Ear to the Ground

Mother Records' expansion plans receive another major boost with former Sugarcube Bjork signing to the label for all European territories excluding the UK. Mother will also be handling Irish distribution for The Levellers and are about to release a new 12" by Bumble, suggesting that earlier reports of their demise were decidedly premature . . .
Days after setting a new house record at Vagabond's in Salthill, where an A...R chappie from Island Records was among the sell-out crowd, The Far Canals have parted company with drummer Ken Abyss who's apparently gone off for a prolonged sabbatical in West Africa.The Galwegians are currently looking for a new stick-wielder who "must be loud and able to roll joints in fast vehicles." Needless to say, Street Noise refuses to condone illegal activity of any kind but if you think you fit the bill, give the band a shout on (091) 644566 . . .
The Harvest Ministers - purveyors of some of the finest pop known to man, beast or George Byrne - celebrate the release of their latest Little Dark Mansion album with an early evening headliner at the Rock Garden on Thursday July 29th . . .
That Petrol Emotion release a new single this week through their own Koogat label. 'Catch A Fire' is a remixed version of the track that appears on theFireproof album and comes complete with a cover of Iggy Pop's 'Fun Time' and two previously unavailable originals, 'Little Big Man' and 'Chrome'.
Irish bands interested in getting airplay and touring in Italy are invited to drop a line to Mondo Rock, P.O. Box 430, 42100 Reggio, Emelia, Italy including a biog and tape/record . . .
The Catchers are the latest band to be taken under the protective wing of London's small but perfectly formed Setanta label. Having just completed their 'A' levels, the lads have moved down to sunny Phibsboro from their native Portstewart in County Derry and are indulging in some heavy duty gigging before heading across the water and attempting to seduce the British record buying public with their dreamy boy-meets-girl pop . . .
Setanta's other northern hopefuls, The Divine Comedy, return to the fray this month with a new album. Liberation finds them steering in a rather more commercial direction than of old and includes at least two certifiable classics . . .
Underground Records' next hooley at the Ulster Hall on Saturday August 7th. features live p.a.'s from Aphex Twin, Spiral Tribe and Liquid Brain along with deejays Pablo Gargano, Judge Dredd and Cliff. Phone (08) 0232 310900 for ticket and bus information . . .
Radio One's Bluestime continues its third birthday celebrations on Friday July 30th. with a 'live' Gary Moore special that also features Albert Collins and George Harrison. Produced and presented by Marcus Connaughton, the show airs every fortnight between 10 and 11pm and includes Buddy Guy, John Mayall, John Hammond and Rory Gallagher among its past guests . . .
Weather Underground is the name of a new student-based music promotion and management organisation that's recently been established at University College Galway. Their first project is the Strawberry Fayre, a day-long event planned for October which will showcase a wide range of unsigned talent and raise funds for local environmental groups and charities.
One band who've already agreed to participate are underground heroes Decadence who release their debut Bauhaus EP later this year to coincide with a visit to London . . .
World Spirit Mood, Benny's Head, After Dark, Dave McGilton, Wildest Dreams, The Sirens, Independence, Bobby Wayne, The Cage, The Van Winkles, Tohu Bohu, Superhate, Salvation Sound, Alice Springs and M.1.5. are among the 15 acts featured on Signals, the latest Danceline sampler which has already received airplay on 2FM, FM104 and 98FM and is being distributed to media contacts worldwide . . .
Gutter is the name of a new Limerick fanzine which is available from Black Spot Records in Wickham Street and other alternative-minded outlets throughout the city. Whilst hampered by its, ahem, freeform layout, the 'zine includes an interesting interview with The Hitchers and a piece on the locally-based Irish Anti-McDonald's Campaign. Contributions are welcome c/o Bob O'Connell, 14 Ellen Street, Limerick . . .
Staying in the Confraternity City for a moment and the Live At Three series of gigs in the Savoy Centre goes from strength to strength with local metallers Jester appearing on Saturday August 7th. and Blink previewing their forthcoming album on the 14th . . ..
Dublin's expanding dance scene is set to receive another boost shortly with the arrival of a new record shop specialising in 12" UK and US imports. Details, for a variety of reasons, are still a closely guarded secret but the people involved are extremely well known . . .
D:Ream follow the Top 30 success of their 'U R The Best Thing' and 'Things Can Only Get Better' singles with 'Unforgiven', another anthemic dancefloor chugger which is remixed on the 12" by EMF, Leftfield and Sine. The Anglo-Irish duo have also been busy adding club cred to recent releases by Black Girl Rock, Duran Duran and Debbie Harry . . .