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

In the second of the series we talk to ex Turnstiles' bassist and Galway's Free House promoter Jake Tiernan.He guides us through his journey from basic bassist to touring with Turnstiles and how the lack of a place to play prompted him to start Free House. Which I should point out does not mean it is always free to get in.Now working with Luke Mulliez, his rhythm partner in Turnstiles and Montessori, he continues to deliver iconic nights in Áras na nGael with an eclectic line up of Irish bands & artists. Listen in to discover who's on upcoming lineups and also who he would choose for his all time Free House gig. Freehouse on InstagramThe 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.Music played in this episodeFugazi - Shut The DoorBeat Happening - In BetweenThe White Stripes - Suzy LeeSilverbacks - Archive MaterialBelle and Sebastian - The Stars of Track & Field

In the first of a new series we talk to Galway music promoter John O'Connor who runs the city's A Modern Movement.The aim of the 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.John guides us through his own not insignificant input to the night time economy and curates a personal dream lineup. Could Galway have a 'night mayor?' How will the new Irish club licensing laws affect things? Where can you get a coffee after 8pm? All that and much more besides.All details for A Modern Movement are on their Facebook pageMusic played in this episodeFrank Carter & The Rattlesnakes - Devil Inside MeReuben - Let's Stop Hanging OutBiffy Clyro - 57Sal Dulu - She Belongs To Roth

We're back! After a summer break we return with a bang, albeit one with loads of fuzz and reverb on it, as Richard talks to Michael Smyth from Belfast's Virgins about their upcoming shoegaze EP Transmit A Little Heaven. He gives us some great background on the band and the recording of the  EP, and goes through each of the 5 tracks with a sneak preview of each.The first release from the EP Signalling is out now - listen on Spotify -  and the full vinyl release will be on or around October 14. Order pink vinyl on our website or Virgins' Bandcamp pageAll Virgins info & tour details on their LinktreeVirgins on Instagram

Back to the chats for this episode as I catch up with Francis Watters - the frontman from Dundalk's alt-fi foursome Future West. They have a new 9 track album Who Will Forgive All My Sins out August 19 digitally and on Blowtorch vinyl and we discuss all aspects of the band and how they got to this exciting point of having an album ready to release. The band has been through several iterations - it started as a 6 piece, went to a solo project and has now settled as 4 piece with John Mellon on bass and Peter McCoy and Pauric McCrum on guitar and drums. The latter duo also form production team Pillowhead. Listen & learn why we should all get Sony noise cancelling headphones (hello Sony - open to freebies);  the story behind the artwork by David Noonan from Just Mustard; how you can get a free copy of the album by suggesting an idea for a show in Dundalk; why Francis will never work with James Murphy and what's coming next from his prolific songwriting pen. The album is available to pre order in our website shopFuture West are on Instagram, Bandcamp, Twitter & FacebookTickets for the album launch are on the Spirit Store website Tracks played in this episodeSee What I SeeLate Last NiteAll My SinsGive You My Time

We're blasting into Summer with a whole host of digital and vinyl releases.  Welcome to the latest in our series which rounds up Blowtorch Records' recent output. In this episode we have 6 singles and 1 album. Each track played in full and the inside scoops on what's coming next.The Ballhaus - The Swedish Railway Orchestra  YouTube video  InstaDecisions - Nixer  vinyl pre order  InstaUnknown - Punching Peaches  YouTube video   Insta  Compilation album vinylAll My Sins - Future West  Insta Lockdown - Static Vision   InstaRun Away - Wyse  Instasynesthesia - Jamie   Insta  Album on Spotify

Episode 33 finds me chatting with Dublin DJ Rob Smith about his electronic project The Swedish Railway Orchestra.With a new album Dance To The Drum Machine due for release in July and lead single The Ballhaus dropping on April 13, it's the perfect time to catch up with Rob. We find out the origin of that great project name; his views on collaboration and DJ botherers; tracks to rescue a dancefloor and a deep delve into his psyche with our either/or section.Plus of course an ace selection of TSRO tracks.TSRO on InstagramTSRO on TwitterThe Reprobates on SpotifyTracks in this episodeThe BallhausNorthern LightsI Love You (But If you Clap When The Plane Lands I'll Leave You)The Freaks Come Out At NightFallen DevilStop Acting Like Bill Drummond

Happy Spring loyal listeners and welcome to the latest in our series which rounds up Blowtorch Records' recent releases.Since the last summary we've had 8 releases - I told you it was going to be a busy 2022. There's a plethora of new music in the pipeline along with some thrilling vinyl releases.For your aural delight, in this episode we have:Television - Some Remain.  Insta   SpotifyDream Come True/B Without U - Check Please!  Insta   SpotifyDowntown - Ash Red. Insta   SpotifyOutsider - Nixer.  Insta  SpotifyYeah! - WAXX.  Insta  SpotifyMoloko - Paper Tigers.  Insta  SpotifyYou May Blare - Liana Forte.  Insta  SpotifyAll tracks are also on the relevant band page on our websiteSubscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know

Episode 31  and we welcome Arthur Murray and Tadhg O'Keeffe from Cork alt-rock trio Ash RedHot on the heels of their recently released third single Downtown, we chat about the formation of the band, evolution to the current line up and future plans. We also get a deep psychological insight into their minds via our either/or section (this may not be entirely accurate!).If you were wondering where the name Ash Red comes from, the inspiration behind The Stupid Song, how and where they record and who their musical heroes are then this is the podcast for you. Plus you get a sneak preview of a demo of a new track Falling Down (Around Us). Ash Red's The Stupid Song appears on our second Blowtorch Records vinyl compilationAsh Red tracks played:DowntownPhilbyThe Stupid SongFalling Down (Around Us) unreleased demoYou can find Ash Red on:InstagramTwitterSpotify

Episode 30 - our pearl anniversary and what an auspicious edition, as for the first time we welcome back a previous guest. To celebrate the release of People Feel from their upcoming six track EP, say hello again to Nixer. They've been quiet of late and now we know why. Peggs and Seán have been busy beavering away in their South London studio, brewing up this enchanting elixir of an EP. Now with the single released and feeling radio love from the likes of Gemma Bradley, Lauren Laverne and Steve Lamacq, Seán and Peggs open up about the making of the EP. Originally it was going to be called Afterglow and released in Summer 2021 but they decided to wait and refocus and now we have the brilliant result. We hear about the difficulties of working in different countries and the energy of now being together in the studio,  collaborating with Shiv, the awkward genesis of People Feel, the tracks they were listening to, the thrill of finding Rude 66 to master the EP and the sheer joy of playing their tracks live.There will be a 12" 45rpm vinyl release of the EP in late April. A previous track Magnolia Mouth appears on our first Blowtorch Records vinyl compilationNixer Tracks playedGentrificationPeople FeelBad Rain ft. ShivDecisionsTracks & artists referenced in the podcastThe Streets - Blinded By The LightsDe Ambasade - Geen GenadeKid Cudi - Solo DoloBoy Harsher - Careful Le Chocolat NoirRude 66

Happy New Year listeners and welcome to our first podcast of 2022 and the latest in our series which rounds up Blowtorch Records' recent releases.It was a busy end to 2021 and 2022 is shaping up to be even busier. There's loads of quality new music coming this year along with exciting vinyl releases.For your listening pleasure in this episode we have:last last nite - Future West.  Insta   SpotifyOut Of Air - WAXX.  Insta   SpotifyWindow Shopping - Undercover Martians. Insta   SpotifyEscape - Static Vision.  Insta  SpotifyPeople Feel - Nixer.  Insta  Spotify All tracks are also on the relevant band page on our website Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know

In the last edition of 2021, we welcome Wyse to the podcast and to Blowtorch Records. Hailing from Portsmouth in the UK, Wyse is a singer, songwriter and producer with a live band of the same name. She is driven by a need to express difficult truths; by a visceral need to communicate the life she lives in the time in which she finds herself. Her music showcases poignant, compelling lyrics pitched somewhere between anger and therapy, propelled by memorable melodies, colliding rhythms, growling guitars and fat synths. It combines elements of Bjork, PJ Harvey, Hole and 80s pop into a wholesome brew of musical medicine.Wyse on social mediaInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTubeTracks in this episodeRhythm She KnowsSwitch Of My ControllerDrownNot That Sorry