Cades man joins Bipolar Empire

The Tallaght band, who are revving up for the release of their debut album in September, have recruited Mark Maguire, formerly of The Cades – a highly accomplished guitar player, whose presence will both fill out the sound and free singer Shane O'Reilly up, to focus more on frontman duties.

The other band members are Joe Leech (bass and vocals) and Callum McAdam (drums).

"Bipolar Empire had always been a three piece but increasingly the band felt that there was something that would take their sound, and their live show, up to the next level," a band source told Hot Press. "Shane met Mark, who is a gifted songwriter and guitarist, in school in Tallaght. They played in numerous school bands together before Mark went on to form The Cades, so there is an understanding and mutual respect there that goes back years.

"It really is a great leap forward for the band. The sound is fuller, and there's a confidence about them now that is really impressive. They're looking in great shape for the release of the album."

The LP, which was recorded in LA and in Ireland's legendary Grouse Lodge Studios with U2, REM and Madonna man Pat McCarthy is being trailered by a single 'Tempomanic', co-produced and mixed by Lance Hogan, which is set for an August release. The single, which will be accompanied by an ingenious video by pop-movie legend Kevin Godley (U2, The Police, Blur, Paul McCartney), has been getting a great initial reaction from radio.

Earlier this year, Bipolar Empire won the Hot Press organised London Calling competition to play the London St. Patrick's Day event in Trafalgar Square.

Bipolar Empire play the 2fm Hot Press Academy Stage, on Friday July 9 at 11.25pm, after Villagers.