A good Thursday night out has saved most of us from boredom/madness/can’t-wait-for-the-weekend syndrome. But have we ever thought to congratulate the good folk who make these nights the entertainment and fun fests that have prevented us from ending it all in a mad fit of ennui/frustration at life’s ups and downs?

Well now’s your chance. Get to the Roisin Dubh on October 20 to celebrate Galway’s gig night par excellence Strange Brew, who mark the 450th occasion of a batch of top-notch acts gracing the stage in their name that night.
You can catch sets from Daithí, Squarehead, Tieranniesaur, We Are Losers, Kid Karate and lots more. Nuff said…
In other things-to-look forward to news former Ten Speed Racer frontman Dermot Barrett is back in Ireland at the start of November for a slew of dates (check hotpress.com for details). The tour marks the launch of his superb debut solo album under the moniker Maskedman, The Illusion Of Grandeur….
On another TSR note Joe Chester (also formerly of that parish) has just released his beguiling third album She Darks Me.
The collection follows on from 2005’s Choice-nominated Murder Of Crows and 2008’s The Tiny Pieces Left Behind. Since the last release Joe has toured with Gemma Hayes supporting My Bloody Valentine as well touring as guitar player with The Waterboys.
The new record features contributions from former Frames man Binzer and Waterboys Steve Wickham and Trevor Hutchinson as well as a guest appearance from Willie Nelson’s harmonica player Mickey Raphael on Dylan cover ‘Most Of The Time’. Get your mitts on a copy now…
Some sad news now… farewell to Ragged Words head honcho Padraic Halpin who due to work commitments has to step down from his position. Congrats to Padraic on a fantastic job and many thanks for his valuable contributions over the years.
Never fear it's not the end, he's handing the reigns over to colleagues Paul Harrington and Mark Early. Best of luck guys…
Moving south Cork’s Fred have just announced details of a new tour (more info on hotpress.com) and released a top-notch new single ‘We Are The City’ (from Howard Bilerman-produced long-player Leaving My Empire).The über-talented Julie Feeney will be joining the troupe on some of the dates on keyboard duties and will also lend a helping hand at their US gigs…
News from the Popical Island camp next…. The label unleash a double A-side single from Squarehead and Patrick Kelleher on October 28. The release features ‘Just A Tragedy’ written and sung by Patrick Kelleher and ‘Attention To Detail’, written and sung by Roy Duffy from Squarehead. The tracks were performed collaboratively by both acts. It also features the magical production work of Popical Island star producer (and former Hot Press designer) Fiachra McCarthy of Pantone247 renown.
The gem will be available on 7” vinyl at the launch gig in the Grand Social on the day of release and then from Tower, RAGE and HMV Grafton Street in Dublin, Plugd in Cork and the Bell Book & Candle in Galway. Wowza!
Following a stonking Arthur’s Day appearance Bitches With Wolves release the Hurricane EP on October 14 as well as joining the host of talent on display at this year’s Hard Working Class Heroes soon. You can catch the BWW show on October 6…
Cavan’s Lisa O’Neill is gearing up for her second Whelan’s, Dublin headliner on October 28. Since the release of Has An Album in 2009 Lisa has impressed the crowds at the Electric Picnic and Hard Working Class Heroes and also landed support slots for John Grant, Mick Flannery, Adrian Crowley and Pete Molinari. Most recently she warmed up the crowds for David Gray on his Lost & Found tour. A lady to watch!