The proliferation of music sub-genres can sometimes be mind-boggling, but an example which one doesn’t stumble across too often is folk noir. Belfast’s Winding Stair [pictured], as far as we know, are the only purveyors of the genre on the island (angry missives to [email protected]).
They have released a long-player, Finistiere, showcasing their unique brand of ‘magical alternative acoustic music’ and will celebrate this landmark occasion in the John Hewitt on August 5 and Mason's in Derry on August 10. They recently wowed the crowds at Glastonbury, and are looking forward to playing some shows on their native soil.
Sometimes equally as mind-boggling is the cross-pollenation of artists on our domestic scene. The latest side-project to watch out for is Little Xs For Eyes featuring Sorcha Brennan on sabbatical from Butterfly Explosion. The band just released a self-titled EP featuring the tracks ‘Rubble Of Love’, ‘Little Boat Rowing’, ‘Sleepwalking’, ‘Lou’ and ‘Confident’ - which you can road test on www.myspace.com/littlexsforeyes. Ukelele, glockenspiel and beautiful vocal harmonies merge to create wonderfully warm melodies – definitely worth checking out.
Tipperary rockers The Rumours have just released their first single ‘Keep It Going’ and celebrated in style with a packed-out show in their home town of Thurles. The band are all in their late teens and early 20s, and impressively have already made their Electric Picnic stage debut. They can also boast a Hot Press Pick Of The Fortnight. Catch them live in Lavery’s Bunker in Belfast on August 20.
Fellow label-mates The Radio release new single ‘Manmade’ on August 3 in advance of the new album Charm Offensive which will be released on August 10. This is the second single to be taken from the album following hot on the heels of ‘One Of Two Ways’. The use of ‘Whatever Gets You Through Today’ in the hit US television series Grey’s Anatomy brought the band’s music to a global audience. The track was also subsequently used in the promos for two further series, and on the DVD and soundtrack album, which is one of the biggest selling television soundtrack albums of all time. The Radio celebrate the release of Charm Offensive with a gig in the Sugar Club on August 10.
Another gig to watch out for is The Distractors in Crawdaddy on August 4. The band comprises former members of luminaries such as The Rags, Stars Of The City, Hundred Bullets and Pinhead. The band currently comprises Karl Elworthy on vocals, Ciaran Kavanagh on guitar and vocals, Andy Behan on rhythm guitar, Noel Kavanagh on bass and Shane Kinsella on drums. Already they have gigged with Client, Air Traffic, Protokoll and Humanzi and featured on the IMRO Showcase Tour. A single is due to follow shortly – will keep you posted.
In the last of the single news, Bray’s Hipple Street have just released their follow-up to February’s hit ‘Inspector Rita’. ‘Naturally In Harmony’ is currently available from iTunes, downloadmusic.ie, Vodafone Music Store, Sonikpollen and 3 Music.

For live updates tune into The Last Splash, Sunday nights 8-10, with Alison Curtis on Today FM
(email: [email protected])