first class rebel

First Class Rebel is rapidly establishing himself as one of Ireland’s most exciting new psych-shoegaze artists. Led by Irish musician Ian Burke, First Class Rebel blends the haze of shoegaze with the propulsion of psych rock — channelling elements of The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Mogwai into a sound built on hypnotic rhythm, distortion and guitar-driven intensity that feels raw, immersive and immediate.

Since debuting in 2025, support and momentum have continued to build. Shadows Fade introduced a shadowy, reverb-drenched intensity, while Alive expanded the sound into something more euphoric and expansive, earning national airplay on RTÉ 2FM’s The Alternative with Dan Hegarty. Latest single Control pushed further still — a brash, punchy release building toward an anthemic crescendo — securing further 2FM airplay and being named Track of the Week on SPIN South West.

Alongside growing press and radio support, First Class Rebel has also begun translating that intensity into a live setting, including a performance for Record Store Day.

Now, debut EP Leave Your Thoughts Behind brings together the three singles alongside two new tracks that push the sound into broader and more expansive territory. Eleven Eleven drives forward with defiant unrelenting energy, while Still unfolds as a slow-building instrumental shaped by melodic swells and crashing waves of distortion. More than a collection of singles, the EP feels like the arrival of a fully realised sonic identity.

First Class Rebel is an artist moving quickly — and with intent.