If you haven’t yet made the acquaintance of Cork group Fred [pictured] then it is only a matter of time. Following on from the blistering double a-sided single 'Four Chords And The Truth'/'The Capital Song' (the new Hot Press single of the fortnight), which received much airplay around the country, comes the long-player Making Music So You Don’t Have To on February 25. The launch gig will be held in Cork Opera House the next day and promises to be an evening of top-notch entertainment – also on the bill are Stanley Super 800 and Rulers Of The Planet…

…On the subject of the Rulers, they have agreed a publishing deal with Jewel DC Publishing, run by Reamonn frontman Rea Garvey, which will see them embarking on a number of support dates in the UK and Europe over the coming months. The deal has resulted in a new wave of interest in the band from a number of European labels...

...Other creative endeavours in the Peoples’ Republic reaching fruition include the debut album from agit-folk outfit, The Girls Of Summer. Entitled No Roots, No Tree, the opus is available for your listening pleasure from February 20...

...In other local news, Waiting Room have been confirmed as support for Slint’s Irish date at Vicar St. on March 6. The trio were personally invited to open the show by David Pajo after he heard a recording sent over by a friend from Ireland.

Rest will collaborate on a track on ex-Whipping Boy frontman Fearghal McKee's upcoming solo album. Catch Fearghal live when he joins God Is An Astronaut on stage at their album launch gig on March 4 in the Temple Bar Music Centre. The new album All Is Violent, All Is Bright has been in the shops for a couple of weeks now so if you haven’t got a copy make tracks to your local music emporium asap. If you like what you hear get down to the Music Centre on launch night when support for the show comes from the wonderful Rollers/Sparkers...

...In other news from the Pale, keep an ear out for the new single from Cormac Parle, Stephen Whelan and John Hearne – Stoat to the average punter. According to the band 'The Saltee Tango' "mixes Argentinian rhythms and a stiff measure of rum into the bands’ unique oddball indie pop sound"... Intoxicating stuff. The B-side is a live recording of their cover of 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'. The long-awaited debut album is due for release this summer – will keep you posted...

...Tallaght rockers The Brand head down to Cork on February 27 for a gig in the Savoy. Judging by the positive response to the recently-released industry demo this is a show not to be missed. Dublin fans will have to wait for the show in The Gaiety next month. Check What's On for details...

In other news from the live circuit the Wexford music revolution continues with the addition of another singer-songwriter night, organised by local musician Jimi Cullen. If you’re in Gorey on a Friday head to McGovern’s Bar to sample some local talent...

Speaking of talent from the south-east, some of Waterford’s leading musicians were brought together for the recent recording of Songs In Various Keys. The EP is the debut offering from Robert O’Connor. The all-star line-up includes Fintan Kavanagh of The Mute on violin, Marc Merriman on percussion, Aaron Mulhall of The Real on drums and Farm Studios’ producer, Ashley Sheehan, on cornet and production duties...

Finally, congratulations to independent record label Trust Me I’m A Thief which was recently chosen as the overall winner in the ‘Best Digital Music Service Online’ category of the Irish Digital Media Awards. All the hard work has paid off!

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