Beach House, while Cormac Donovan O’Neill would opt for “1/1” from Music for Airports by Brian Eno.

Where to Find Therapy Horse

Therapy Horse’s music is available on all major streaming platforms and Bandcamp, where they offer an exclusive double live single, “Avalanche/LET ME BE CLEAR,” with proceeds benefiting Medical Aid for Palestinians. You can also find them on Instagram and TikTok.