Irish compilation series A Litany of Failures’ inaugural weekender at the Button Factory, featuring sets by The Bonk, Oh Boland, Jamie Hyland aka Caskré, Search Results, Elaine Malone aka Mantua and Junk Drawer, and a production Q+A with Hyland, Chris Ryan, John “Spud” Murphy. Photos by Thom McDermott
Irish compilation series A Litany of Failures, which features independent acts from all corners of the island, has just announced the pre-order and tracklisting for its fourth volume. Set for release on double vinyl and digitally on September 8th, it’s available via Bandcamp. The compilation features 22 brand new, exclusive tracks from some of our favourite acts on the island, as well as some exciting new prospects. The double vinyl set once again features artwork by Pipe & Pallet, and the first 30 pre-orders feature a bespoke print from Belfast-based artist Phantom Powered Pixels. The Litany of Failures series aims to document the grassroots music community…
The latest release from experimental Cork tape label Sunshine Cult is Mantua improvised live drone collaboration from accomplished singer-songwriter Elaine Malone (also of improvised group Hex & Land Crabs) and prolific fiddle player Niamh Dalton of Trá Pháidín. Across its two pieces – recorded in Plugd Records, Cork, Malone predominately leads with sepulchral harmonium work, her voice swollen with reverb. From this space, Dalton explores frayed ends with measured portent, attempting to uproot her foundations in traditional Irish & old-time music – and it’s this familiar flavour that makes Mantua’s eponymous debut so beguiling. Like cult collective United Bible Studies, the strength…