Dublin art rock four piece iNNUENDO have released their debut EP 'on occasion' and to mark the erm.. occasion we are joined by frontwoman and pianist extraordinaire Nora Ronan along with drummer Daniel Dennehy who also plays piano along with several other instruments. We are not worthy!Listen in as we play the tracks and go for a deep dive into the making of the EP - their reflections, the inspirations, the bumps in the road and a great story about the string quartet which became a duo. iNNUENDO on SpotifyiNNUENDO on InstagramBuy the 'on occasion' CDKeelin Sutcliffe on Instagram (artwork)Launch gig ticketsTracks playedclear motiondon't ask awayastros bluebrake fasteron occasion

Never ones to shy away from diving into deep waters, in this episode we delve into Black Poison Morning - the debut album from Limerick's His Father's Voice.They offset dark lyrics and edgy instrumentation with soaring pop melodies and epic crescendos. The band comprise singer/guitarist Ash O’Connor, lead guitarist James Reidy, and rhythm section of Laya Meabhdh Kenny on bass and Cian McGuirk on drums. Ash and James join us for the podcast in which we go through the album track by track for lyrical and musical insights and inspirations - "lyrically it's purposefully quite dark with obnoxiously dark titles"Follow the band and get latest updates on their Instagram profile and on their Bandcamp pageThe vinyl album is available to order in our online storeTracks playedThe BluesNight TerrorsThrough The ThornsForgot To FeedInterior DecoratorBreathlessArm's LengthEmotional Embargo

SCATTERED ASHES are an angular, abrasive post punk foursome originally from Dublin but now based in the UK. They have released their second EP All That Is Solid Melts Into Air and we chatted to frontman Rob Dalton and went through the EP track by track. Despite suffering from a heavy cold, he gave us great background and insights into this essential listening EP.  You will also find out which track was inspired by The Eye Of The Tiger, who Rob’s favourite drummer is and what the hell the X-files have got to do with it.At times angry, defiant, reflective, sad and optimistic, this EP finds them taking on the world. Incorporating guitars, samples, synths and sequencers, their expanded audio arsenal has melodies to match and attitude in abundance.SCATTERED ASHES on InstagramSCATTERED ASHES on SpotifyVinyl EP in our online store

Dublin slowcore four piece of all living things have released their second EP Cold Plunge. We chatted to Eunice and Danilo from the band on the day they played a support slot for  English Teacher in Dublin, in preparation for their own headline tour supporting the May 31 release.Cold Plunge has a slower more intense and emotional feel than their debut On Familiar Ground; as we go through and play the EP track by track, we learn why that is, how they felt during the recording process and what inspired their songwriting.  Buy Cold Plunge on vinylof all living things on Instagramof all living things on Spotify

Nixer are Seán Keenan and Simon Gardner and they deliver dancefloor friendly, uptempo and visceral electro synth wave which is delicately balanced with the perfect amount of pop sensibilities.On the day that their new EP I hit the town and the town hit me back was released, we had the craic with Seán and went through the EP track by track. It was recorded, produced and mixed in bedrooms in London, LA, and New York City (and Drogheda as we find out). This deep dive gives us the skinny on the inspirations, recording processes and feelings (some good, some bad!) about the songs - all in Seán's unique, high energy style. Highly recommended.Nixer on Instagram Nixer on SpotifyVinyl record available hereTracks played are:1. Hit The Town2. Second Hand3. Voices4. The Book5. Saccharine Smile6. Fast One7. Hit Me Back

What a delight to talk to Rob Flynn aka Rob Rua in episode 53 of the Blowtorch Records podcast. Rob is our guide to all things heavy bass and his passion, which was ignited by the arrival of dubstep in the 00s, shines through.With no less than four record labels (Rua, Spheres, Foxy Jangle and latest Ar Ais Arís) and a thriving club night in Galway, we were lucky to pin him down for an hour!The brilliant artwork for this episode is by DJ Egg. The opening track is Laced Up by Doubt from the new Ar Ais Arís Volume 1 release on their Bandcamp page.Ar Ais Arís - Big soundsystems. Big energy. Small safe spaces. Run by Alannah, Hannah, Robin & RobAr Ais Arís BandcampAr Ais Arís InstagramDJ Egg Instagram

Michael Smyth from Belfast's Virgins guides us track by track through the band's debut album nothing hurt and everything was beautiful. Virgins have quickly become one of Ireland's most promising bands, flying the flag for Irish shoegaze since their sold out and critically acclaimed debut EP transmit a little heaven in 2023. The eagerly anticipated debut album  is out now digitally and on a pressing of 300 starburst vinyl. The album finds the band exploring a wider sonic palette, seamlessly moving between the gaze-pop of first single slowly long and disappearer, to the dance influenced softer and the heavy, expansive and ethereal pale fire and tend. Virgins InstagramBuy vinylDublin launch gigBelfast launch gigVirgins on this album were Michael Smyth, Rebecca Dow, David Sloan, James Foy and Brendy McCann. It was recorded at 1980 studios with producer/mixer Jonny Woods and mastered by Jon Moorehead at Moosetronix Mastering.

Here at Blowtorch Records we love a deep dive and episode 51 is devoted to the divine sounds of The Swedish Railway Orchestra's new album Once Upon A Time...Rob Smith is the man behind the project and he is our guide as we go through the album track by track and hear the influences and inspirations behind the project as a whole and the tracks individually.The vinyl album is available here Tracks played are:The Chelsea Hotel Forever And A Day You'll Never Take Me Alive Obelisco Once Upon A Time In Palestine I Saw The City People Will Let You Down Motions Of The Tone Circus

Seabass Vinyl is Scotland's first ever, and currently only, vinyl pressing plant. As vinyl is our favourite obsession there's no better subject for the half century of Blowtorch podcasts than Seabass co founder Dave Harvey.Dave and his wife Dominique have setup a state of the art pressing plant 20km from Edinburgh which aims not only to deliver short vinyl runs to up and coming bands (and Taylor Swift if she asks nicely) but also be the most sustainable facility in the world.We pressed our recently released Swedish Railway Orchestra album with Seabass and were delighted with the result. So here's our chat covering everything you wanted to know about vinyl production but were afraid to ask.Mentioned in the podcast:Seabass Vinyl websiteSeabass Vinyl InstagramFish on a Friday podcastIndicator RecordsStamper DiscsBarry Grint masteringCalum Malcolm audio

One away from the half century episode and we are chatting to Kyle Thornton, the frontman from Mayo/Galway trio, and contender for loudest band in Ireland, Nerves.Fresh from a triumphant continental debut in Paris and with recent single Empty garnering rave reviews, Kyle is in fine form. He charts the band's trajectory, from meeting drummer Adam aged 12 to adding bass (and flute?) maestro Charlie in college to now being on the cusp of releasing their debut EP on vinyl. And being recognised as one of the most devastating live acts in the country. With debut EP Glórach being released in March, 2024 is going to be Nerves' breakthrough year. Links mentioned in the podcastThe Tracks Society Paris backstage podcast CR's video vaultsGlórach vinyl pre orderNerves on InstagramNerves on Spotify

The Savage Hearts is the new project of Evan Walsh, former drummer of The Strypes. Episode 48 finds us chatting with him deep in the Cavan countryside as he casts his mind back to his formative musical experiences and influences; and brings us right up to date with the imminent release of The Savage Hearts' debut vinyl single Gang War/Speed Kills.Evan is passionate, enthusiastic and all about the music. Listen as he tells us about how he nearly missed out on The Letterman Show; his Dr Feelgood obsession; how for him Cavan is the Canvey Island of Ireland; find out who Eddie Cruizer is, and get the inside scoop on new single Gang War.LinksVinyl pre orderThe Savage Hearts on SpotifyThe Savage Hearts on Insta

There's a chill in the air as November segues into the advent season. Time to pop your headphones on, pour a glass and cosy up with our review of recent vinyl releases and lookahead to what's coming in 2024.Tracks played:Reggie 2 - Search Results What Is The Point? - TeleboxFeel - TV PeopleI Wanna Be Like Pete - WHY BOTHER?Bury Me - OWLSKnuckle Sandwich - Some Remain Links mentioned in the podcast:Record Club incl Search Results LPSearch Results LP on BandcampTelebox single with sleeveTelebox single with insertsTV People Feel/Die Down singleWHY BOTHER? albumOWLS Bury Me 12" singleSome Remain single

Bigmooon Records is an independent record store in Drogheda, Ireland and episode 46 finds me chatting to owner Jason Mahon. From travelling all over Ireland for lockdown record fairs to opening a physical record shop, promoting gigs and helping to kickstart the music scene in the town, we get insights from this super sound independent music obsessive. You can find all Bigmoon Records details on Instagram Mentioned in the podcast:Thirty Three 45 RecordsFuzzed Up Astromoon RecordsSwarm ZineStone Roses blogMusic played is:Thee UFO - Ponderous FugSearch Results - Panic In The ParkJapanese Jesus - TensionPunching Peaches - Full GooseGuided By Voices - Bunco Men

Episode 45 finds us delving deep into Depression Breakfast - the debut EP from Limerick's Japanese Jesus. It features full playback of each track with background on the band, the songs and the influences behind them.Tracks playedInsignificantTensionEamon Dunphy (Is Always Grand)LactoseDepression BreakfastLinks mentioned in the podcastJapanese Jesus on SpotifyJapanese Jesus on BandcampThoughtsWordsActions blog reviewRTE Behind The Music interviewJonah Hoy EP reviewBuy vinyl

Episode 44 and we are having the craic with Jamie, Colm & Matthew - unfortunately Leo couldn't make it - and get the Some Remain origin story.  How they got together and started out with their Rumble Studios video, where the name comes from and the music scene in Sligo. We also mention transport links in Ireland; top spots in the town for shooting videos; best independent music shops in Galway and Sligo; and unexpected musicians who have played there. All this plus a short teaser of their next single Knuckle Sandwich Follow Some Remain on:InstagramYouTubeSpotifyMusic played in this episodeNever Enough - Some RemainWalk Away - Some RemainSomething Against You - PixiesKnuckle Sandwich - Some Remain

Adore are an Irish garage punk trio made up of Lara Minchin on guitar/vocals, Lachlann Ó Fionnáin on bass/vocals and Naoise Jordan Cavanagh on drums. And we are beyond excited to announce they are hooking up with Blowtorch Records.They have no music on streaming platforms, no videos on YouTube and yet there is already a palpable buzz about this outfit.To celebrate I chatted to the band in their Galway rehearsal space before they headlined a Free House gig in Áras na nGael. For the first time ever it's a 2 parter - we had to set off for the sound check so the second bit takes place in the car. In the rainy rush hour traffic, so sound effects abound. Good chat though - learn all you ever wanted to know about this noisy, melodic, thrilling and ador(e)able band. From The Beatles and Donovan to Glen Campbell and Thin Lizzy via the Breeders and The Undertones. Adore on InstagramAdore on Twitter

Andy Marke runs Fuzzed Up and Astromoon Records as a joint venture with Ian McGlynn. He also hosts DJ nights, promotes Dublin gigs and presents a show on Near FM.Himself and Ian have carved out their own psych/garage/Kraut rock/shoegaze infused niche and it's a top place to spend some time with an ace lineup of bands from Ireland and further afield (Canada, Mexico...). They also have a commitment to keeping music physical with regular limited edition vinyl and cassette releases. Maybe me and Andy were separated at birth - we have alot in common as our chat reveals. What a delight to spend 45 minutes in the company of someone who is so passionate about what he does - and all in his spare time. Listen and be inspired.Fuzzed Up on FacebookFuzzed Up on BandcampAndy's Near FM show on Mixcloud Music playedSun Mahshene - The Righteous OneMeryl Streek - Death to the Landlord

In the third of the series we talk to the head of Galway's Rusted Rail Records and Loner Deluxe founder Keith Wallace.He reminds us of what Galway and its music scene was like when he started the label in March 2006 and guides us through the story of finding acts on MySpace, and burning and releasing music on mini CDs. The brilliant thing is that he is essentially still doing the same DIY, community-based thing albeit with updated social media and technology.Keith also plays in several lo fi electronic/folk/psych outfits including Loner Deluxe, Moving Statues, A Lilac Decline and Cubs - all available on the Rusted Rail Bandcamp page.Rusted Rail on InstagramRusted Rail on BandcampThe aim of this series is to shine a light on the heroes in the shadows. Those who host the small scale shows and events which encourage and develop upcoming bands and where you might see your next new musical love. Although Galway-based, the themes apply to any such place with a thriving sonic sub culture.The quote Keith mentions is: "The musical canon is not decided by majority opinion but by enthusiasm and passion, and a work that ten people love passionately is more important than one that ten thousand do not mind hearing"

The big four oh for the Blowtorch Records podcast and we celebrate by chatting to Emmett from Longford electronic outfit OWLS. His mantra is dark tunes you can dance to. He is searingly honest and gives us a fascinating insight into how he opens himself up and manifests his dark side through the OWLS persona into gothic tales of love and brutality. We also get the inside info on the making of the EP and the five tracks therein. One of my favourite podcast episodes.OWLS on InstagramOWLS on SpotifyTracks played in this episode:You Are SkeletonYou Bleed MeMurder DollWhy Don't You Breathe The Same As Me?I Have No Heart

Sam Girling is an artist, producer and DJ from Bedford in the UK. He has just released his 13 track Attacca mixtape digitally and it will be available on Blowtorch vinyl in Jan 2023.We chatted with Sam to find out more about him, how he makes his music and in particular this continuous 20 minute mix. He is literally a bedroom producer and it's a fascinating insight into the world of the DIY musician and how he, as he says, keeps the  Attacca train going. Big thanks to Sam's dad for having the acid house CD!!Music played in this episodeSam Girling. - Take Your TimeSam Girling - Stompin'Sam Girling - OsmoSam Girling - Overthought IntroA Guy Called Gerald - Voodoo RayPre order the ATTACCA vinyl hereSam on InstragramJ Lloyd's mixtapeMartin Garrix documentary