The latest six-string merchants who have risen from the North are Larne quartet Throat. To date, Throat have only made demos and tracks on local compilations available, yet they have still managed to attract acclaim from Kerrang! magazine (a 4K review no less) and band fandom from Helmet, Limp Bizkit, Three Colours Red, Therapy? and Idlewild. This month sees their first 'proper' nationwide release, 'Sonny's Hired Killer', on their own label, Throatmusic.

'Sonny's Hired Killer' is a catchy blast of buzzing Black Sabbathical melodic noise which has already received substantial airplay in the North and earned them a Fanning Session later this month. They cite a mixture of influences including Quicksand, Helmet, Therapy?, The Jesus Lizard, Metallica, The Police, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kerbdog, Rocket from the Crypt, The Specials, DJ Shadow, NWA and the Beastie Boys.
The single is licensed to revered Derry label Schism who have been responsible for formidable releases by Scheer, Pulszar, Lima and Asterix. Schism Records are currently presenting an Irish and UK tour with Lithium Records which includes Throat, coinciding with the label's busiest ever release schedule.
Touring is no hassle to the already well-oiled Throat live machine, who have played over 150 gigs to date throughout Ireland and Scotland.
In the early days we used to take a little sauce to calm the nerves, so we used to get hammered before playing. On one particular occasion, Willy introduced the band with hello we're throat, and here we go" then ran to the back of the stage and vomited on a young unconscious fellow lying behind his amp."
How is the current Alternative Stimulants Tour going?
"Sweet like chocolate. We have had great response from all the crowds so far and we are just having a shit hot time playing and drinking and playing and drinking some more. We can't wait to play Whelan's in the very near future. We are going to release an EP in the summer.
We think there are too many fabricated acts with more good looks than talent; the industry seems to be swarming with them. That ain t going to change, but it would be nice to see a few more guitar bands instead of the utter piss that the charts are overflowing with."
Are you pleased with your considerable progress to date?
"Yes. The band started off purely to play a one-off gig at our old school, but we enjoyed playing together so much we decided to record a demo just for us to listen to. It seemed other people liked it as well. In fact the demo (TANK) got us our first mention in Kerrang! magazine. So, yes, it was a surprise."
Do you think that the reasonably healthy state of the scene in the North has helped you in any way?
"The scene is picking up slowly but has still a fair bit to go until we are going to have good opportunities for any of the good bands around Northern Ireland, instead of the big fat cheques throwing all their money at commercial bullshit. We would like the chance to win over a festival crowd somewhere in the UK or Ireland. Our dream gig would be in Madison Square Gardens playing with Helmet, AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. Obviously we would have to headline the show, cause it's our dream!! Other than that we just want to play as many gigs as possible, write some more great songs, get a massive record deal become rich and famous with fast cars and fast women. Other than that, no more plans."

Throat play the Schism Records vs. Lithium Records Tour on Friday 12th May in The Nerve Centre, Derry and Saturday 13th May in The Duke of York, Belfast. Throat will also be appearing at the Draperstown Music Live festival on May 27th. Sonny's Hired Killer is out now on Throatmusic.
e-mail: [email protected]