Clerical misdemeanors are one of many things the Church has to worry about at the moment and it’s an issue which also seems to be a subject troubling those Waterford rockers The Real. The boys have been locked away for the past few months perfecting their eagerly anticipated second single ‘Preacher’s Lie’, due for a summer release.
The finished version of the song will feature guest vocalist Denise Johnson, who is best known for her work on Primal Scream’s Screamadelica and Give Out But Don’t Give Up. The band tell us they are very much looking forward to working with Denise as it’s the first time they have done a collaboration of this kind.
Regarding live appearances the gigging schedule has been quite empty of late due to bassist Moro’s unfortunate accident involving bread, a cleaver and a sprinkling of carelessness. We wish him a speedy recovery…
Another summer release to watch out for is the new album from Athlone’s Bunny who recently signed a lucrative recording deal with Roseland Publishing. The album, titled Slick Corporate Music is currently at the mastering stage…
Also brace yourselves for a debut long player from hotpress Garageland singer-songwriter of 2003, Eamon Mulvihill. Dreamspell will feature the talents of Tim McGrath who played drums on Paddy Casey’s Living album and Declan and Conor from The 4 of Us. Even Christy Dignam has offered to sing on a track! Check out Eamon’s upcoming tour dates on hotpress.com…
In other singer-songwriter news, Aidan has just been confirmed for the Trinity Ball on May 7. When told that he would be playing the prestigious event at which the Divine Comedy will also perform Aidan is quoted as saying ‘Yipeeeeeeee’…
Which is probably quite similar to what Pinion said on learning of the recent success of their single ‘Another Fine Mess’ which charted at number 27…
Dublin/Kildare-based band trackfour are looking for a lead guitarist. Contact Hoop Management (087) 7724245/ 2926226 if you think you fit the bill.
Turning to events on the world wide web, Social Outcasts and 32 Drivers have been busy beautifying and improving their virtual homes. Check out the results at www.socialoutcasts. com and www.32drivers.tk respectively…
In other news from the north, NIMIC, the Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission, are putting together their next two international marketing compilations. The CDs will be circulated to major industry representatives around the world – primarily at the Sonar, PopKomm, and Womex festivals later this year.
Submissions should loosely be in the genres of pop, electronica and dance for Sonar and PopKomm and world/ traditional/folk/roots or country for Womex. Any labels, managers or artists who wish to have tracks considered for inclusion should send same on CD only, together with a press pack including biog / photo etc, to: Nimic CDs, Unit 2, Northern Whig House, Bridge Street, Belfast BT1 1LU. Closing date for submissions for both CDs will be May 14…
Turning to events in the south, Limerick’s Kraven recently launched their self-released debut LP This Kind Of Lonely with a show at Dolans. The fruits of their labour are available for your listening pleasure at selected outlets nationwide, more info at www.kravenband.com
Vinyl-loving Limerick locals will be delighted that Blackspot has reopened and is back in business. Having closed up shop in mid January, John and Doc are now back in business on Wickham Street…
Also recently missing from the south’s music scene due to the absence of a suitable skinsman were Cork’s Shambosious. However the lads are now back in action with the addition of Ian Walsh of Bass Odyssey-fame on drumming duties…
On a final note, Shalka have reached the end of the road. A recent band statement declared the split to be totally amicable and added: “It has taken us the best part of a month to talk it over and decide. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all of us to be in Shalka and we’d like to think that we made some people happy and wrote some great music.” Indeed they did, the best of luck to Kevin, Mark, Dave and Nathan in whatever they decide to do next!

For live updates tune into The Last Splash, Sunday nights 9-11, with Alison Curtis on Today FM (e-mail: lastsplash@todayfm. com)