While the music scene in Ireland isn’t short of fascinating stories, there’s one that stands out; the fascinating journey of how five musicians broke the mould and turned the world of traditional folk music on its head.

The Gloaming, unlikely as it may have seemed, are now one of Ireland’s most popular acts, and, ahead of their second album, they star on the cover of this fortnight’s Hot Press. Inside, the group’s Thomas Bartlett tells Olaf Tyaransen the extraordinary story so far, as well as giving us a guided tour through the group’s latest masterpiece.

Equally remarkable are English pop-rockers The 1975, a global sensation whose success is matched only by their unflinching honesty. Our man Colm O’Regan finds frontman Matty Healy in typically forthright mood, as singing about suicide, the loneliness of touring and the difficulties of wearing your heart on your sleeve are all up for discussion.

Of course, it’s also Election season, and we’ve got all the major issues covered. As well as Bressie on the importance of mental health policy for the incoming government, Anne Sexton on the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, and student representative Annie Hoey on the hot topics for young voters, we sit down with Eoghan Murphy and Richard Boyd Barrett to discuss the key matters as the nation heads to the polls.

The stars of Zoolander 2 are given a right grilling by Roe McDermott, who also catches up with How To Be Single star Alison Brie. Author Glenn Paterson discusses his latest novel, while we also get excited about the return of everyone’s dubious lawyer on Better Call Saul.

Add in a 16-page Let’s Talk About Sex special, where we explore the A-Z of sex, give the ultimate soundtrack to getting it on, and supply vital information about long-acting reversible contraception; the latest in the world of craft beer; and all the usual news, review, previews and everything else you’ve come to expect, and you’re looking at another jam-packed issue of Hot Press, on shelves now!

You can Buy Hot Press 40-03 with The Gloaming on the cover direct from hotpress.com
.
Or download the iOS app for iPad/iPhone
Or download the Android App