With “The Prisoner,” Irish songwriter Garrett Anthony Rice delivers one of his most ambitious and unsettling releases to date. Out on 23rd February 2026, the single is a dark theatrical descent into guilt, identity, and psychological reversal — a narrative piece that confirms Rice’s appetite for high-concept songwriting.
Born in County Dublin and long based in Greystones, County Wicklow, Rice has steadily built momentum since his 2023 debut (released under the alias CONSULT). His forthcoming double album EQUINOX has already generated industry buzz, particularly following collaboration with renowned producer Chris Potter, whose résumé includes work with The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, U2 and The Verve. On “The Prisoner,” that pedigree is palpable.
https://soundcloud.com/garrettanthonyrice/the-prisoner
The track unfolds like a short film. A serial killer addresses their captive from the shadows, only for the narrative to twist — the captor becomes the captive, confessing before recanting. The storytelling nods unmistakably to David Bowie, particularly the fractured theatricality of Ashes to Ashes. There are also tonal echoes of Joy Division in the brooding atmosphere and emotional starkness. the production is taut and cinematic. Geoff Dugmore’s drums provide muscular urgency, while layered guitars and effects (courtesy of Tim Wills) build a claustrophobic tension that mirrors the song’s lyrical descent. Recorded between Kore Studios in London and Potter’s Bournemouth studio, the track balances polish with raw dramatic intensity. What sets “The Prisoner” apart is its commitment to narrative risk. It moves from darkness to light and back again, refusing easy resolution. In doing so, Garrett Anthony Rice positions himself not just as a songwriter, but as a storyteller unafraid to confront the shadows — and to invite listeners in with him.
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