A taster for what is sure to be one of THE albums of 2014 is winging its way to us on November 25. The day marks the launch of the new We Cut Corners single ‘YKK’ which is taken from their second long-player due early next year. The track will be familiar to fans as a live favourite. The forthcoming collection was recorded with Tommy McLaughlin of Villagers fame in his Donegal studio during the summer.

Conall and John have just returned from some packed UK dates and a successful stint Stateside at CMJ. They’ve also confirmed a single launch date of November 29 when champagne corks will be popped in The Workmans. They will head out on the road in December with chums Bellx1 when they provide support in The Seapoint Ballroom, Galway on December 7 and The Mandela Hall, Belfast on December 14….
On the subject of wonderful shows, the very lovely and talented Bronagh Gallagher is heading out on some live dates shortly. Her jaunt kicks off in Belfast’s Black Box November 22, she then is Vicar Street-bound to warm up the crowds for her aul pal Glen Hansard on November 26, before pit stops in Culturlann Centre, Derry on November 29 and Whelan’s Dublin on December 1. Top night guaranteed!...
Track Of The Fortnight recipients September Girls played a stellar show in Dublin’s Thomas House recently. The outfit are preparing for the launch of debut album Cursing The Sea (Fortuna POP) which lands in January.
Named after the Big Star song, the all-girl troupe features former Chalets and Tallulah Does The Hula ladies Paula Cullen and Caoimhe Derwin; they draw inspiration from Phil Spector, The Cure, My Bloody Valentine and Jesus and Mary Chain.
Stay tuned for news of upcoming dates and more album info….
On a sad note, we must bid a fond farewell to Cork luminaries Fred. After 15 years, four albums and countless roof-raising shows and festival appearances the group have decided to go their separate ways. They have announced a number of testimonials around the country in December, their lap of glory including dates in Whelan’s on December 5, De Barra’s, Clonakilty (13), Róisín Dubh, Galway (15) and a last hurrah in the Pavilion, Cork on December 28, where the band past and present will share the same stage….
Fiach has just released new single ‘Married To Music’, featuring the dulcet tones of Róisín O. Since the release of debut album So I in 2010, his star has been firmly in the ascendant. The Dubliner has an impressive collection of support slots under his belt, including shows with Mary Black, Ray Davies (The Kinks) and Declan O’Rourke, and he even appeared as a guest guitarist with Fairground Attraction chanteuse Eddi Reader for her appearance on The Late Late Show.
Fiach is currently recording his second album, which is due for release in early 2014. Next year is shaping up nicely….