Champion of the independents’ cause, Irish Unsigned is behind the new Scene Unheard CD – a treasure trove of aural gems from acts such as Ely, Jade, Label, Lucas, Sutras, The Answer, Uber and lots more. Pick up your copy in Road or go to www.irishunsigned.com for more details.

Also featured on the compilation are Donegal/Derry anarchists Blowing Up The World. Aside from other explosive pursuits, they have just finished ‘The Trueman Show’ EP which will be available shortly.

Going the extra mile with a highly-anticipated third independent release is Hi-Rise with the Long Distance Runner EP (released July 4). Two-thirds of the band, Anto and Rooster, were all over the telly a few months ago with The Transformers so if you’ve been wondering why they’ve been keeping a low profile… Check out more on Hi-Rise at the new web home www.hi-rise.tk.

Also revamping its online presence is The Coldspoon Conspiracy whose new site recently went live at http://www.thecoldspoonconspiracy.cjb.net Catch them in Whelan’s on July 18 with The Chalets and Somadrome. This is a busy month for the conspirators who are recording their first full-length album under the watchful eye of Rob Bochnik. Bochnik has previously given his midas touch to the likes of Smog and Stellac.

Other news from the information super highway is the recent launch of www.deafireland.com. The site will act as a link between the Dublin Electronic Arts Festival and anyone wishing to make submissions or attend events. Every week the site will feature updated news on acts, venues and exhibitions. DEAF devotees can create a personal account on site to make note of upcoming items of interest or to keep a diary of what you would like to see over the course of the festival. Info on relevant clubs or events coming up during the year is also featured. Are you getting excited now ?…

Excitement probably sums up the mood at the moment in The Real camp. News has reached us that the Waterford lads have just been added to the Reading bill…
Residents of the People’s Republic of Cork have been blessed with two new club nights. Loveless – perhaps inspired by My Bloody Valentine?– takes place every Monday at Lil’ One in Phoenix Street. The recent launch featured Graham Finn (Emperors Of Ice Cream & Bass Odyssey), Jim Comet (Belsonic Sound) and Morty (Sultans of Ping). An impressive line-up which bodes well for the future…

Another alternative night Camouflage – hopefully not inspired by ’80s pop icon Stan Ridgeway – takes place each Friday in Sir Henry’s. The club boasts two separate rooms which cater for indie-schmindie types and hardcore metallers alike.

Not sounding like a very hardcore bunch, but dubbed as a cross between Foo Fighters, Manic Street Preachers and Radiohead, Athlone rockers Bunny release debut single ‘Fearless’ on July 4 (Treasure Island Records). The single also contains a live version of crowd favourite ‘If this is Justice (I’m a Banana)’. According to sources the group are nearly finished the first album. Influences include Jimmy Eat World, Soundgarden, Thin Lizzy and Radiohead….

Other single releases to watch out for include Derrick Devine, who sets sail for the Sugar Club on July 26 with his bad The Good Ship in tow for the official launch of the ‘Take Care’ single…

Words which Lucas may want to keep in mind as they head off to Brooklyn for three months to gig, write, be inspired and make a name for themselves in the land of the free… y’all come back now..y’hear !