Starting with labels this issue and news that Limerick’s Out On A Limb has added Crayonsmith to its rota. The outfit comprises Ciarán Smith, with good friends Ruadhan “Big Fists” O’Meara and Ronan Jackson. The 2006 debut longplayer Stay Loose was self-released on the Musical Voodoo label. Sparklehorse’s Mark Linkous was so impressed by it that he personally asked Smith to support his band on their UK and Irish tour.
Other shows of note have included dates with The Decemberists, Islands, Juana Molina, Viva Voce, and Quasi amongst others. A solo US tour starts on March 21, with a prestigious guest spot to Casiotone For The Painfully Alone. Work has already commenced on a second album which should get a release early next year.
In other label news Lotus Lullaby (pictured) have recently signed to Religion Music and changed their name to The Gift. Specialists in breaking bands in the US the label have recently secured an American for Lesley Roy and they also set up the fruitful meeting between pop artist Shelly and the woman who managed Madonna for 13 years. The band are returning to heavier, darker, rockier material which should also go down a treat with potential US audiences. They are currently recording and mixing their first album, which should be finished by the end of May.
Continuing on an album note Lucas have just put the finishing touches to their sophomore effort Letters To A Friend. The longplayer was recorded in Abhaile Studios and will be given an official release in the Roisin Dubh on March 24.
Lauren Guillery & The Claws launch their debut EP LISTEN! in The Cavern, Isaac Butt’s on April 21, support on the night comes from MPInferno and Medea. They also play Sunday Roast in Thomas Reads on March 25 and support Leanne Harte in Crawdaddy on April 13. The Dublin three piece have been compared to the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs and Patti Smith – definitely worth checking out!
Cork residents in the Dunmanway area on March 31 should head along to St. Patricks Hall where the Noise terrorism Festival takes place that night. The vent showcases the talent of eight loacel bands Medics, Remedy, The Rimms, In Vengence, 5th Legion, Acoustic Solution, Karnage and Mannikin and all proceeds go to the Belarussian Ophans Project.
Wicklow band Hybrasil had the honour of supporting The Waterboys on their recent jaunt around Ireland at Mike Scott’s request. The band are also working hard on their debut album which should hit the shops in early May. They have managed to set a few nights aside to placate impatient fans by providing a live taster at the Radisson, Sligo on march 23, The Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny on March 24 and the Waterfront Hall, Belfast on March 25.