The difficult second album... myth or not? Depends on who you ask. However, two acts for whom LP number two has marked quite a transformation are Limerick’s Fox Jaw (they've lopped the Bounty Hunters bit off!) and Deaf Joe (who has swapped folk musings for noise-art stylings).

Fox Jaw release new single ‘Kerosene’ on February 28 as an appetite-whetter for forthcoming long-player Ghost’s Parade. The album was recorded with producer Dave ‘Skippy’ Christophers (Josh Ritter, Whipping Boy, Mundy) and engineer Owen Lewis (Flogging Molly, Snow Patrol, REM). Mastering duties were left in the reliable hands of Richard Dowling of David Bowie, Foo Fighters and Interpol fame.

The debut single is accompanied by a video directed by the band's very own Shane Serrano, with help from Blind Boy Boatclub of The Rubberbandits. Impressively it stars actors Kevin Kiely Jnr (World War Z, The Dark Knight Rises) and Richard Lynch (ILoveLimerick.com). Check hotpress.com for forthcoming dates....

Deaf Joe’s new opus is From The Heights Of A Dream and lands this month on Delphi Records. As mentioned, the follow-up to 2012’s Burrowings marks a change for the Waterford native, eschewing the stark folk of the former and embracing a broader sonic palette lush with layers of noise, static and processed acoustic instruments.

In addition, he's written and developed a short book in collaboration with artist Paul Hallahan to accompany the collection. There will be a limited edition of 200 hardbounds with CD so make sure February 28 is on your calendar so that you get your mitts on a copy!

Kilkenny indie rock outfit Audio Fires are gearing up for the launch of their new EP at the end of February with lead tune ‘Don’t Let’ already garnering airplay.

The band are on their way to Canadian Music Week in May. Before heading off they play a batch of dates to support the new opus, including a Dublin show in 4 Dame Lane on April 3.

The EP, which follows on from last year’s excellent single ‘All Of The Way’, was recorded in Meath's Jam Studios and produced by Martin Quinn and lead singer Paul Hindle. Mastering duties were taken care of by Todd Burke (Foo Fighters, The Kooks, The Fratellis).....

Also busy in Jam Studios were Sal Vitro who recorded debut album Cirque Du Sleaze there. The long-player is due later this year with teaser track ‘The Gettin’ Older Casanova’ available on March 7.

Since forming in 2011 the Dublin rockers have opened for Jack L, Pat McManus and Thin Lizzy and played twice at the Vibe For Philo. The music video for ‘The Gettin’ Older Casanova’ was shot by Kerbute Productions and stars Owen Colgan, aka Buzz from Hardy Bucks! Check it out here.

They play a batch of dates in support of the release in March, check hotpress.com for full listings!