The Irish band Sack from Dublin returns with their new single “Do You Need Love?”. The track is the second release from their upcoming album Wake Up People!.
The song was produced by John (Spud) Murphy (Birds Of Olympus) alongside the band. Engineering was handled by Ber Quinn (John Grant, The Divine Comedy, Villagers) at Dublin’s Sonic Studios, while mixing was done by Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers, The Who, Kylie, Ocean Colour Scene).
Wake Up People! will be released on the band’s own label, Jetset Junta, and is their first album of new material since Adventura Majestica in 2001.
John Brereton describes the song: “Do You Need Love? Yes, we all need love, but how easy is it really to find it as time goes by? Are you perhaps at a point where you no longer care?”
Adhamh O’Caoimh from The Goo comments: “‘Do You Need Love?’ opens with a sun-kissed synthesizer flair before Martin McCann’s warm, even voice enriches the summery track with ironic wordplay and a smooth baritone. The long break between releases hasn’t harmed the band — this song builds to a dense and joyful climax.”
The Irish band Sack, founded in Dublin, has established itself as a staple in the indie rock scene. Their journey began in the early 1990s with their debut album You Are What You Eat, released in 1993 on the British indie label Lemon Records. The single "Colorado Springs" from this album was included by Morrissey, the former frontman of The Smiths, in his curated compilation Songs to Save Your Life, created for the legendary British music magazine NME — a strong testament to the quality and depth of their music.
Their second album, Butterfly Effect (1997), marked the next major milestone. Produced by Paul Tipler (Stereolab) and Jacknife Lee (U2, R.E.M.), the band presented an evolved sound that impressed both critics and fans alike. Morrissey described the album track "Laughterlines" as a song that "should be Number One forever."
He also invited Sack to join him on his worldwide Oye Esteban tour in 1999, which took them through Europe, including six concerts in Germany, as well as through the UK and the USA. Their live performances during this tour received outstanding reviews, cementing their reputation as one of Ireland's most impressive indie bands.
Their third album, Adventura Majestica, was released in 2001 on their own label, Jetset Junta, showcasing the band's creative independence. However, shortly afterward, Sack faced an unexpected long hiatus: a car accident, in which their van collided with a cow, left several band members seriously injured. The subsequent recovery period led to an almost twenty-year pause during which Sack did not release any new albums. The accident was later addressed in the song "I Fell Through A Crack" from their new album, which was creatively brought to life as an animated music video.
In 2021, Sack made a triumphant return with their single "What A Way To Live." The song was praised by critics and declared "Single of the Year" by Irish cult radio presenter Tom Dunne. Their comeback was further celebrated in 2022 with the anniversary edition of their classic album Butterfly Effect on vinyl. This re-release brought the band back into the spotlight, receiving positive responses from both fans and music journalists.
With their late 2024 album, Wake Up People!, Sack achieved another major success. Critics like The Irish Times hailed it as the band's strongest work to date, once again showcasing their creativity and musical relevance. With songs like "Do You Need Love?" and the title track "Wake Up People!", they prove that their music has lost none of its brilliance and captivating energy. The album received widespread acclaim, made its way onto numerous best-of lists, and introduced Sack to new audiences both in Ireland and beyond.
Beyond music, lead singer Martin McCann has established himself as a passionate advocate within the LGBTQ+ community. His tireless commitment to equality and his regular appearances at Pride events, including a performance at Dublin Pride 2021, have earned him a special place in the Irish LGBTQ+ scene.
Thus, Sack remains not only a musical force but also a socially impactful presence, resonating far beyond the borders of Ireland.
