Pay*ola (definition : a bribe given to a disc jockey to induce him to promote a particular record). It is doubtful that the Belfast boys that trade under this name have subscribed to the philosophy but nonetheless they have cultivated a rich following for themselves. On the heels of an impressive support slot to Audioslave in the Point comes their fourth EP – Rather Be Dreaming. Mooted as a mix of the gloriously melodic and the chilled soulful shuffle this should be more than worthy follow-up to the More Iconic Than Ironic EP…
Other good news from alternative Ulster is that Portadown band Element head over to London from August 18-20 to record the new single ‘Wake From This’ with Chris Sheldon in Westside Sanctuary Studios. The b-sides will be recorded with Mick O’Connell in Derry. The single (out on Seeker records) will be backed up by gigs with Jetplane Landing and Hope Of The States, so catch them if you can…

The Beautiful Losers have finished recording their debut EP The Last Dance Of The Pagans. The launch ritual takes place in Whelans on August 15…
Dubliners Revile are heading back into the studio shortly to record a new demo. Word from the band is that they are going to record seven songs in total and decide on the best five tracks to use. Recording will once again take place at Cosmic-Recording, home of Inhumane’s latest demo. The band is still without a bass player – so if you feel up to the challenge contact Andy at [email protected]…

After a recent appearance in the Sugar Club The Prescriptions are heading over to Abbey Road studios to have their forthcoming album mastered. Other noteworthy performances in the Sugar Club include Hal who played a five-star set to a captive audience which included more than a few A&Rers. If you missed it you can see them there again on August 19.
The Four Of Us, The Revs, Jerry Fish, Charis and a host of others still to be announced descend on the Warwick on Sept 24 for an Embraces charity night for Aids West – stay tuned for further announcements. Copies of the album are selling fast so contact [email protected] to ensure you get one before they’re all gone…

Galway singer songwriter Catherine Farrell is due for the in studio session treatment with Jon Richards this month. The sultry and introspective gal is apparently one to watch out for…
Worth waiting for? You decide… P45 have finally finished an 8-track CD No Foetus Can Boetus. This is the first recording with new bassist Dave24 – failte Dave. You can check it out on the album’s link at www.P45.com. The band is also in the process of recording a new 3 song demo with a new single on it – busy bees that they are…
Get busy if you haven’t already… Plug In records in Cork have extended the deadline for submissions for their dance compilation to Aug 30…

Local band Fred have just got back from Italy, and drummer Justin has made a full recovery from arm injuries sustained in some Jackass-style shenanigans a few weeks ago. Also, a belated welcome to new bass player Jamin O’Donovan…
People’s Republic natives PlaytOh have just announced a spate of new gigs so go to www.playtoh.ie for more info…

Meanwhile Kilkenny/Gorey trio Random have completed a number of dates with Woodstar around the country and are currently touring around Croatia and Bosnia stopping off in Medjugorje, Dubrovnik and Split to bring some Irish talent to the locals. The tour runs until August 22.

Finally a big congratulations to Brian and Frieda who put on an amazing two nights in the Project recently. The Hard Working Class Heroes gigs were testament to the variety and quality of acts out there. Hopefully this event will be the first of many. b

For live updates tune into The Last
Splash, Sunday nights 9-11, with
Alison Curtis on Today FM
(e-mail: lastsplash@todayfm. com)