Author: Zoé Piater

There is less than a month until the much-anticipated Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Prepare to indulge your senses with top-class performances and bespoke dining set against the backdrop of breathtaking historical venues. Tickets are selling fast for Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival (27th May – 3rd June 2024) taking place throughout the Blackwater Valley in Waterford and Cork, with the iconic Lismore Castle at its heart. Featuring over 75 hours of live music with  22 events at 11 venues over 8 days, including many free and discounted ticket events, this celebration of classical music and opera is accessible to all. 

Although the festival is renowned for its music, what many might not know is that there are also incredible pop-up dining experiences throughout the week highlighting the stunning produce of the Waterford and Cork region.  

You can enjoy a pre-opera Giulio Cesare menu by Eunice Power on Fri 31st May and Sun 2nd June (€85) or Gourmet Table Picnics by well-known Waterford duo Eamo & Ró at Lismore Castle and Dromore Yard (€55, choose from four picnics).  With limited places available and a special-price menu exclusively crafted for festival bookers, this is an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in this year’s festival in a celebration that connects music, history, and dining in the heart of the Blackwater Valley. 

There are also exclusive Lunchtime Recital Packages, a testament to the vibrant local food culture and future of the festival in the Blackwater Valley. A  2-course menu and recital ticket for €40 is available at The Saucy Hen Villierstown, Fullers Bistro Lismore, Barron’s Coffee House Cappoquin – coupled with events at Salterbridge House, Villierstown Church, or St Carthage’s Cathedral Lismore.  

Or you can bring your own picnic to dine on before each of the concerts at Dromore Yard – pre-book a spot in one of the outhouses with seats and chairs so that you can picnic in comfort (€10 per person, limited seating).

Highlights of this year’s Blackwater Valley Opera Festival include the headline opera G.F. Handel Giulio Cesare, set in the grounds of Lismore Castle. It is conducted by Nicholas McGegan, is directed by Tom Creed, and features the Irish Baroque Orchestra.

The BVOF 2024 Concert Series at Dromore Yard – a romantic, semi-restored 19th-century farmyard on the banks of the River Blackwater, will feature some incredible performances including a bel canto operatic concert – Of Emperors, Kings, and Queens –, starring Serenad Uyar, Leonardo Galeazzi, and Dearbhla Collins; the Clara Haskil Piano Competition Concert presented by Finghin Collins, featuring Magdalene Ho with Marc Coppey, and the festival finale Antonio Vivaldi Concert with the Irish Baroque Orchestra. 

Over the week, there will also be festival recitals at beautiful heritage homes and venues throughout the Blackwater Valley, free open-air lunchtime recitals in  Lismore, Youghal, Dungarvan and Castlemartyr,  Discover Singing and Discover Opera trails for school children, and more.

Tickets for all events are selling fast with more than 90% of opera tickets already sold out – call the BVOF Box Office on 087 407 9250 or visit www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie

The Big Tickets  – G.F. Handel – Giulio Cesare (Opera)

Weds 29 May & Sat 1 June (SOLD OUT) Fri 31 May & Sun 2 June (Limited tickets)

Tickets €75-€220 Lismore Castle Waterford

The Dromore Yard Concerts

Of Emperors, Kings, and Queens Thurs 30 May 

Clara Haskil Piano Competition Concert Sun 2 June 

Antonio Vivaldi Concert Mon 3 June (SOLD OUT) 

Tickets €25-€60. Dromore Yard, Aglish, Co. Waterford

Recitals for The Classical Music Lovers 

From 28 May – 2 June 2024

Venues in Youghal, Lismore, Cappoquin, Villierstown, Stradbally.

Tickets €25 / €10 Concessions / Limited Free Tickets 

The 2023 Free Shows

BVOF Free Open-Air Lunchtime Recitals – Lismore, Youghal, Dungarvan and Castlemartyr

28 and 31 May, 1 and 2 June Tickets FREE. Booking is essential to secure seating.  

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is supported by grants from the Arts Council, Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Leader, and Fáilte Ireland. The festival’s lead sponsors are Kildare Village, Marsh, AIB, and the John Pollard Foundation. Event sponsors include Castlemartyr Resort and Waterford Whisky. The Preferred Hotel Partner is Castlemartyr Resort Cork.

To discover more about BVOF’s eight days of opera, classical music recitals and concerts, schools programme, free events, dining experiences and more, visit blackwatervalleyopera.ie.

Photo credit: Ruth Medjber

‘Love Like This’, marks the final release among three tracks recorded at The Meadow Studios in Delgany back in June 2023. The preceding songs were ‘All Those Yesterdays and ‘The Hard Way’.

Self-written and co-produced with Alex Borwick, the song revolves around a journey – both physical and emotional – as the couple drives through scenic landscapes, listening to Springsteen on an Irish blue-sky day. The chorus, particularly the repetition of “Love Like This,” underscores the significance of the emotional connection they share. It’s portrayed as the kind of love that inspires songwriting, the kind that becomes indispensable once experienced. Overall, the song captures a romantic and hopeful sentiment, celebrating the beauty in finding the right person and experiencing life together.

Megan says “I remember uploading this back in early March, before I became a new mother, thinking I’d have time to share posts and promote a new song! How naïve! But actually, this feels like the perfect time for the song to come out because even though I wrote this before I was pregnant, now with Faye here, I really have never felt a love like this!”

The track features Paul Kenny on drums (James Vincent McMorrow, Get Well Soon), Joseph Doyle on bass (Glen Hansard, Lisa O’Neill), Sam Killeen on guitar (Kodaline, Lisa Hannigan), and Megan herself on piano, synth, and electric guitar. Mixed by Scott Halliday and mastered by Stephen Ceresia.

***

Last year, O’Neill released an EP titled: Time (Thought you were on my side), featuring five songs written and recorded with producer Richey McCourt. This EP merges her folk, storytelling roots with more electronic elements and was stylistically somewhat different to previous material, highlighting O’Neill’s ability to successfully move between genres. Both singles (Wildfire and Fail Better) became top 10 charting singles and were playlisted by RTE Radio 1, iRadio, Spin 1038 and more, as well as featured performances on BBC’s Across the Line and Virgin Media’s Six O’Clock Show.

Megan’s sophomore studio album Getting Comfortable with Uncertainty was released in March 2021. Time in a Bottle, the bonus track, featured in the opening scene of hit Netflix TV Show Firefly Lane and one week later, O’Neill performed the song live on the RTE Late Late Show – charting that same weekend in Ireland across all genres. Megan’s subsequent Late Late Show performance was this past September when she performed Brian Byrne’s ‘Lay Your Head Down’, originally released with Sinead O’Connor on vocals.

Deemed a “rising star” by uDiscover and Timeout Magazine London, Megan has toured globally. She has performed at private Oscars’ parties in LA alongside Gavin James (on invite from JJ Abrams) and has had her song ‘Don’t You’ featured on ABC’s hit TV Show ‘Nashville’ (Season 3). She has opened for the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Lighthouse Family and Jamie Cullum (to name a few) and the late Olivia Newton-John was a self-proclaimed Megan O’Neill fan.

Late in 2022, Megan toured with Glen Hansard across Ireland as part of his band and took part in the famous Christmas Eve Busk on Grafton Street. She is also a member of indie-electronic project ‘Where the Waters Meet’ alongside Paul Kenny which launched in November 2022 with a commissioned piece for the Recording Academy (The Grammy Awards): their cover of ‘Bette Davis Eyes’.

https://instagram.com/meganoneillmusic
https://twitter.com/meganoneill / @meganoneill
https://www.facebook.com/MeganONeillMusic

The Fynches is the brainchild of brothers Ferdia and Oisín Walsh-Peelo. Together with drummer Camryn Teehan they have been uniting their various fortés to create the eclectic, folk-rock aesthetic that permeates their music. They have a strong vocal-harmony sound which echoes the likes of CSN, The Band, and The Beach Boys. With two acclaimed double A-Side releases under their belt, appearances on The Late Late Show and Fanning at Whelan’s, as well as live performances in The Olympia Theatre, The Fynches are now in the process of recording their debut album.

With a string of single releases on the horizon, The Fynches are an exciting band to watch out for. Today (Thursday 2^nd May), they release their new single ‘Easier.’

In a delightful nod to their origins, ‘Easier’ marks a poignant return to the raw, authentic essence of The Fynches. Recorded in the Wicklow hills, this track exudes a wistful charm that effortlessly tugs at the heartstrings. Produced with meticulous care by The Fynches themselves, it serves as testament to their journey. Through its infectious melody and candid lyrics, Easier acknowledges the trials of yesteryears while embracing the promise of brighter tomorrows. With a soulful vocal performance by Ferdia, each note carries an undeniable vulnerability, inviting listeners into a world of personal reflection.

The arrangement is a warm cushion of sound, with Oisín’s masterful touch elevating the composition to new heights. A jubilant horn section dances gracefully atop a sturdy groove infusing the song with a grace that befits its feel-good energy. Notably, a vintage ‘Framus’ bass takes center stage during the chorus, weaving a spellbinding melody that lingers long after the final note fades. At its core, “Easier” is a testament to The Fynches’ unwavering passion for their craft. Rooted in the timeless allure of analogue recording techniques and brimming with soulful sincerity, it stands as a shining example of their musical ethos—a celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of music.

ABOUT THE FYNCHES:

From their humble beginnings, the Walsh-Peelo brothers were steeped in the classical arts, nurtured by the tender hand of their mother, a virtuoso soprano. Later, Oisín honed his skills touring and recording with bands like Villagers, Flyte, Hudson Taylor and Bombay Bicycle Club, while Ferdia found fame on the silver screen starring in the multi-Oscar-winning film CODA (best-picture), Pistol (Danny Boyle) and the upcoming ‘Four Letters of Love’ (starring Pierce Brosnan & Helena Bonham-Carter).

The journey of The Fynches is one defined by passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of music. From their classical roots to their forays into the world of film and acting, they have remained steadfast in their commitment to the art form that binds them together. With Camryn Teehan providing the rhythmic heartbeat that drives their sound forward, The Fynches stand as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and creativity.

With guest appearances from musicians like Fionn O’Neill and William Blackaby, The Fynches are gearing up for an exciting Winter Tour in 2024 and the release of their keenly anticipated debut album.

FOLLOW THE FYNCHES:

SPOTIFY
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
WEBSITE

“We Are The Darts” was formed by Brian O Sullivan and his brother Stephen in 2015
in London. They started gigging in August 2016 and played all around the
underground scene in London. The band consists Brian, Stephen and Shane
from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and Izaak is from Birmingham.
They took their first trip to the recording studio in 2017 and released their debut
single Sunshinin‘ in September that year. They were fortunate enough to play with
two of the biggest promoters of unsigned artists in the UK – Scruff of the Neck and
This Feeling.

Recorded in Ranch Production studios in Southampton with producer Daly
George.They have subsequently released their first 3 singles from the album We
Are, Maybe Maybe and Setting Sun. Now Forgotten One is the final single to be
released before the long awaited album Who Are You Again ? Which is out later this summer.
Forgotten One – Bio

‘Forgotten One’ was written during the bleak days of the pandemic when everyone
was down in the dumps and uncertainty was everywhere. Brian just wanted to write
something positive that could resonate with people.He wrote it in his bedroom on
an acoustic guitar and recorded it as a voice memo on his phone. He then brought
it to the band who elevated the song to a special place and brought it to where it is
today. The aim for the song was and still is to offer a glimmer of hope that
things will always get better.

Welcome to the world of Alice Laffan – a singer-songwriter from County Laois, Ireland. Alice’s love for music and singing began in primary school, thanks to her teacher, the late Lorraine Maher. Lorraine was a remarkable singer-songwriter who ignited Alice’s passion for music and encouraged her to pursue a career in the industry. Alice’s roots in the Irish midlands have shaped her musical journey, and she continues to express her talents through her music. 

Alice is deeply rooted in the lively Traditional Irish Music Scene. Her music draws inspiration from the rich storytelling of folk legends like Luke Kelly and Dougie MacLean. As she explored various musical genres, she discovered a connection with the emotive songwriting of artists like Joni Mitchell and Noah Kahan. Their ability to translate raw emotion into timeless songs inspired Alice to embark on her own musical journey.

Alice’s songwriting is a beautiful tapestry crafted from the threads of her personal experiences and astute observations of the world around her. She draws inspiration from the everyday moments of life, as well as the depth and complexity of human connections and experiences. Alice skillfully weaves narratives through her music that deeply resonate with listeners, inviting them to share in the genuine emotions and stories she artfully portrays.

Having graced stages across Ireland, from intimate pub gigs to the illustrious Electric Picnic, Alice’s live performances are characterized by raw emotion and authenticity. Her music has also transcended borders, reaching international audiences at events such as the Maryland Irish Festival and An Poitin Stil in America. These experiences allowed her to share her music and stories with listeners from different corners of the world.

Alice has cultivated a dedicated following and is currently working on recording her debut EP after signing with Youngblood Music. ‘Wait’ is the debut single from the EP, set to release on May 10th.

ABOUT THE TRACK

‘Wait’ is the debut single of Irish pop-folk artist Just Alice. The song details the trials and tribulations of young love, blending raw storytelling with an upbeat production.

Through her songwriting, Alice attempts to take listeners on a melodic journey through her lived experiences and her view of the world around her, writing songs that showcase her raw emotion and authenticity.

“When bringing the song into the studio, we listened to some influences and really thought about how we wanted to present the track. The melody and chord progression of the song really ties in with the theme of resilience, so it was about representing that through the energy of the song. The track rises and falls in line with the story being told, and really does portray a feeling of triumphant resilience which hopefully listeners will identify with.”
Alice Laffan (singer-songwriter of Just Alice)

‘Wait’ is a track that blends pop melodies inspired by Taylor Swift & Picture This, with influences from songwriting greats Joni Mitchell and Gregory Alan Isakov to create the perfect mixture of pop-folk.

“‘Wait’ is a song I wrote about navigating the ups and downs of young love under the pressure of external influences. It’s about learning to be patient, resilient and trusting that things will work out if you just give it time. Knowing that sometimes, all you have to do is wait.”
Alice Laffan (singer-songwriter of Just Alice)

‘Wait’ was produced, mixed and mastered by Darragh O’Connor at Youngblood Music, and is available on all platforms via Youngblood Music on May 10th.

TikTok  Website  Twitter  Instagram

Dublin band Sack return with a brand new single Wake Up People on Friday, May 10th and is the follow up to the 2021 single What A Way To Live. Produced by John (Spud) Murphy (Birds Of Olympus) and Sack, it was engineered by Ber Quinn (John Grant, The Divine Comedy, Villagers) and mixed by Dave Eringa ( Manic Street Preachers, The Who, Kylie, Ocean Colour Scene) it is the first single to be taken from their new upcoming album also entitled ‘Wake Up People’ which is set for release on October 18th.

The new album is their first album of new material since 2001’s Adventura Majestica which will be released on the band’s own reactivated Jetset Junta label. Recorded at Dublin’s Sonic Studio with John Murphy and Ber Quinn, it is the first album to feature new members Gavin Fox (Idlewild, Turn) and Tony Barrett (The Brilliant Trees) alongside original members Martin McCann, John and Tony Brereton.

“Wake Up People is a song urging everyone to be aware, be active, be kind, be fair and to use our most precious democratic provision; the right to vote, in a lawful, peaceful way” John Brereton

Wake Up People is available to stream and download on all the usual platforms from Friday, May 10th.

“It’s one of the best tracks from one of the best Irish bands of the past 30 years” Dan Hegarty, RTE 2FM (on Wake Up People)

Sack will take to the road in support of the new album with a short tour of Ireland and the UK throughout October and November, kicking off at Dundalk’s Spirit Store and will see the band take in shows at The Button Factory, Dublin, Voodoo in Belfast, The Treehouse in Frome, a slot at the Shiiine On Festival, Minehead and London’s 229, before finishing up at Kilkennys legendary Cleere’s. The band are also playing a special one-off acoustic show at the United Arts Club in Dublin on Friday, May 23rd where they will debut the new songs from their album in an acoustic setting. As well as a double headline show with Colm Lynch at The Purty Kitchen as part of the Dun Laoghaire Summer Fest on Friday, July 5th.

Tickets for all shows except The Button Factory on sale now, Button Factory tickets go on sale on Friday May 3rd.

Tour Dates
Fri May 24th – The United Arts Club, Dublin (Acoustic show)
Fri July 5th – The Purty Kitchen, DL Summer Fest double headliner with Colm Lynch
Sat Oct 26th – Spirit Store, Dundalk
Fri Nov 1st – 229 Club, London, UK
Thurs Nov 14th – Treehouse, Frome, Somerset, UK
Fri Nov 15th – Shiiine On Festival, Minehead, UK
Sat Nov 23rd – Button Factory, Dublin
Fri Nov 29th – Voodoo, Belfast
Sat Nov 30th – Cleeres, Kilkenny.

Acclaimed Irish songwriter Oisín Leech has just announced his biggest solo headline show to date at London’s prestigious Union Chapel on Saturday October 26th as part of a nationwide English, Scottish and Irish tour.

His debut LP ‘Cold Sea’ is already being hailed as one of the albums of 2024 being described by Uncut as “stunning” and by Le Monde in France as “nine tracks of absolute beauty.”

The album was produced and recorded in Donegal by Brooklyn musician Steve Gunn and features many luminaries such as M Ward (Matt Ward), Dylan’s long-time bassist Tony Garnier, Roisín McGrory and music legend Dónal Lunny.

Watch the video for ‘Colour Of The Rain’ here – filmed at the venue for Oisin’s music night – Joey Procida’s Folk Club.

https://youtu.be/RQRglTpe4SM?feature=shared

The album ‘Cold Sea’ reached the top 20 in the Official UK Folk Charts and has, as the Irish Times states , received ‘global acclaim.’

Oisin recently performed at Other Voices and has also been invited to perform at the ‘International Literature Festival Dublin’ in Merrion Square May 20 as part of a stellar line-up which includes Colm Tobín, Sinéad Gleeson and many more. In August Oisin has been invited to play the main stage at Another Love Story Festival in Meath.

He will bring it all home to Whelans Dublin on November 14th. Find more info and signed copies of ‘Cold Sea’ on limited-edition vinyl and cd at www.oisinleech.com

Watch the video for ‘One Hill Further’ here:
https://youtu.be/rMTWMK_lw6U?feature=shared

See all of Oisin’s live dates below:
April 30 – London- The Lexington (SOLD OUT).
May 3 – Paris – L’Archipel Theatre.
May 7 – Belfast – The Deer’s Head (Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival).
May 20 – International Literature Festival Dublin, Merrion Square.
August 24 – Another Love Story Festival.
Oct 16 – Liverpool – Leaf.
Oct 17 – Birmingham – Kitchen Garden Cafe.
Oct 18 – Bristol – Folk House.
Oct 19 – Halle At St Michael’s – Manchester.
Oct 22 – Glasgow – CCA.
Oct 23 – Edinburgh – Summerhall.
Oct 24 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club.
Oct 26 – London – Union Chapel.
Nov 14 – Dublin- Whelans.

Set for release on May 2nd, JustG’s latest single is poised to become the ultimate summer anthem. With its bright plucks and summer-inspired vibes, the track captures the essence of the season perfectly. But it’s not just about the daytime vibes, as “Saved Me” seamlessly transitions into a pulsating bassline and dynamic synths, ensuring it’s a perfect fit for both sunny days, and late nights in the club.

“This track is just a vibe, and a slightly different sound from me. Once I started working on it, I knew it had to be worked on summer in mind. I wanted a track that you could blast on a Bluetooth speaker while out in the sun, but also something that would work in the darkness of the club.”

JustG is slowly becoming a prominent figure in the music industry, amassing over 5.5 million Irish radio impacts as well as over 1.4 million plays across all major music streaming platforms. His previous releases have received accolades, including the “iTunes Number 1” spot, numerous “Track of the Week” features on Spin Southwest and 2FM, as well as features in press outlets such as HotPress magazine and RTE Entertainment, showcasing his consistent ability to deliver exceptional music.

“Destined to follow Belters Only into the pop charts is JustG” – HotPress

“Miranda Faul’s ‘Not Much 0f a Man’ is emblematic of the artist’s genre-bending capabilities” – Hot Press Magazine

“Armed with only an acoustic guitar she lulls listeners into a tender stupor – ready to take the industry by storm” – The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO)

“‘Summer’ by Miranda Faul is a beautiful acoustic piece with poignant lyrics brought to life by infectious harmonies that make for a very intimate listen” – Chord Blossom

“Ear-grabbing, spacious Folk-Pop with thought provoking lyrics” – Neil March, Fresh On The Net

“Miranda Faul has solidified her position as a rising star in the Irish music scene … poised to leave a lasting impact on the contemporary music landscape” – Chris Thompson, PureMzine

About Miranda:

Miranda Faul is an independent Irish singer-songwriter based in Dublin. Miranda’s music is characterized by her unique blend of folk, rnb, and indie pop influences, and her poignant lyrics and soulful vocals. She is influenced by a wide range of artists, including Lisa Hannigan, Hozier, Adele, and Jorja Smith. She released her latest single, “Not Much Of A Man”, on March 8th 2024. She previously released two singles, “Renegade” in March 2023, and “Summer” in September 2023.

Miranda’s music has been featured in popular music blogs such as Hot Press, Golden Plec, Chord Blossom, Void Magazine, Fresh On The Net, and the IMRO blog. Her songs have been played on radio stations such as RTE 2FM, Dublin City FM, KFM, KCLR, and Dublin South FM. Since emerging on the Irish music scene in 2022, Miranda has performed in various iconic Dublin venues, including The Grand Social, The Workman’s Club, Fibber Magees, The Sound House, Sin É, and Opium Live.

Miranda is set to release an acoustic mix of her latest single “Not Much Of A Man” on April 4th, followed by three more new singles ahead of her debut EP release in Summer 2024.

Miranda on Delicate:

“Delicate is a song about living in a vulnerable, fragile space without actively healing. There is an underlying fear of drowning, of defeat, if you don’t change, but you can’t, you don’t know how to, you’re just about staying afloat.

In that space, it’s about being in a dark and consuming romantic relationship; it’s cold, it’s bleak, no one is trying anymore. The relationship is a symptom of your own inability to change, to strive for better in any aspect of your life. And you have a sense that they’re leeching off of you, consuming you, benefitting from your inaction. But your brain is clouded; you still see their good sides, you feel that you need them, so, in a way, you’re also terrified that they might leave.

Writing and recording this song was quite a cathartic experience for me. I wrote it on a cold weekend this January when I was home alone, thinking and writing. I finished writing it while out walking; I often write songs while walking, I let the words and rhythms bounce around in my head as I walk, it helps me to figure them out. Writing it brought me back to some past situations that had hurt me. I brought myself back to those places emotionally when I was recording the vocals by picturing certain spaces that I associated with them. It was an intense session, but it felt good and meaningful to create something authentic from a trauma. It was produced by Cian Sweeney. Stylistically, it’s a blend of folk-pop and electro-pop influences. It doesn’t really break up once it gets going; it opens and closes with the line ‘don’t ask me why I’m running’, so I wanted it to feel like running, going through the motions, afraid to slow down or stop.”

Upcoming Gigs:

Fibber Magees, Dublin with Raise The Bar Events – May 2nd

Recent Gigs:

Crowbar Terrace, Dublin – April 25th
Sound House Rising – April 2nd
Sin É, Dublin – March 29th
Ladies First at The Grand Social, Dublin – January 30th
Breaking Sound at The Sound House, Dublin – January 8th

The Prongs with Special Guest Martin Bramah (The Fall, House of All, Blue Orchids), Tansy McNally and Molly Vulpyne

Button Factory, Temple Bar, Thursday May 30^th 

The Prongs, the world’s greatest fictional post-punk pop group, headline a show at the Button Factory on Thurs May 30^th to celebrate the launch of their new four-track EP Psychogeography. Lords of the Dublin lit-music underground, The Prongs are John Fleming (words and voice) and Niall Toner Jr (music). For the Button Factory show, they will present in full bombastic six-piece band format.

The Prongs bring their unique incendiary cabaret to this legendary rock n’ roll stage with a glittering array of guests. Flying in specially from Manchester is legendary Martin Bramah, founding member of The Fall and frontman of House of All and Blue Orchids. Making his Irish debut, Bramah will be joined by fellow Blue Orchid Tansy McNally. Dublin punk songstress Molly Vulpyne, whose Amortise is getting rave reviews, opens the evening.

The event will mark the release of The Prongs’ eagerly awaited new 12-inch EP. Psychogeography will melt the compass of your heart and mind with themes of existential dislocation, cod delinquency, half-heartedness and the sincerity of flattery. Lead track Map of a City is an ode to the built environment and the tunnel of mystery that links every urban space. Its musical landscape is twisted timeless techno.

Last year, The Prongs emerged from the pages of John Fleming’s cult novel The Now Now Express to conquer theatrical venues and rock bars in their native Ireland as well as cultural centres abroad. The BBC’s Gideon Coe revealed them as his firm fave with multiple airplays. Psychogeography develops the striking essence the band first revealed on 2023’sTheme from The Now Now Express CD. Niall Toner Jr’s delicate musical artistry and John Fleming’s lean literate lyrics fuse yet again into this work of elevated new wave/post-punk pop culture. Psychogeography is a stunning signpost to the next project by The Prongs: a full-length feature film.

Accolades for The Prongs
Theme From The Now Now Express CD (“Sophisticated melancholy… glimmers of dissatisfied vitriol… strident, slinky rock… deliciously unsettling” – The Irish Times
“Explore the magical world of The Prongs” – The Goo magazine).
See also John Fleming’s cult novel (“Well-honed, insightful… Fleming has a lovely turn of phrase” – The Irish Independent)
Check out The Prongs on YouTube, Bandcamp and streaming platforms.

The Prongs
Thursday, May 30^th     Doors 7.30pm     Tickets €20
Advance tickets available from Tickets.ie: https://tinyurl.com/ycka6pd4
Button Factory, 9 Curved St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2