Northern uproar

'Tis easy to lose one’s way in the search for the holy grail of rock n’ roll superstardom. One lot who seem to be on the right track, if their name is anything to go by, is Belfast’s Guided. The band releases their debut single on No Dancing Records on April 5th. The single ‘Pistols Drawn for Heartbreak at Dawn’ will be followed by a split 7” with Desert Hearts and Robyn G Sheils in early May…
In other Northern news… a new label is born ! Midhir (King of the Fairy hill of Bri Leith in Celtic mythology – yes, Google does have all the answers) promises to bring us “dark and challenging extreme metal”. The first offering will be two new tracks from Hexxed on limited edition, high quality coloured 7” vinyl in late April. The new tracks will most likely be entitled ‘Where Gods Look Away’ and ‘The Coming Storm’ and the band are currently preparing to enter the studio again following the release of their acclaimed “Transgression” demo in late 2003…
Talking of studios, guru of the Limerick music scene, Mark O’Connor has released a fine selection of treats from his, titled Balls of Iron Studios Limerick Rock and Roll Compilation. This choice cut of eleven tunes from the cream of the south-west music scene features the man himself, We should be dead, The Riffs (now known as The Supermodel Twins), Niall Quinn and the Pennywhores, Funbobby, Kader Fire, Mr Creosote, Roper, Atrophy, Giveamanakick and The Kyboshi. Eur8 from Road, Freebird and other selected outlets…
Mark is also busy recording with his new outfit Golf which also includes Liam Marley from Tooth and Lorcan Burke from The Kyboshi. Will keep you posted re upcoming recordings but in the meantime catch them live with Killing Spree on March 13 in the High Stool…
Boa Morte may not play that many gigs, but when they do their Cork following turns out in droves. They recently packed The Lobby – and our man on the spot says that, so enthralled were the audience, you could hear a pin drop during their set. Boa Morte do quiet – and it’s a tribute to their ability to communicate that their fans do quiet at the same time…support was provided by Mumblin Deaf Ro, who is beginning to pick up a bit of momentum. The Deaf one does quiet too on occasion, and very effectively, but it’s the quirky songs that mark him out as intriguingly different…
Watch out for a new album from former Marigolds frontman Paul Woodward. What we’ve heard of Field Recordings – which is released on Woodward’s own label –sounds impressively eclectic. Listen out for somew fine fretwork from former Emotional Fish axeman Dave Frew…
Making a bit of a splash on the local scene is Windings aka Stephen Ryan from non other than Giveamanakick, whose spectacular album, 2003’s Is it ok to be loud Jesus?, is now more widely available thanks to the good folk at Vital…
Keeping the focus on the south, watch out for Stanley Super 800’s debut album which will be launched with a gig in Cork’s Half Moon Theatre on April 1…
Witnness Rising artists (2003) Fred are guests to Damien Dempsey for his Paddy’s Day gig at Cork Opera House before they release the follow up to their debut album, Can’t Stop I’m Being Timed in April…
On the subject of time, isn’t it amazing how the years fly by? I’d never have thought it but Cork’s legendary indie club Freakscene recently had its 10th birthday bash. Happy Birthday Freakscene! On another congratulatory note, warm wishes to the clubs organiser John O’Leary on his recent marriage to Aisling…
Another Union of sorts is about to get under way… This monthly night organised by our very own Phil Udell will include great live performances and exclusive DJ sets in Liberty Hall commencing on March 28th. See Music News for more details…
Also tying the knot are Punksters P45 who recently signed to Palm Springs (CA) label Naked Jain Records. Patsy T, Lance and Dunghead are shortly moving out to America to tour. You can sample the new tune Bad Karma on www.p45music.tk…
Finally calling all bass players! Singleton require a helping hand with some gigs later in the year. Anyone interested should check out www.singletonmusic.com to listen to Singleton material, and if interested email [email protected]…