Ranagri announce new album

Irish contemporary folk band Ranagri have announced a new album, Say Hello, out November 20.

They have also shared that they will go on a UK tour in November, including dates in Cardigan, London, Newbury, Manchester and Tenbury Wells.

Say Hello draws inspiration from "the journeys of those who left Ireland in search of new beginnings," according to a statement. The album brings together lead vocalist Dónal Rogers' generational stories, "including letters and messages sent back home and spoken word history from Dónal's mother."

Two singles off the album have already been released, including 'Digging' and 'Bound for New York City'.

'Digging' is about "love enduring across distance," with the story unfolding through letters exchanged between a couple separated by emigration. Meanwhile, 'Bound For New York City' was inspired by Rogers' eight great-uncles, who left Ireland for America at the turn of the 20th century.

The band itself takes its name from a stretch of farmland in Co Carlow that has been in Rogers' family since 1658.

"A landscape rich with generations of memories and the experiences of those who came before, Ranagri represents heritage, belonging and stories that travel across time," reads a press release.

The founding members - guitarist and vocalist Rogers alongside instrumentalist Eliza Marshall, and early members like Jean Kelly and Tad Sargent - got their start in London. They quickly gained attention on the UK folk festival circuit, such as the Gate to Southwell Festival, before releasing their debut album Fort of the Hare in 2014.

Ranagri's fifth studio album, 2022's Tradition II was named among Folk Radio UK's top 10 albums of the year.

Currently, their lineup consists of Rogers, Marshall, harpist Eleanor Dunsdon and percussionist Jordan Murray.

Tickets for their UK tour are available here.

Listen to 'Digging' and 'Bound for New York City' below.

Full tracklist:
1. Gems
2. Bound for New York City
3. An Derreen
4. Say Hello
5. Knight of the Road
6. Digging
7. Cold Stone
8. Old Songs
9. Lena's
10. Comanche
11. Knight of the Road (reprise)