Irish folk trio Alfi announce debut album Say Old Man

Following the release of 'The Whistling Thief' last year, Irish three-piece Alfi have returned with news of their upcoming debut album. Out on July 21, Say Old Man will feature their 2022 single alongside a version of 'Jubilee' – available to stream this Friday.

Alfi – made up of Fiachra Meek, Ryan McAuley and Alannah Thornburgh – have built up a notable following through their lauded live shows, as well as a string of well-received releases that blur the boundaries between traditional Irish and Appalachian music. 2019 saw them release their Wolves In The Woods EP, which featured 'The Drink Song' among its highlights, as well as score a nomination for Best Emerging Folk Act at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.

Say Old Man was recorded and mixed in Analogue Catalogue Studio near Newry by Julie McLarnon.

"This album has been three years in the making so we can't wait for you all to hear it," Alfi wrote on social media yesterday.

We are very excited to announce that our debut album ‘Say Old Man’ will be released on July 21st. This album has been three years in the making so we can’t wait for you all to hear it 🦉 you can preorder the album (digital/CD) here: https://t.co/k4khmwgDru pic.twitter.com/qz3zTlQwuB

— Alfi (@Alfi_Band) June 26, 2023

American folk icon Jean Ritchie included 'Jubilee' on her first studio album, Singing The Traditional Songs Of Her Kentucky Mountain Family, released in 1952.

Both 'Jubilee' and 'The Whistling Thief' offer a hugely promising taste of what to expect from Alfi's debut album – as the trio continue to establish themselves as one of the most captivating forces to have emerged from Ireland's ever-diversifying folk music community.

Say Old Man is available to pre-order as both a digital album and a CD on Bandcamp now – with 'Jubilee' also available to listen to there ahead of its release across streaming platforms on Friday.

Upcoming live dates:

• July 1: Yellow Submarine, Corofin, Co. Clare
• July 22: Forest Fest, Emo Village, Co. Laois
• July 28: Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
• September 3: Music On The Farm, Cornstown House, Co. Meath