Music
28 Jan 26

KNEECAP announce new album Fenian

KNEECAP.

The trio described the record as a considered response to those that tried to silence us.

KNEECAP have announced their sophomore album, Fenian, out April 24 via Heavenly Recordings.

The news was revealed via the rap trio's social media on Wednesday, with the band also sharing the 14-strong tracklist.

"They tried to stop us by branding Kneecap 'terrorists', with cancellations, with statements from the Prime Minister himself," reads a statement from the group.

"We had all the motivation we needed…this isn't a swift reaction, but a considered response to those that tried to silence us. And failed.

"Inspired by, and proudly named 'Fenian', who were warriors in Irish folklore, and later a derogatory term for the Irish.

"Now we're using it to name everyone speaking truth to power.

"After 800 years of colonisation, they thought the Irish language would die, it didn't. Thanks to Muintir na Gaeltachta, and all the Gaels who refused to let their culture and language be destroyed.

"And KNEECAP is much the same…we haven't gone away."

Fenian is set to feature collaborations with Lankum's Radie Peat on 'Cocaine Hill', spoken word artist Kae Tempest on album closer 'Irish Goodbye', and West Bank-based rapper Fawzi on 'Palestine'

A premiere for lead single 'Liars Tale' is planned for Jack Saunder's BBC Radio 1 New Music Show on Wednesday at 7:30pm.

As well as the album announcement, KNEECAP revealed in their WhatsApp Channel that they have left one off Fenian posters in locations across Derry, Dublin, Belfast and London.

"In one poster in each city there'll also be a wee note with a codeword and instructions," they said. "For those who get these ones we have two guest tickets to our headline Crystal Palace show."