Chunky magic

A globe of generous girth or one of Cork’s most accomplished-folk ensembles? Chunky Planet’s fine take on the genre has cultivated a growing fan base who will be delighted to hear news of an imminent double-sided single.
'Price You Pay'/'Suicide Bomber' will be launched on Saturday 22 July with a special appearance at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, one of many performances at various art centres in the south of the country. The new release follows on from the critically acclaimed debut 'Pensioners Watch TV', which received Pick of the Fortnight from Hot Press. The new single will be in downloadable format only.
Fellow Corkonians Rulers of the Planet have just returned from a 10-day tour of Czech Rep and Slovakia with Autamata. They are straight into Reamonn frontman Ray Garvey’s studio in Ardfert, Kerry where they commence the recording of their new album with Ciaran O’Shea and German producer, Corni Bartels.
The band return to Germany at the end of the month to Munich to finish the recording of the album.
One of the Republic’s most-cherished sons Simple Kid will be performing special guest duties for David Gray’s Big Top show at the Galway Arts Festival on July 19. Ciaran will shortly be announcing a release date for his new single and album on Country Gentleman Records and tour dates to boot!
Another fine gentleman promising forthcoming audio treats-a-plenty is Neosupervital, whose video 'Rachel' has just been picked up by MTV’s 120 Minutes. Meanwhile, with the debut album now in the bag, we can expect a new single, 'Step Into The Sunshine (Baby Alright)' in July followed by the long-player. Catch His Vitalness live at the Castlepalooza Festival on August 3.
Also appearing at Castlepalooza are Dubliners The Spikes who recently released their debut single 'Monster' with a launch party in Crawdaddy. The 2006 Emergenza Finalists will be also be limbering up for more festival duties at LeCheile in August.
Fellow residents of the Pale TKO are busy polishing their halos in advance of the release of their upcoming charity single. 'Let's Go', in aid of the National Rehabilitation Centre, will be available at the end of the month and the supporting tour will take in Cork, Limerick, Dublin, Galway, and Waterford.
The release follows last year’s Hats Off EP, which was launched at a sold-out show in Whelans and has shifted more than 1,000 copies to date. The band have been invited to play L.A.’s Whisky a Go Go as well as venues in St. Louis, Chicago and New York in the autumn.
The band formerly known as Polar are enjoying much success in the UK under their new moniker Pilotlight. The prodigal sons return for a headline show in Whelans on July 15 and have a brand new promotional single in tow. 'Music To Cross The Road To' is a radio-only single that will be available to the first 100 people through the door on the night of the show. Admission is a tenner (fatted calf optional).
Other domestic acts making impressions abroad include The Garland Cult who have just signed to Ninthwave Records in the US (the US label of Heaven 17). The group released a promo single called ‘Impossible’ early in 2006 and their debut album Protect Yourself From Hollywood is out this summer, as well as a new single ‘All Good Things’. They recently worked with two legendary UK electro producers Annie Hogan (Marc Almond, THE THE, Nick Cave) and Princess Julia.
Calling all bands! Earthmusic Studios and new label Audio-ill will be running regular live music nights in Belfast starting in August. Anyone who would like to take part can check out details at www.audioill.com.