Dea Matrona – Hate That I Care Review

Northern Ireland’s Rising Rock Duo Deliver Their Most Confident and Personal Statement Yet

Review By Halina Wegner

Over the last few years, Dea Matrona have steadily evolved from Belfast street buskers into one of the most exciting emerging rock acts in the UK and Ireland. Built on infectious melodies, powerful harmonies and a relentless work ethic, the duo of Mollie McGinn and Orláith Forsythe have earned every step of their rise. With their second album, Hate That I Care, they take a significant leap forward, delivering a record that is more ambitious, more personal and ultimately more rewarding than anything they have released before.

Recorded, written and produced entirely by the band, Hate That I Care is a bold declaration of artistic independence. It showcases a duo no longer content to simply be labelled as rising stars. Instead, Dea Matrona sound like musicians fully embracing their own identity, crafting a collection of songs that balance raw emotion, modern alt-rock energy and sharp songwriting.

From the opening moments, there is a noticeable shift in tone. While the blues-rock influences that helped define their earlier work still linger beneath the surface, this album leans much further into contemporary alternative rock territory. The guitars hit harder, the choruses soar higher and the lyrical themes dig deeper into personal experiences, self-reflection and the pressure that comes with growing both as artists and individuals.

“Hate That I Care finds Dea Matrona stepping out of their comfort zone and sounding stronger for it.”

Lead single “My Own Party” perfectly encapsulates the album’s direction. Built around punchy guitars, driving drums and irresistible vocal harmonies, the track immediately grabs hold of the listener. Beneath its infectious energy lies a darker narrative about toxic relationships and the emotional toll they can take. Lyrics such as “Always feeling like an outsider at my own party” cut through the bright instrumentation, creating a compelling contrast between vulnerability and strength.

The beauty of Hate That I Care lies in its honesty. Rather than hiding behind metaphor or abstraction, McGinn and Forsythe confront difficult emotions head-on. Themes of self-doubt, expectation and emotional conflict run throughout the record, yet the album never feels weighed down by negativity. Instead, there is a sense of resilience and empowerment woven into every track.

One of the album’s greatest strengths is the chemistry between the two musicians. Their vocal interplay remains one of the band’s defining characteristics, with harmonies that feel both effortless and emotionally charged. Whether delivering soaring anthemic moments or quieter introspective passages, the pair consistently demonstrate why they have become such a compelling live act.

Musically, the album is packed with colour and texture. Rich guitar tones sit comfortably alongside energetic rhythms, creating songs that feel equally suited to festival stages and intimate club venues. The production is polished without sacrificing authenticity, allowing the band’s personality to shine through at every turn.

For fans who have followed Dea Matrona’s journey from busking on the streets of Belfast to performances at major festivals such as Reading & Leeds Festival, Electric Picnic and Rock Werchter, this album feels like a natural progression. The confidence gained through years of touring is evident throughout the record. The timing of the release feels particularly significant. With appearances at The Great Escape, support slots alongside Wolf Alice, a European tour with Sting and a performance at the Isle of Wight Festival on the horizon, Dea Matrona appear poised for their biggest breakthrough yet.

What makes Hate That I Care so impressive is not just its collection of strong songs but the growth it represents. The album captures a band learning to trust themselves creatively and emotionally. Every track feels purposeful, every performance genuine. By the time the final notes fade, one thing becomes abundantly clear: Dea Matrona have matured into a formidable songwriting force. Hate That I Care is packed with memorable hooks, heartfelt lyricism and enough energy to light up any stage. This is more than just a strong second album. It is the sound of a band discovering exactly who they are—and inviting the rest of the world to join them for the ride.