'Sock It To Em

Take a break from your chocolate-scoffing this Easter and get out and celebrate two top-notch domestic releases. Sligo blues/rock/funk combo Oddsocks Revival mark the unveiling of debut album It’s Time with a hometown show on Easter Saturday, April 23 in Garavogue. The album comes hot on the heels of the infectious single ‘Chasin’ The Dolla’.
The band have just finished a European tour which included three London support slots with Primal Scream and Alabama 3. Other career highlights include jamming with Tommy Ramone and Electric Picnic 2010 where Seasick Steve could be seen bopping away backstage!...
Following on from the success of 2009’s lauded Downside Dublin roots merchants I Draw Slow are about to release follow-up long-player Red Hills on April 22 with a show two days later in the Dublin Sugar.
The band’s live performances are the stuff of legend as proved by their impressive track record of being invited to play a trilogy of Electric Picnic Festivals (2008 – 2010 inclusive) and a number of international concerts in the USA, Denmark and Belgium. Two albums NOT to be missed!...
Another worthy collection on the way is Shadow Road Shining from Dublin singer-songwriter Ciara Sidine (an intoxicating blend of Americana and roots). The album includes contributions from Waterboys violinist Steve Wickham (REM, Bob Dylan), Conor Brady (Toots and the Maytals, Terence Trent D’Arby and George Martin), Paul Moore (Van Morrison), Dave Hingerty (The Frames/Swell Season), Justin Carroll (Van Morrison), and Jack L on the memorable duet ‘Constellations High’.
Ciara recently made her debut TV appearance on Other Voices having been selected from a very long-list of over 500 emerging artists. Her first single ‘Take Me Down’ was released in March along with flipside ‘The Arms Of Summer’, her tribute to musical hero Johnny Cash.
Interesting fact: Ciara is better-known in the publishing world as one of Ireland’s foremost literary editors!...
Dublin tunesmiths Hal make a welcome return to the live circuit with a Whelan’s, Dublin show on Friday May 6. Download the beguiling ‘Down In The Valley’ from halmusic.bandcamp.com…
Fellow Pale residents Hired Hands release their debut album My Heart Hung on Friday April 22 followed by a next-day show in the Workman’s Club, Dublin…
Some Limerick news next… Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters have just released new single ‘Hatch Sixteen’ as the second taster from forthcoming long-player The Devil In Music due on May 20 (previous gem ‘Thread The Needle’ met with rave reviews). Catch them live in The Stables, Mullingar (April 23) and The Spirit Store, Dundalk (29). Interesting fact #2: Hatch 16 is the window through which Limerick dole recipients get their money…
Fellow Treaty City natives Nick Carswell And The Elective Orchestra launch their debut album with a show in Dublin’s Odessa Club on Thursday April 21, the eve of its release. It was self-produced and recorded in a variety of locations including Kerry’s Data Recording Studios, two churches in Limerick and Dublin and an apartment on the site of an old monastery in Cork! Warm melodies, lush strings and fine arrangements make it a must for any self-respecting iPod…
Dublin indie four-piece Von Shakes kick off their US trip at Sullivan Hall, NYC on June 2. New single ‘My Side’ is available from iTunes and all main download stores. Since releasing their debut album The Routine in 2010, the outfit’s star has been firmly in the ascent. Will keep you posted on forthcoming domestic live dates…
And finally… the exquisite We Cut Corners have sent me some tracks from their forthcoming album which I can not speak highly of enough without descending into gushing hyperbole. Keep an eye out for splendiferous single ‘The Male Mind’ coming in May!