Music Nation: Going Ape

2013 is drawing to a close but she’s not exiting quietly! The year will be going out with quite the bang in the form of sundry explosive live shows in all corners of the 32 counties.
First up… roll out the red carpet and ready the fattened calf as Fight Like Apes prepare to hit the road following a two-year hiatus. 2014 will see a new longplayer, preceded by an EP. Details on hotpress.com….
Le Galaxie bring a great year to a close when they play a late show in Dublin’s Olympia on December 13. 2013 saw them support Primal Scream, pack out venues around the country and copperfasten their reputation as festival favourites. They're currently finishing their new album with LCD Soundsytem producer Eric Broueck, before heading off to Eurosonic, SXSW Glastonbury and beyond!
In the spirit of the season DimeStore Recordings is organising a series of charity shows over the coming weeks in Sweeney’s, Dublin. December 5 sees Betty’s Swing Machine, Rhiannon and The Face Collectors, Myles Manley and many more doing their thang in aid of Irish Red Cross. The following week a stellar line-up, including Sarah Red, New Secret Weapon and The Weather Men, take to the stage in aid of the Philippines: the final show takes place on December 19 when Gypsy Rebel Rabble, Sive, The Deans and others raise the roof for Crumlin Childrens’ Hospital…..
A veritable supergroup we at HP are delighted to hear about are Tin Charm, a Dublin trio comprising Martin Kelly, Anton Hegarty and Patrick Moran. They will be familiar from their previous outfits, Sunbear, The Future Kings Of Spain and The Ruby Tailights respectively. They've just released their debut album, The Engine Is Bleeding. Their sales pitch goes as follows: ‘If Dinosaur Jr. and Slint had middle-aged babies, and those babies stole toys from Mission of Burma and REM…’ Intrigued? You should be!
Available now on Bandcamp. On the subject of longplayers we love, Dott’s Swoon is on repeat in the office. Check out their chat with Craig Fitzpatrick in this issue. The Galway combo play a festive hometown show in the Roisin Dubh on December 26. Support is from Rudytrixx and Zero Era. An Xmas treat not to be missed! Limerick folk can look forward to a top night’s entertainment in HQ on December 7 when local faves Windings take to the stage with Dublin’s Land Lovers and The Vincents (representing the People’s Republic). A fine eve’s entertainment guaranteed.
There are too many fantastic shows to mention here. Check our bumper Christmas Gig Guide to plan your festive season’s entertainment! A cool yule to all!