
Cliffords are a five-piece band from Cork that play indie rock with emotive storytelling. At the forefront is Iona Lynch, the band’s rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist, whose powerful, raw voice and reflective lyrics have earned her praise for their emotional depth. Their debut EP, Strawberry Scented (2024), showcases their sound—marked by tracks like “Second Skin” and “If the Shoe Fits”—and has helped the band transition from local favourites to national contenders.
Cliffords grew from the friendship between Lynch and drummer Dan Ryan, who started playing together in their school days. They later added Gavin Dawkins (bass/trumpet), Harry Menton (lead guitar), and Locon O’Toole (keys), completing the lineup. Despite some early lineup changes, their 2022 victory at the UCC Battle of the Bands marked the turning point, leading to the creation of Strawberry Scented.
Influenced by acts like Wolf Alice, The Cranberries, and Radiohead, Cliffords’ music blends introspective lyricism with a dynamic, genre-crossing sound. Their evolution is also marked by a growing focus on social issues, especially gender equality in music. Lynch, who has spoken out about sexism in the industry, leads the charge in advocating for better representation for women and non-binary artists in the Irish scene.
Along with their music, the band has gained attention for their creative DIY approach to visuals, such as the quirky, playful video for “If the Shoe Fits,” directed by Lynch’s boyfriend Mark Phelan.