• EP Stream: The Last Generation – Torann

    September 6, 2013 - By 

    Having come on serious leaps and bounds over the last few months to establish themselves as one of the most promising rock acts in the country, Mid-Ulster four-piece The Last Generation have unveiled their new four-track EP, Torann. Displaying a more progressive, decidedly metal-influenced sound, the four-track follow-up to last year’s Revelation EP is the band’s first release with new drummer Conchobhar Ó Dochartaigh, also of Mid-Ulster acid-prog band The Institute*. The Last Generation hold their hometown launch of the EP tonight (Friday, September 6) at Draperstown’s soon to be sadly-missed Cellar Bar. The EP will see its Belfast launch…

  • Watch: VerseChorusVerse – No More Years (Live)

    September 5, 2013 - By 

    Belfast-based singer-songwriter Tony Wright AKA VerseChorusVerse has unveiled a the third installment of his four-part live video sessions. Featuring a full band comprising members of LaFaro and General Fiasco, the video was filmed by the lovely chaps at Bandwidth. You can check out some of their other work here. ‘No More Years’ is set to feature on Wright’s forthcoming debut album. Watch the live video right here.

  • Belfast Festival 2013 programme unveiled

    September 5, 2013 - By 

    Now in its 51st year, the programme for Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens 2013 was launched today. Taking place from October 17-27 the annual multi-disciplinary arts festival will take place across various venues and feature countless continent-spanning events and showcases in music, arts, dance, theatre, film, talks and more. Acts set to play the festival include New York indie-folk/roots band Hem, Copenhagen classically-infused indie rock three-piece Efterklang (above) and cult blues American guitarist Eric Bibb and his band. Other highlights of the festival include a performance by world-renown Spanish tenor José Carreras, a staging on Samuel Beckett’s iconic absurdist play…

  • Watch: New Ancestors – A Hard Heart

    September 4, 2013 - By 

    Originally from Belfast, Glasgow-based alternative folk pop duo New Ancestors have unveiled the video to their latest single, ‘A Hard Heart’. Illustrated and animated by Debbie Montgomery, the video is a simple but wonderfully poignant accompaniment to the two-minute track, exquisitely propelled by restrained fingerpicking phrases, subtle ambience and the dual harmonies of Jonny Solari and Andrew Cameron. Watch the video below.

  • Glen Hansard announces Autumn tour

    September 4, 2013 - By 

    Dublin singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has announced a string of Irish and European dates across the months of October and November. Starting off on October 20 in Sligo, the tour will pass through several European cities before concluding in Dublin’s Vicar Street on November 26. The Frames frontman will stop off at Belfast’s The Mac on October 21. Oct 20: Hawkswell, Sligo Oct 21: MAC Theatre, Belfast Oct 22: Spirit Store, Dundalk Oct 24: DeBarras, Clonakilty Oct 25: Blackbird, Ballycotton Oct 26: Blessings Bar, Cavan Oct 28: Cyprus Avenue, Cork Oct 29 : Town Hall, Galway Nov 07: Moscow Hall, Moscow, Russia Nov 09: Kosmonavt Club, Saint Petersburg, Russian…

  • Stream: Bouts – 6.0

    September 4, 2013 - By 

    Set to feature on their forthcoming debut album, Dublin indie-rock foursome Bouts are streaming their ridiculously infectious new single, ‘6.0’. Having already release a self-titled EP in 2011 and a double A-side single last February, Nothing Good Gets Away is set for release on the band’s very own Wonky Karousel Records on October 25. Mixed by Jessie Gander (Japandroids’ Celebration Rock), the album was recorded in various locations in Dublin. Check out the rather lovely artwork for the album by David Darragh Nolan below. Check out our recent photo feature with the band (conducted by Aideen McFadeen here. Dig Dinosaur Jr? Appreciate Pavement?…

  • Stream: More Than Conquerors – Jaw and Try-Antlers

    September 4, 2013 - By 

    Ahead of their release of the hugely-anticipated debut album, Everything I’ve Learnt, at the end of the month, Belfast-based quartet More Than Conquerors are streaming two new tracks – ‘Jaw’ and ‘Try-Antlers’ via the Smalltown America Soundcloud. The band are set to the launch the album at Belfast’s Limelight 2 on Monday, September 23. Support on the night comes from Fatherson and Craig Conkey. Check out the rest of the band’s tour dates below. September 11: The Workman’s Club, Dublin (supporting Jetplane Landing) September 12: Tower Records, Dublin September 13: The Stables, Derry (supporting Jetplane Landing) September 23: Limelight 2, Belfast (Everything…

  • Radar announces first line-up of new semester

    September 4, 2013 - By 

    Radar, one of Belfast’s best weekly showcases of establishing and up-and-coming musical talent, has announced it’s first line-up of the new semester on Thursday, September 12. Marking the return of headliners, Belfast-based electronic three-piece Not Squares (above), the line-up will also feature performances from Newbridge artist Gavin Elsted AKA Adultrock and Belfast indie-rock band Go Wolf, who make their return to the Radar stage at the QUBSU Speakeasy having last graced it with presence back in mid-May. Check out the Facebook event page for the show here and check out the poster (featuring a sweet new design) below.

  • Watch: Gacys Threads – Salvation

    September 3, 2013 - By 

    Belfast progressive hardcore/metal quartet Gacys Threads have unveiled the video to their new single, ‘Salvation’. The track is taken from the band’s split 7″ with Swiss band Colossus Fall, available on clear yellow vinyl via Belfast imprint Savour Your Scene Records (founded by Gacy’s drummer Stephen Currie), French label Left Hand Records, Germany’s Incredible Noise Records and Black Lake Records, based in Scotland. Gacys Threads will launch the 7″ at Belfast’s Limelight 2 on September 7. Support on the night comes from Five Will Die, Lantern For A Gale and Tusks. Watch the video – featuring footage from the band performing…

  • The Emerald Armada announce mini-tour

    September 3, 2013 - By 

    One of Northern Ireland’s finest up-and-coming alternative folk band’s The Emerald Armada have announced details of a forthcoming mini-tour. Having been a hit at several of the country’s festivals this summer, the five-piece will kick off their tour on October 10 at Inverness venue Mad Hatters and will conclude at Voodoo, Belfast on October 26 with the launch of their new EP. Check out the full dates on the poster below and watch the video to the band’s recent single ‘I Don’t Mind’ below.