The Inside Track

Jimmy Cagney fans will recognise the oft-quoted phrase from the Hollywood classic White Heat but ‘Top of The World’ will soon take on new meaning for the legions of Alphastates fans country-wide when the single hits shops on November 26. The release is the third taken from their highly-acclaimed debut long-player Made In Sand. Catherine and co are currently preparing for a spate of touring which will include dates in The Stables, Mullingar on November, 25 Crawdaddy, Dublin on November 26, Cypress Avenue, Cork November 27 and Dolans, Limerick December 2.
...Also on the road, albeit in the UK, are Derry’s Fighting With Wire who have just released their debut EP “01” . Currently under the managerial guidance of Peter Fleming in Schism the band have cultivated a strong following in recent months. Comprising frontman Cahir O’Doherty, guitarist and songwriter from Jetplane Landing, drummer Craig McKean formerly of the Clearshot and Herb,of Vapour Lounge-fame the act are definitely one to watch in 2005. Expect nationwide dates soon…will keep you posted...
...On a less aggressive, more cerebral note, Cork’s Eve Of Mind have just released their debut album Teddy TV, forget the cutesy image suggested by the title, there are more than a few political threads running through this opus. Having spent the last three months both writing and recording Ger, Dan and Tim are proud of the fruits of their labour. And labour they did, not only have they produced an ambitious debut but the hand-made press kit with complimentary teddy bear was one of the most impressive to arrive in HP central this year.
...Moving west now... Following his sold-out show at Tuam Arts Festival a few months back Noelie McDonnell is to undertake a UK tour supporting The Saw Doctors. Noelie has played support to The Saw Doctors many times before but this will be his first full tour supporting the band. He also supported John Martyn for two nights at Campbell’s Tavern earlier this year – and the ‘Solid Air’ man was singing the praises of the young North Galway gent...
...Jackie Hayden Demo Dip favourite, Kildare native and Galway resident Eoghan Burke (now performing under the name Fia Rua) is to release a single called ‘We Need Love’ in early December. It is produced by ex Ronan O’Snodaigh and Luka Bloom producer Mark Gavin...
...Another act to watch out for in the west at the moment is singer-songwriter Sabrina Dinan. The Ennis native has been living and gigging in Galway for over five years. She recently played support to The Walls in her home town and received rave reviews from fans of the band on their message board. She is due to release her debut EP in 2005...
…The live scene in Waterford is going from strength-to-strength with the addition of The Guinness sessions in Masons. Guests so far have included Widescreen, The Siam Collective, Sub City and The West Seventies. Held each Tuesday, each session is kicked-off with house band Lady Mammoth. If you are interested in taking part send an email to [email protected]. On the rota in the next few weeks are Wexford’s Red Lunacy who will spend the rest of the year attending to tour duties. The four-piece have already established a loyal following in the south-east so check out Hotpress.com for live dates...
News from the Niall Quinn & The Pennywhores camp is that they have just released their debut single ‘Legalise Murder (Just For Me)’ on 4-3-3 Records. Featuring ex-Hitchers drummer/songwriter Niall Quinn on vocal duties the Pennywhores are glam legend Alvin Purples old backing band. Admirers already include David Gedge (Wedding Present), Bob Geldof and the late great John Peel. One not to miss!
…And finally, the bad news for Limerick’s Supermodel Twins’ fans is that the band is calling a halt to touring activities until the New Year. Davey O’Keeffe has been recruited as guitarist/vocalist and will be rehearsing a new set before hitting the road again in the New Year.

For live updates tune into The Last Splash, Sunday nights 9-11, with Alison Curtis on Today FM email: [email protected]