Michael Brunnock releases new album The Land

New York-based Irish singer-songwriter Michael Brunnock has released his new album The Land, a deeply personal exploration of his heritage, blending family history, Irish mythology, and the country’s struggle for independence.

Recorded live at the historic courthouse in Kells, County Meath, and supported by the Meath Arts Office and the Irish Arts Council, the album focuses on key moments from Ireland’s Decade of Centenaries, spanning the 1916 Rising to the Irish Civil War.

Find the record below:

Bunnock drew on stories of his paternal grandfather and great-uncles—who were involved in the War of Independence and Civil War— to explore themes of sacrifice, resilience, and identity.

It incorporates both historical figures like Roger Casement and Ernie O’Malley, as well as mythological heroes such as Cú Chulainn, creating a rich narrative tapestry.

The album delves into not only the historical events that shaped the nation but also the intimate lives of ordinary people who lived through them, such as the track ‘Kilmichael (Banshee)’, which expresses the emotional weight of a volunteer preparing for battle, or ‘Outrage’, which was written for Deirdre Kinahan’s play of the same name, addresses the trauma of sexual violence during the Civil War.

Find the album’s full tracklist below:

1. ‘The Ghost of Roger Casement’
2. ‘General Monroe’
3. ‘Broken Heart’
4. ‘Dedication’ (Bandcamp exclusive)
5. ‘Heart of Darkness (Congo)’
6. ‘The Landing’
7. ‘The Thresher’
8. ‘Kilmichael (Banshee)’
9. ‘Outrage’
10. ‘Heart of the Glen’ (Bandcamp exclusive)
11. ‘Saving Face’ (Bandcamp exclusive)
12. ‘Quarry to Wall’
13. ‘The Light’