The inside track: Kingdom come

Kerry is undoubtedly the musical kingdom as 2006 kicks into gear. Dingle, the location for the Other Voices extravaganza, has played host to the likes of BellX1, Alabama 3, Rufus Wainwright, Stars and many more. The programme will be broadcast from the end of January on RTE 2….
In addition, local boys Ten Past Seven launch their debut album, Shut Up Your Face, on January 20. The three-piece are part of the Out On A Limb creative stable which recently brought us Giveamanakick’s You Are The Way Forward and is also home to Rest and Waiting Room.
During their three years in existence Ten Past Seven have graced the stage with such luminaries as The Redneck Manifesto, Pelican and Electric Eel Shock, and beat off stiff competition to emerge triumphant from the Murphy’s Uncorked 2005 competition. There will be plenty of live dates in support of the release, so check hotpress.com for details...
Meanwhile in the Pale, Daymaker, formerly The Omegamen are recovering from their Christmas support to Lir in a packed and very appreciative Whelans. The band are currently in the studio demoing new material. After a quiet 2005 the newly monikered outfit are gearing up for plenty of live action in '06 – you have been warned...
Fellow Dubliners The Kerbs had the honour of being chosen by Alison Curtis in her alphabetical run-down of Irish bands for 2005. Having taken the year away from the live scene, fears of their demise are proven completely unfounded with the six-piece currently in the demo stage for their debut album, due for release later this year. Reports confirm a change of direction in sound for the group, with the new material shaping up to mark an exciting new chapter in their existence. There is a rare live appearance in the pipeline, more details to follow....
Calling all bass players...DC Pakt are looking for a new bass player. Any interested parties should contact Jimmy 086 8938294 or [email protected]...
Annette Sheridan, an Irish lady currently based in Luxembourg, was chosen as a finalist for the Song Of The Year award, for the lyrics for ‘My Love’. Before her move, Annette was known as the presenter of Phoenix FM’s Unplugged, and also worked for Windmill Lane Recording Studios.
Disco-rock kingpins Gorbachov have been working their live magic recently. A successful set of dates (including a prestigious Frames support slot) and growing fan base hint at more greatness to come this year. The band are building their reputation on energetic live shows and Franz-like catchy tunes. To see what all the fuss is about, check out the infectious “Friends” at www.myspace.com/gorbachov.
In Northern news...Nectar have a new website up and running, Go to www.freewebs.com/nectarmusic to get all the latest news and gig dates…
Armagh pagans Waylander will reissue their legendary debut Reawakening Pride Once Lost through Midhir Records this month. The album, a long-established classic of the pagan/folk metal genre, will be released on CD with two remastered bonus tracks from the band’s early demos. Official release date for Europe is Jan 15. A special gatefold LP version will follow shortly.