Since co-founding The Thin Air back in the sands of time (2013) I’ve encountered my fair share of “guitar bands.” You know the type: bands wielding, invariably, at least one guitar and two members. Usually, there are four people, though sometimes there’s three. Historically, it’s just easier to think of these bands as guitar bands because sequestering them into little “indie rock” or “post-punk” boxes benefits no one. Of course, the latter tag continues to prove fortuitous – fiscally, at least – for certain PR companies on the mainland (read: England). Not to mention the ongoing quasi-fetishisation of white Irish…

Gang of Four have announced their first Dublin show in 18 years. The Leeds post-punk greats last played the capital back in 2006, packing out Tripod to underscore their status as one of the UK’s all-time seminal bands. Now, the current iteration of the band – Jon King on vocals, original drummer Hugo Burnham, bassist Gail Greenwood, and current guitarist, David Pajo of Slint, and many other formations – will play the Button Factory on June 26th 2025, courtesy of Foggy Notions and U:MACK. Coming five years after the sad passing of founding guitarist Andy Gill, the show is a…

Ireland’s creative community has long demonstrated extraordinary solidarity with the Palestinian cause, wielding art and music as powerful tools for activism. From protests to fundraisers, artists from all corners of the island have come together to support the struggle. Today, Hunger Is Violence stands as yet another significant contribution to this ongoing solidarity. We’re proud to present a first listen to this striking new compilation from Diet of Worms. Hunger Is Violence features fourteen diverse reinterpretations of Richard Berry’s iconic 1955 R&B track’, Louie Louie,’ with all proceeds going to the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC). This release is a…

Pillow Queens’ return to Dolan’s in Limerick, supported by Laura Duff. Photos by Aoife Moloney

Spiritualized have added a Belfast date to their upcoming tour, performing their seminal 1995 album Pure Phase live in its entirety. The show will take place at The Telegraph Building on 19th March 2024, marking the band’s first Belfast appearance since 2019. It follows their previously announced date at the National Stadium in Dublin on 20th March 2024. Originally credited to “Spiritualized Electric Mainline,” Pure Phase remains a singular work within the band’s catalogue. Expanded personnel on the album included bassist Sean Cook and string arrangements by the Balanescu Quartet. At its beating heart is an unconventional mixing approach, described…

Here’s this week’s very best in new Irish music. Dive into an election special by the inimitable Acid Granny (NB: fuck Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil too), the long-awaited new LP from Hatchet Field, plus fresh tracks from Annie-Dog, Adrian Crowley, Boyfrens and more Acid Granny – Radio Paddy’s 2024 General Election Special Radio Paddy’s 2024 General Election Special by Acid Granny Hatchet Field – Gather Them Home Gather Them Home by Hatchet Field Klark Bent – Extended Play Ninety Eight Extended Play Ninety Eight by Klark Bent Annie-Dog – The Feeling in My Fignertips Adrian Crowley – Measure of…

A rammed hometown headliner from the fast-rising Gurriers, with support from Skinner and Affection to Rent, at Whelan’s. Photos by Seán Kelly

It’s finally happening. My Bloody Valentine have announced their long-awaited return on home soil. Apart from a couple of sets at Electric Picnic in 2013 and 2008, the shoegaze legends last headlined Ireland 32 years ago – one year after the release of their seminal second studio album Loveless. Now, after endless rumours and speculation in the intervening years, the Kevin Shields-fronted quartet will play 3Arena in Dublin on 22nd November 2025, thanks to Foggy Notions. Tickets go on sale next Friday, 29th November at 10am. Sign up via mbv and Foggy Notions for presale access.

Post Punk Podge and the Technohippies have had another righteous year, and it’s all set to culminate in an unmissable performance at DeBarra’s in Clonakilty on 30th November. With their genre-flipping sound and raw, soul-sorting energy at its peak, the Limerick collective bring their latest album, Keep On Raving In The First World, to the island’s most iconic venue. With a singular knack for turning introspection into searing anthems, this show is sure to be as transformative as it is celebratory – a perfect way to cap off a monumental chapter for the band. Go here to buy tickets to…

Mogwai are coming back to Ireland. A few months on from their main stage performance at the inaugural In The Meadows, the Scottish post-rock heroes have announced that they’ll play three dates across the island next summer. Set to come after the release of their new album, The Bad Fire, on 24th January, the Stuart Braithwaite-fronted band will play the following shows: Thursday, July 24th 2025 Heineken Big Top in Galway Galway International Arts Festival) Friday 25th July 2025 The Big Top, Limerick Saturday July 27th 2025 Vicar Street, Dublin Tickets go on sale at 10am on 22nd November –…