As the City of Tribes gears up for the cultural banquet known as the Galway Arts Festival, one of its dearest sons, Adrian Crowley, prepares to delight us with the sonic feast that is his third album, A Northern Country. Due for a July 2nd release, the CD was recorded by Thomas Haugh (aka Hulk) and was co-produced by Adrian and Thomas. Instrumentation includes, guitars, cello, harmonium, violin, accordion, found sounds, saxophone, piano and bass – a smorgasboard of aural treats! The record will be released on Ba-Da-Bing in the USA, Catchygogo in the Republic of Ireland and Misplaced Music in all other territories...
Continuing with news from the west, Galway hardcore punks Fuktifino are delighted to announce that Bob (ex The Dogboy Conspiracy) has joined the band on bass duties. Over the last few months the group has gone through many personnel changes but Bob’s arrival heralds the start a new era for the band who are relieved to have found a steady line-up. The new incarnation is in the process of recording a 3-track demo, which will be available at the live show in the Roisin Dubh, Galway on July 5th.
Meanwhile up north, Vigilante Events are organising a battle of the bands scheduled to take place on Saturday July 17th in The Nerve Centre, Derry. The event is open to all but is particularly aimed at young bands who will find the experience more educational. There will be space for approximately eight bands to compete this year.
Judges for the event will include representatives from BBC Across The Line, NIMIC, Alternative Ulster, The Nerve Centre and Michael Bradley from The Undertones.
Prizes include a day of recording time in the Blast Furnace Studio, gift vouchers for Henderson Music and high profile playing opportunities throughout the year. This is an all-ages event and the Vigilante Events team aim to promote young, new and exciting music in an alcohol and drug-free environment.
To enter the competition email [email protected]
While you’re online check out the new web home of
Belfast’s Betes Noires at http://www.betesnoires.com The site features MP3s of the last two EPs and new photos. CDs are still available free from the band so send your name and address to [email protected] to receive a copy by mail.
In other creative endeavours, Cork’s Fred have completed their second album, due for release in September. The offering took exactly one year to record, to the day! And on the subject of yearly events, a belated Happy Birthday to Red FM’s Colm O’Sullivan who celebrated his 30th recently.
The Beautiful Losers launched their debut single ‘Witches Float’, on June 19th to a packed crowd in The Village on Wexford Street. The single is their first offering on independent label AlphaMale Recordings. The band is currently supporting the release with a national tour and plans are already afoot for a number of shows in the UK later in the year.
And finally, a date for your diaries, catch Mike Glennon’s new band Long Lost Brother (pictured) when they play their first headline slot in the Lower Deck on July 1st. Featuring banjo, vintage synths and melodica, the 4-piece blend elements of country, punk and electronica into a cross between The Ramones and The Burrito Brothers. Having played a number of well-received shows in the capital in recent weeks, Mike is looking forward to the Lower Deck gig. Support on the night comes from The Lost Clocks and Keith Moss.
Also, blowing in from Mullingar for a one–night appearance are The Blizzards. Catch them while you can before they head off to Glasgow to record their new album - should be one to watch out for if the ‘War of Words’ Ep is anything to go by ! b

For live updates tune into The Last Splash, Sunday nights 9-11, with Alison Curtis on Today FM
(email: [email protected])