Armagh alternative band Hunkpapa announce the release of another single next week, ahead of their gig at The Grand Social this weekend. The song, 'Rachel', features a pulsing drum beat and electric guitar plucks, topped off with the signature captivatingly unpredictable vocal melody for which Hunkpapa is known.

"Hunkpapa is the name of a North American tribe that defeated General Custard the Battle of the Little Bighorn," explained frontman Weston Clendinning in a recent interview with Hot Press. "The last line of defence against western rule over North America. Their chiefton was Sitting Bull and I always loved the Native American way of life; huge respect for them. I believe my generation has a lot to learn from their way of life, their love for mother earth and their respect for nature and just enjoying the simple things and not being bogged down in things like your phone, and stuff like that."

The band was formed by Clendinning and his schoolmates Johno, Patrick, and Matthew. After meeting at a house party, they reconvened with the intention of making music. "We realised we did not want to have conventional career paths," explained Clendinning. "We wanted to go into music and change the world."

Their last single, 'Cappuccino' is about exactly that; straying from the "conventional" path in pursuit of passion. Rather than the humdrum environs of the young professional lifestyle – Clendinning worked in catering – the lads preferred taking the leap towards music. So far, it's been a success, with praises from Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody and myriad gigs across Europe.

Ha. You’ve such great songs (half alive and losing all two of my favourites) and I’ve seen some of your live clips on YouTube which look so epic. Can’t wait to see yous live!x

— Snow Patrol (@snowpatrol) September 18, 2018

"I like feeling free and hopefully bringing excitement and joy to people and playing music," said Clendinning. "Hunkpapa is a travelling circus. That’s what we want to do: bring people into a room and take them somewhere special."

The new single, 'Rachel' is out on Wednesday, 16 October, but perhaps you can catch a preview at Hunkpapa's Grand Social gig this Friday. In the meantime, take a listen to their latest single, 'Cappuccino' below.

Hunkpapa play The Grand Social on Friday night. Tickets can be purchased for €12.80 here.

Hunkpapa Upcoming Tour Dates

10 October – Cyprus Avenue, Cork, Ireland
11 October – The Grand Social, Dublin, Ireland
12 October – Roisin Dubh, Galway, Ireland
18 October – Spirit Store, Dundalk, Ireland
16 November – Limelight 2, Belfast, Ireland