Belfast indie-rock band The Minnows share new album Californian Poppy

The Minnows (formerly Tiberius' Minnows) have released their first album in over 10 years, titled Californian Poppy.

The band, who describe themselves on Facebook as ‘Purveyors of Pop Rock Melancholy’, have also shared a video for ‘Where Have All The Good Times Gone?’ during lockdown.

Consisting of members Michael Rafferty, Paul Maynes, Kevin Carson and Stephen O’Sullivan; The Minnows describe the third single from the album as a typically heart-wrenching tale of lost love.

The Northern Irish outfit first came to prominence in 1991 with the release of their debut single 'Time Flies' on the famous Good Vibrations record label.

A piano-based ballad with sumptuous strings, the song takes listeners on an emotional journey, reminiscing about the good old days and a carefree way of life before culminating in the saddest of goodbyes and a harsh realisation that the relationship in question is over.

“We’re very proud, excited and relieved - a whole lot of emotions to be honest – to finally launch our new album ‘Californian Poppy’ to the general public,” said singer-songwriter Michael Rafferty (AKA "Raff").

“It’s been a long time coming but we hope it’s been worth the wait, which is certainly what we’re hearing from all our followers on social media – who were given an early opportunity to buy the album. The response so far has been everything we could have hoped for and more, so we’re definitely excited to see what happens on wider release.

“I think the Coronavirus has certainly given us the kick up the backside that we needed to get this album done and dusted,” Raff continued.

“Life’s simply too short and too precious to be hanging about so you’ll definitely be hearing much more of The Minnows in the weeks, months and hopefully years to come. We’re thrilled to be back doing what we love most – making music – with no pressure from anyone or anything outside of the band.

"I think this creative freedom definitely comes across in our new album and, without wanting to use a rock cliché, we all feel that it’s the best thing we’ve ever done."

A string of singles and prominent live gigs followed their 1991 debut single, with the release of two albums Holyland and Leonard Cohen’s Happy Compared To Me.

Californian Poppy and new single ‘Where Have All The Good Times Gone?’ are available to stream or download now on all digital platforms. The album is also available to buy as a CD on the band’s website.

Check out the video for ‘Where Have All The Good Times Gone?’ below: