Following on from a busy summer and autumn of sold-out live performances, five-piece Irish trad punk band Ispíní na hÉireann – aka the ‘Sausages of Ireland’ – independently release their latest project today, the Worse Things Than Dying EP.

Announcing the release on social media, the band shared, “We could easily give one the impression that we only play light-hearted songs, but here we present a collection of music that we have always held dearly yet never quite knew where to put.”

Explaining the EP’s thematic direction, Ispíní na hÉireann wrote, “These pieces of music explore life and death, sometimes literally and sometimes metaphorically. They seek to understand the fragile nature and uncertainty of happiness, wars fought on the battlefield or wars fought in the mind, and what it means to rise again.”

Ispíní na hÉireann / Photo Credit: Glen Bollard

The five-track album carries evident, deep meaning for the lads, offering something quite different for their growing fanbase – it’s a collection of more sombre, emotional music that stands apart from their typically upbeat, riotous sound and lyrical chaos. Though, as with any talented group, there is always meaning to be found in the by-lines.

Worse Things Than Dying showcases the range and depth of the band’s collective talents. The stripped-back production highlights singer Tomás Mulligan’s evocative and gut-punching voice, while Donegal native Aongus Mac Amhlaigh’s hypnotic tones make an appearance for the first time.

Since their formation in 2017, the Sausages of Ireland have taken impressive strides together, and their growth is undeniably evident on this new batch of tunes. Pádraig Óg Mac Aodhagáin’s pipes are elevated by Adam J Holohan’s playful and precise banjo riffs, while the bodhran at the hands of Cian Ó Ceallaigh serves as the driving energy and force pushing the music forward. Aongus Mac Amhlaigh’s cello pulls longingly on the heartstrings, bringing the emotional message of the EP home with subtlety and power.

Ispíní na hÉireann / Photo Credit: Glen Bollard

With an affecting ability to weave lyrical narratives with the banjo, guitar, bodhran, cello, sax, pipes, and whistle, Ispíní na hÉireann are taking Irish tradition to soaring heights on their new EP, Worse Things Than Dying, out today, December 4.

The band are currently working on the finishing touches for their second full-length album, due for release in 2024, along with gearing up for a fantastic end to a remarkable year with two hometown performances at The Academy, Dublin on December 21 and as part of the Collins Barracks New Years Festival Celebration on December 31.

More to be announced in the new year!

Dive into the meaning behind the madness below, with Worse Things Than Dying – the new EP from Ispíní na hÉireann, out everywhere now.