The Widescreen view

If you feel like you haven’t been getting the full picture it’s time to take another look and brace yourselves for the forthcoming sonic treat from the newly-renamed Widescreen. The Waterford five-piece, formerly known as Three Piece Suite will release a debut long-player on independent record label Ruby Records on April 16. As they have been busy racking their brains for a new moniker the CD remains as yet unchristened but expect a tour in support of the release. Speaking from his sick bed vocalist Paul Butler tells me the band are still finalising the track listing. Hospitalised after suffering a collapsed lung on stage (how rock n’ roll) Paul is out of action for the moment but all is still on schedule for the release. Best wishes Paul!…
Ruby Records will have more in the pipeline this year including an album from The Heard in late March and an EP from hardcore metallers DownFall – date tbc…
Meanwhile, up north, Involution have just unleashed a second EP entitled Truth Be Told. Recorded in Manor Park Studios, the latest offering has been compared to Tool and Alice in Chains. Available from various outlets in Belfast and through the band at all upcoming gigs – a snip at £3…
Expect a new demo Big Hearts: Small Pockets from Custom Hero in the coming months. Who? I hear you ask. You may know them better as Stimulus, Blackneon, Reverb or One Way Left. These guys can never seem to make up their minds but Custom Hero is the chosen title of the moment. The previously released five-track demo attracted much attention although production-wise, it may not have done them justice. The new recording is expected to really make an impression and with a healthy amount of record company interest it could be the making of them…
It’s that time of year again. The Glasgowbury Festival organising committee are pleased to announce that preparations are under way for the 04 event. The festival always welcomes submissions from new bands and artists interested in performing and has earned a reputation for bringing a mix of new and established artists to the Draperstown crowd each year. If you fancy your chances pop a CD and press pack in the post to : The Glasgowbury Festival, 37 Drumard Rd, Draperstown, Co.Derry, BT45 7JU…
In other news from the live scene Brendan Keane has secured the support slot on some of Status Quo’s forthcoming Irish dates (Olympia, March 9; Castlebar, March 11 and Killarney, March 12). As an unsigned artist, Brendan is very excited about this opportunity to showcase his music to the industry at large. His only appearance on disc was on the Celtic Connections CD put together by our very own Jackie Hayden…
Shortly to make a debut appearance on disc are Dublin’s Satellite. Following recording stints in Apollo Studios, Dublin and Sterling Sound, New York the band will be playing a showcase gig in London at the end of March. Currently represented by London Music Law Firm Clintons in Covent Garden – who represent the likes of Hendrix, U2 and Stereophonics – everything seems to be happening for the band of late. Another feather in their cap is the fact that they scored the music for the film Take It Back which was premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival Closing Ceremony – watch this space!…
Limerick’s popular indie club Termights is back up and running in the Glentworth Hotel on Catherine Street…
In Cork the future looks bright for Cyprus Avenue as the venue owners have bought a neighbouring property and are planning to expand in size doubling the current capacity of 220…