Earlier this month, Radie Peat of Lankum announced the formation of a new band: ØXN. Joining her in the new endeavour are Katie Kim, John 'Spud' Murphy, and Eleanor Myler of Percolator.

Now, it's been announced that the Irish act is signing with Claddagh Records, the first new band to join the label's ranks in 18 years.

Their decision to join with Claddagh Records is not surprising, the four musician's sharing a flair for music that fits with with the musical tastes and aesthetic created by the label's founder, Garech Browne.

Now, they're set to spark "a new era" through their music with the label, delivering fantastic musical stories into the larger world with the backing of Universal Music Ireland, with whom the label has a worldwide licensing agreement.

ØXN's first single, 'Love Henry' is set to come out next month on June 30th. With it, the four-piece will utilise the musical range covered by the accordion, mellotron, keyboard, drums, bass, and synthesisers to underpin a story of murder, dread, and intense dissonance.

Fans of the band's various members might remember that in 2020, as a part of the Mary Wallopers' Halloween Special, Radie Peat, Katie Kim, and Eleanor "Ellie" Myler have previously collaborated to bring 'Love Henry' to life. However, ØXN have taken it further, bringing what feels like a brand new sound to the tragic tale of Henry Lee, who died at the hands of his spurned lover, telling the story in an all new, and devastating way.

It's not the only project they have in the works. On ØXN's new Instagram page, the band shared some intriguing new photos, listed with the caption "Just called cut on a hot & spooky day of filming yesterday. Really looking forward to sharing what's been brewing in the coming weeks."

 

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A post shared by ØXN (@oxnmusic)

Their name, ØXN, is derived from the word "oxen" and pronounced like it. Oxen aren't just draft animals or castrated male bovines - they're a recurring symbol throughout history, across cultures and representations, taking on new forms with each story told.

Therefore, whether they be worshipped or relegated to domestic labour for their ability to pull heavy machinery, the fact that they've been a well-recognised motif since 4000 BC resonated with the band deeply.

The word on the grapevine is that ØXN as a whole are set to offer something new to the music scene, the aim being to bring together the best aspects of Radie Peat, John Murphy, Eleanor Myler, and Katie Kim's previous endeavours. Formed when Katie Kim and Radie Peat began collaborating as a duo in 2018, it transformed amid lock-down into the beginnings of what is sure to be a powerhouse act.

ØXN's first single, 'Love Henry,' drops June 30th via Claddagh Records.