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Emerging Alt-Folk Duo Arrow In The Sky set to unleash stunning self titled album August 2nd

July 29, 2024

“A new single from Arrow In The Sky’s upcoming album to release later this year. ‘Fire’ is psychedelic and genre-diffusing, with influences ranging from punk to rock to even some folk.” – Hot Press

“Known for their distinctive brand of indie-folk, multi-instrumentalists Conor McCauley and Brian Murphy push the boundaries of folk music to something questioning conventionalism.” – Otherside Reviews

“As anticipation builds for the full album release, ‘Time Of Need’ offers a tantalizing taste of what’s to come from this talented Irish outfit.” – Pure M Zine

“Prepare to be enchanted by Arrow In The Sky’s latest offering. Their music is not just a listening experience but an emotional journey that resonates with the timeless themes of aspiration and the quest for freedom. Keep an ear out for ‘The Girl Who Thought She Was A Bird’ – it’s a song that will stay with you long after the last note fades.” – Jace Media Music

Arrow In The Sky are a dynamic duo of multi-instrumentalists, Conor McCauley and Brian Murphy, hailing from the heart of Ireland. Known for their unique sound, they have previously released two acclaimed mini-albums: Do What Thou Wilt (2009) and Winter’s Requiem (2011). Their songwriting partnership creates a distinct world of rapture and sorrow, blending traditional instruments with an unconventional approach.

Arrow In The Sky’s live performances are as captivating as their studio work, featuring looping guitars, blazing mandolins, and a suitcase-turned-bass drum. This innovative style has made them a favourite opening act for renowned Irish bands like Villagers, The Stunning, and Duke Special.

Their previous singles such as ‘The Girl Who Thought She Was A Bird’, ‘Time of Need’ and ‘Fire’ which has over 9k streams on Spotify, picked up support in the likes of Hot Press, Pure M Zine, Rolling Stone En Espanol, Otherside Reviews,  The Beat, Jace Media Music,  IMRO, Radio Nova, RTÉ Radio 1, Beat 102 103, Atwood Magazine, RTÉ 2XM, LMFM and more and their single ‘My Sunshine’ has gathered over 16k streams on Spotify making the duo a hot one to watch!

The band are now set to release their highly anticipated album which is set for release on August 2nd, they hope to gather more press and radio support to continue building their momentum.

About the Album

The Girl Who Thought In the 2010s, Arrow in the Sky embarked on the creation of their self-titled debut album, a journey marked by rich veins of creativity, unexpected turns, and numerous challenges. Initially, the band pursued the traditional route of self-funding recording sessions at high-end studios. However, as producer conflicts and mounting studio bills accumulated, it became clear that this path would not lead to the sound Arrow was aiming for.

Instead, they chose to retreat to the residential haven of the Cronin brothers’ Transmission Rooms studios in Longford. With additional instrumentation and vocals added in makeshift home studios—Brian’s grandmother’s dining room, his childhood bedroom, and his father’s kitchen—the album began to take on a deeply personal touch.

“I could start to hear the personality of the band more when I had time to go deep into the recording and editing without looking at a clock worrying about studio time,” Brian reflected.

As the album was coming together, Conor McCauley began to feel a persistent numbness in his hands, later diagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Despite frequent hospitalizations and the condition he wryly referred to as “More Shit,” Conor’s dedication to the project never wavered. Esteemed musicians, including Jason Cooper of The Cure, cello virtuoso Gerard Toal, former band member Shayne Byrne, and many other friends, generously contributed their talents, adding layers of musical artistry that enriched the album.

While the album was originally written for the most part in the wake of Ireland’s financial collapse and dealt with the effects of that on small-town inhabitants and their lives, these themes appear no less relevant now over a decade later.

 “Many of the themes we were dealing with when first starting writing the album have strangely come full circle again. Things like the mass exodus of our youth and economic hardship. All these things appear to be relevant again. It’s like they never went away or we are stuck in a time loop,” says Brian.

A testament to their enduring creativity and determination, Arrow in the Sky have launched their new album with a launch night in Platform 5 music venue Mullingar. The album will be available exclusively on Bandcamp for digital download, on beautiful limited edition 12” vinyl and CD before its worldwide release on 2nd August on all streaming platforms.

Ireland’s acclaimed alternative folk duo, Arrow in the Sky, is set to captivate audiences once again with their latest single, “Cardboard Town.” This poignant and evocative song delves deep into the intricate and often blurred line between brilliance and mental illness, a theme that resonates powerfully through its haunting lyrics and soul-stirring melodies.

Cardboard Town (Focus Track)

Cardboard Town,” tells the story of two kindred spirits navigating life in a desolate town, bound by their shared struggles and dreams. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of their journey, from the “cardboard town” and “harbour wall” to the “shipyard smoke stack” and “factory whistle blow.” The song captures the essence of feeling trapped in a place where “your life is not your own,” yet finding solace and freedom in each other’s company.

The refrain, “I dreamed you home / I dream you home,” serves as a poignant reminder of the longing for connection and the hope of guiding a lost soul back to the ‘Cardboard Town’. Delving into the themes of loss and longing, the fleeting nature of sanity and the beauty found in moments of madness. The wide-eyed explorer that has ventured out into the world and those that they have left behind.

Arrow in the Sky’s unique blend of alternative folk, rich storytelling, and emotive harmonies come together seamlessly in this track. The duo’s signature sound, characterised by intricate acoustic arrangements and deeply personal lyrics, is on full display in “Cardboard Town,” making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.

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