‘The lovechild of David Byrne, Beck and Yo La Tengo with Brendan Benson and Radiohead acting as midwives’ is quite an enticing description of an artist. One listen to Robotnik’s (pictured) divine debut Pleasant Square suggests the impressive references are entirely justified. The 27-year old Baldoyle resident, who previously operated as Chris Morrin & The Mucky Kids, peddles a delightful blend of lo-fi pop, electronic beats and melodic musings. The single, ‘People Walk Away’, has already received plently of airplay and many glowing reviews so make sure to get a copy of the long-player, out May 9 with the launch party the following night in Whelan's...
Cork five-piece Fred release ‘Skyscrapers’, the lead single from their third album, Go God Go, on May 16. The collection was recorded locally in Love Tap Studios, and mixed by Mark Wallis who has previously worked with U2, Talking Heads and The Smiths. With a slew of sold-out shows last year at Cork Opera House and a glowing New York Post review of their CMJ performance already in the bag these releases are a must…
I Was Not Expecting This is the second EP from Mullingar-based alt-rockers Tornado Lovely. Recorded with local legend Vinny Baker at Veebee Studios it follows on from debut pop gem ‘RUM’. Lead track ‘Next Stop Life’ has already received rave reviews…
Donegal’s Serial Twin launch their first EP Didn’t Mean To Wake You in the Reveller, Donegal town on May 3. The band, comprising vocalist/guitarist Fintan Gallagher, bassist Ciaran McNamara and drummer Damien McGlanaghey hope to release their first album by the end of the year. Will keep you posted…
Limerick four-piece Supermodel Twins unleash their debut single ‘Footprints’ on May 2 which they recorded in Grouse Lodge. The band have built up a strong following on the local circuit, done a 2fm session and featured on Pet Sounds as well as playing the IMRO finals last year. Definitely ones to watch!
In other new single news Kildare’s Anthony Gibney launches ‘Standing In The Darkness’ on May 2 in Thomas Read’s, Dublin. Out on 3108 Records it follows on from last year’s lauded ‘Ritual’. He also plays the capital's Zodiac Sessions on May 7…
The Spook Of The Thirteenth Lock recently launched their new album on Transduction Records at The Boom Boom Room with Mumblin’ Deaf Ro and Fairlights. Formed by Allen Blighe in 2006 following the demise of the Holy Ghost Fathers, their self-titled debut features a blend of folk, psych, prog and post-rock which doffs its cap to Lift To Experience, 16 Horsepower, Thin Lizzy and The Chieftains. The group is completed by ex-Steerage members Donnchadh Hoey (guitar) and Brian O’Higgins (drums)...
Following a series of split label releases, Armed Ambitions and Popular Records have set up an independent label, distribution and gig promotion operation called The Richter Collective. The label is currently working with Adebisi Shank and The VinnyClub. They also have a monthly podcast featuring an independent artist discussing five influences and introducing one of their own songs, check out www.richtercollective.com for details. The formal launch was held in the Lower Deck recently and boasted the stellar line-up of Los Langeros. Ten Past Seven, Bats and Discarded Retarded…
On the subject of stellar line-ups, Cap Pas Cap played a blistering support set to The Ting Tings in the Village last. The band release a split-7" with bubblegum popster Marnie Stern on the Hidden Hive label shortly and you can get a live fix on April 25 at Maximum Joy in Westland Row when they share the stage with France’s Zombie Zombie....

For live updates tune into The Last Splash, Sunday nights 8-10, with Alison Curtis on Today FM
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