Room on Fire

hey say good things come to those who wait… well your patience will be rewarded soon with the sonic treat that is Catering For Headphones, the new album from Cork’s Waiting Room. The band, whose fan base has been multiplying in loaves and fishes-style proportions, has secured full distribution for their debut long-player which includes the radio single Another Take. The offering will be a given an official launch in the Half Moon on Feb 12 and the group also appear on invitation from Rough Trade at the Rough Trade shop in London on February 28… ooh, suits you sir !…
In other local news Michael Carr, scribe, DJ and head of Blue Monkey studios has recently taken over as host of The Green Room on 96FM/103FM. The alternative Irish music show goes out from 6-7 on Saturday nights – so tune in to hear a fine selection of underground tunes…
Making waves in Limerick are Golf (a mongrel outfit comprising members of Tooth and The Kyboshi) allegedly sounding a lot more interesting than their chosen moniker might imply – watch out for live dates soon…
Also on the live front, watch out for Dublin and Limerick dates from Giveamanakick in the next few weeks…
Another name to watch out for is Galway man Tom Portman. His recently released album I Have Found combines his unique style of Dobro / lap steel guitar playing and soft intimate vocals. Sounds delicious…
In other news from the City of the Tribes Jon Richards in studio sessions are taking a technical break for the instalment of a brand new mixing desk. Will keep you posted as to when they resume….
Recent releases from the north include the new Feline Dream EP Hell And Highwater which is now available to buy online from Corruptive Records http://www.corruptiverecords.co.uk and for all you metal fans, the new Sinocence album has just been unleashed, check the band’s site http://www.sinocence.co.uk/…
In other new release news, Erica Jennings, singer with the band Skamp, is releasing a Radio-only single ‘It’s a Lovely Day’ in late January. The song has previously been featured on a chill out compilation Living Theatre Volume 1 by The Buddha Bar, Paris. Lending her talents to the project is US DJ Tracy Young who was in charge of remixing duties. Tracy has previously worked with Madonna, Christina and Pink. Meanwhile Skamp are working on their new album in London…
On another UK-related note, Dublin music organisation Gigsmart has forged an alliance with Dragon Music, a Welsh Music Collective. After a successful year, the high-light of which was the Gigsmart compilation reaching Number 6 in the Irish Chart, the organisation is looking to expand its influence abroad.
The new alliance will give Irish bands access to a network of Welsh bands enabling both to exchange gigs. Gigsmart is also in contact with music collectives in Belfast, Birmingham and Edinburgh discussing similar initiatives…
One lady who is no stranger to gigging is NYC resident elaine k, who is back in Ireland to promote her second album as is. Elaine will be appearing across the country throughout the end of January / early February. Check the hotpress.com gig guide for more details…
More new release news… Morello release a double A-side single – ‘Alarm/Hold’ on February 6 – available in Raod, Tower and independent outlets nationwide…
Other stuff to look forward to… new releases from Music Matters International Battle of The Band winners The Kings Mistake who are currently at the mastering stage. Ex Wilde Oscar, Les Keye, is also putting the final touches to his new album Plan B Again…
With lots of Feb/March releases due from a plethora of acts around the country it seems 2004 isn’t shaping up too badly at all…