• Inbound: THUMPER

    September 1, 2016 - By 

    Dichotomies can define a band or artist throughout their bodies of work, their lives and their legacies. When things beloved by musicians run in contrast, the results are often frightening, awkward, yet compelling and almost always (sometimes accidentally) in the spirit of their time. Case in point: Dublin quintet THUMPER’s most recent release ‘Magnum Opuss’, thrown out via Little L Records on that label’s customary lash of handmade tapes, as well as via Bandcamp. Sonic Youth might serve as an obvious reference point, but the no-wave tendencies are tempered by a way with hooks best exemplified in ‘Dan the Man’,…

  • Premiere: Invaderband – Ship of Nothing

    September 1, 2016 - By 

    With their self-titled debut album set for release on November 25, Derry quartet Invaderband‘s idiosyncratic brand of garage-laced artrock betrays the hallmarks of a band content in doing things their way without neglecting the power of the hook. Nowhere is that more self-evident than on their forthcoming single ‘Ship of Nothing’, an impossibly earworming three minutes that simultaneously rollicks and lulls via chopping guitar chords, handclaps, seagull samples and organ lines in confident, mercurial synchronicity. Invaderband songwriter and vocalist Adam Leonard, “Lyrically this record covers a number of disparate bases: The invasion of Iraq, ectoplasm, alien attack and Alan Rickman, and that’s…

  • Across The Line at 30 @ Ulster Hall, Belfast

    August 31, 2016 - By 

    Long a bastion of promoting the very best in Irish music, North and South, weekly BBC Radio Ulster programme Across The Line will celebrate its 30th birthday in style with a special live show at Belfast’s Ulster Hall. As well as featuring interviews with many of the acts, The Divine Comedy, SOAK, Therapy?, Villagers (acoustic), R51 and Saint Sister will all perform on the night. Current ATL co-presenter Rigsy said “Rigsy says: “I was practically reared on ATL, with Mike Edgar introducing me to so much amazing Irish music throughout the 90s. So, it’s a real privilege to be presenting…

  • Premiere: Tenro – Vimana

    September 5, 2016 - By 

    Dublin duo Marc Aubele and Brian Conniffe AKA Tenro meld darkcore, ambient techno and deathpop with an outsider fearlessness that isn’t likely to yield to populism or calculable trend any time soon. Taken from their forthcoming debut album – which is set for release via Dublin’s Little Gem Records on October 7 – the pair’s latest track, ‘Vimana’, forges warped, Mogwai-esque modulated vocals with infernal synth textures and perfectly demented samples across five minutes. Accompanied by a suitably tripped-out (possibly seizure inducing – be warned) video, the track sits at the right side of nefarious, each phrase clawing away at some vague malevolent inking just out of view.

  • Track Record: Conor O’Brien (Villagers)

    August 29, 2016 - By 

    As featured in the current issue of our physical magazine, Villagers’ Conor O’Brien handpicks a selection of records that have left an indelible imprint on his music and life, including Nina Simone, Bill Callahan, Fela Kuti, Julee Cruise and Mos Def. Photo by Loreana Rushe. Bill Wells Trio – Also In White I don’t really know anything about Bill Wells except that he’s a Scottish musician with fantastic eyebrows and I didn’t even know that when I starting listening to this album, which made it all the more magical. All I can say it that it leaves a proper mark on your soul…

  • Playlist: 20 Irish Acts to Catch at Electric Picnic 2016

    August 29, 2016 - By 

    For all its kaleidoscopic, genre-spanning variety, there’s no denying choosing which acts to catch (and those artist to regrettably miss) at Electric Picnic can be a bit of a headache. Sure, Clashfinder is a big help (seriously, we’d be lost without it) but let us help you out if you’re EP-bound this weekend: from Girls Names, our current cover stars SlowPlaceLikeHome (above) and Saint Sister to Hilary Woods, Rusangano Family and The Altered Hours, here’s the 20 Irish acts to catch at Electric Picnic 2016.

  • First Electric Picnic Stage-Times Unveiled

    August 29, 2016 - By 

    Set to make its annual return to the 600 acre Stradbally Estate in Co. Laois this weekend, the first stage-times for this year’s Electric Picnic have been unveiled. With times for the likes of Cosby, Little Big Tent, Electric Arena and more yet tom be announced, start planning your weekend for the likes of the Main Stage, Body and Soul Main Stage, Rankin’s Wood, Other Voices and more below. Friday Main Stage 22.30-00.00 The Chemical Brothers 21.00-22.00 The 1975 19.30-20.30 Nas 18.15-19.00 Abc 17.00-17.45 Ryan Sheridan Body And Soul Main Stage 02.45-03.30 Whilk & Misky 01.30-02.15 Mothxr 00.00-01.00 Flexfab 22.30-23.30 The Altered Hours…

  • Download: Fixity – FIXITY 2 & Live In What Used To Be A Church

    August 29, 2016 - By 

    Cork drummer maestro Dan Walsh AKA FIXITY likes to keep himself busy. From his work and creative endeavours with The Great Balloon Race, Cork Improvised Music Club, jazz night Blue Note and many musical projects, there’s a forward-moving momentum to his multifaceted musical trajectory to date. With his first, self-titled album as FIXITY released via Cork tape imprint Kantcope in July, Walsh has just released two new releases: FIXITY 2 and Live In What Used To Be A Church, the latter released featuring Emil Nerstrand, Kevin Terry, Fortune, Declan O’Shea and Dan Walsh. A restless, six-track release, FIXITY 2 is a perfectly…

  • Other Voices Make Open Call For IMRO Open Room

    August 26, 2016 - By 

    Having offered the likes of Villagers, James Vincent McMorrow and Rusangano Family a platform over the years, the annual call for applicants for the IMRO Open Room at Other Voices 2016 has been made. In December last year, the IMRO Other Room was filmed in front of a live audience as part of the Music Trail for the first time. This July an hour long special on the Other Room aired on RTÉ 2, featuring performances from Saint Sister, Talos, 2015 Open Call winner Saramai and others. To apply to play the IMRO Other Room in December 2016 go here.