Introduction
Mirrorglass is an electrifying rock band from Ireland, making moves in the music scene since forming in 2022. Led by powerhouse vocalist Joshua Bowles, the band delivers a modern twist on classic rock with explosive energy, heavy riffs, and emotionally charged lyrics.
Today we review their debut album Handle With Care. Known for their raw stage presence and authentic sound, Mirrorglass continues to rise as one of Ireland’s most promising new rock bands to watch in 2025.
Review
Hey Honey!
Hey Honey! Bursts the album open with a riff that feels like it came out the AC/DC playbook. It’s gritty, catchy and oozing swagger. Vocally the song is strong, although I do feel like it sits too low down in the mix, competing a little too much with everything else.
Lyrically they hit the spot with the chorus remaining engaging even after my 10th listen. The guitar solo is great and more importantly does not overstay its welcome. That being said I am not a fan of the “Whoa, hey honey” lines that are repeated and I feel the song could have wrapped up sooner than it does. Annoyingly the drums finally shine in the last minute that I would have cut.
Let’s Go To Mine
The playful interaction between the drums and the guitar gives “Let’s go to mine” a lively promising start. It is noticeably much higher tempo than the album opener and this sharper edge suits the band well. It does however feel somewhat rushed in parts and more dynamic pacing throughout might have improved the flow. As well as keeping things interesting.
As this is such a short track I was surprised by the inclusion of a guitar solo but as it was brief it did not feel out of place. Lyrically the song is somewhat repetitive, but that final vocal moment really stands out and finishes the track on a high!
Ghost Town
Finally the bass is obvious! The first noticeable difference in “Ghost Town”. It grounds the song and provides a solid opening. The vocals also have a little bit more room to breathe and the lyrics are thoughtful and more importantly impactful.
Especially lines like “A thousand eyes watch over me, why wont they let me be.” The solo on this song is rich, textures and wonderful. Metaphors about societal isolation hit big for me, capturing the weight and the effect of the global lockdowns perfectly.
Heart Of Gold
The unexpected synth effect on the introduction to “Heart Of Gold” adds a real refreshing new texture to the album. With a driving riff helping to keep the song moving too for good measure. I also like how there remains this undertone of synth throughout.
This feels like the most well balanced song mix wise up till this point, with everything feeling like it’s in the right place. The repeated rhymes feel somewhat limited lyrically and the final minute again I feel could have been sacrificed.
Better Off Dead
This kicks off with a loud attention grabbing riff that sets an intense tone right the way through “Better off dead”. Vocally things are once again buried somewhat in the mix but that bass cuts through nicely and adds real strength to the arrangement.
The chorus is memorable especially with “I’d rather die than let her go”. The ending of the track is also a real highlight allowing the vocals more space to showcase their full potential.
Wasted Time
This could well be the bands breakout candidate! The chorus of “Wasted Time” fits in seamlessly with the rest of the track while riffs provide real depth of flavour. The drumming also stands out here as one of the highlights of the album. Backing vocals make their first real noticeable appearance and they add a fun vibe that I am sure would really make live shows excellent.
Crazy Man
This is a fun lean into the punkier side of things. The frantic energy on the vocals in “Crazy Man” is a nice change of pace. However despite the strong attitude I feel like the track becomes muddled as it progresses and the lyrics don’t lead to any clear payoff.
Where Will You Go?
The piano led introduction and muted drums give “Where will you go” an intimate opening that I really enjoy. The vocals come through clearly almost for the first time, offering emotional clarity that the album up till now has only been hinting at.
It is a welcome breather, and a heartfelt ballad is never a bad thing. I feel this would go down a charm in a quint little Irish bar. It shows the bands versatility and strength when the arrangements are stripped back.
Secretly Admitting To Murder
Returning to the final track “Secretly Admitting To Murder” are the synths! Here they add a pop like feel that works surprisingly well. The gradual instrumental build up and vocal entry makes for an interesting and engaging start.
However, I am perplexed why you would stick the longest song at the end of the album. I also feel while it is a cool title that it does not work within the song as lyrics. The band do deserve credit for experimenting here as well as the final stretch of the song which is packed with layering and excitement.
Final Thoughts
Handle With Care by Mirrorglass showcases a band with clear energy, memorable riffs, and moments of genuine creativity.
Highlights include catchy choruses, thoughtful lyrics on tracks like Ghost Town, well-placed guitar solos, and inventive synth touches on Heart of Gold and Secretly Admitted to Murder.
However, recurring issues with buried vocals, occasionally muddled mixes, and some repetitive lyrical sections hold the album back.
Despite these flaws, the band’s boldness, playfulness, and willingness to experiment make for an engaging listen. Overall, the album earns a solid 71/100, signalling promise and room to grow.
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