The Hot 'as a cat on a scorching tin roof' Sprockets are back with a new single and its whopper

The ever epic stylishly handsome flock of cool dudes that are otherwise known as The Hot Sprockets have had quiet a year so far, gracing the airwaves recently with their single Soul Brother which finally put them firmly on the map. They are back now with follow up Comin On which will be released on iTunes Sept 20th and is the latest single off of their highly anticipated, yet to be named, album. 

Check out the new video for the single below. And get this - it was all shot in one take!

Do we love the Sprockets more after hearing that the follow up to a monumentally mega tune didn't disappoint? - hell yes we do. Is marriage on the horizon, yes. Yes it is. Well done lads, take a bow and thanks for keeping the Irish Music Scene that one bit cooler.

But don't take out word for it, see for yourself!

The Furious Haze live from Whelans review.

“The night I wrote the riff for this song is the night I got banned from a friend’s apartment” queue screams, shouts and the smashing of more than one glass. A perfect introduction to the latest addition to Dublin’s live music scene.

The upper saloon in Whelan’s is packed to the rafters and while some folk band tickle away at acoustic guitars downstairs The Furious Haze are making their way to the stage. The warm up formalities have been brilliantly taken care of with Markus Carcus putting in a Johnny Cash tinged shift and Nella Dwyer ushering in a beautiful calm before the storm.

Along comes the main act, rattling through their first three songs with enough pace to make sure that the dance floor is full come the strum of the last chord. The Furious Haze are a beer drinking, fist fighting, working class man’s rock group with a rhythm section that you just can’t stand still too. This is local rock and roll at its very best.

The band have also got some news to share with their rowdy faithful following, “WE’RE GOING TO THE PICNIC”, bellows the enigmatic front man to an explosion of cheers, claps and shouts. The announcement of their upcoming appearance on The Salty Dog Stage at Electric Picnic takes the gig to an entirely new level.

Launching straight into their brand new single ‘Crazy Jane the Hurricane’ the band are being fuelled by their fan’s energy. The crowd begin to jump, the floor starts to shake and bottles dance across tables until one by one they tumble to the floor.

You get the feeling that this headline show is a real milestone for The Furious Haze and on the back of their Electric Picnic news they continue to thunder through a brilliant set. This is rip roaring, sweat dripping, couldn’t give a sh*t what anyone says rock and f*cking roll!

In an industry infected with so much pretentious, over meaningful self-indulgence The Furious Haze are a refreshing breathe of smoke filled air.

Check out ‘Crazy Jane the Hurricane’. And see the band play Electric Picnic on Sunday at the Salty Dog Stage at 11pm! Its gonna be a stomping set!

By Adam Higgins

In conversation with Eleanor McEvoy

John caught up with the wonderful and ever busy Eleanor McEvoy last week. Eleanor heads off to perform a list of shows in The USA The shows are listed below...

Tuesday, September 10 Williamstown Barn ConcertWilliamstown, MA

Thursday, September 12 Irish Arts Center553 West 51 StreetNew York, NY

Sunday, September 15 The Burren247 Elm StreetSomerville, MA

But before then you can catch her in The Olympia Dublin with her "Womans Heart" legion of female singer songwriters. Wed 28th to the 31st of August. For all tour dates however, you can check out her webpage: http://www.eleanormcevoy.com/tour/ 

1. When and why did you start playing?
I started playing piano at the age of 3....... because it was there I guess. Playing is as natural as breathing to me, it's unthinkable that I wouldn't play.

2. Which instruments do you play?
On stage mainly Fender Telecaster electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano and violin. (sometimes I also bring a bass, mandolin or ukelele). I'm also the worlds worst alto saxaphone player!

3. What was the first tune(s) you learned?
"Mama, We're All Crazee Now" by Slade. In Irish. For Slogadh. (Yes, really.)

4. Which other famous musicians do you admire? Why?
I love Bruce Springsteen because he has kept it about the music. It's not about pyrotechnics, costume changes or any other gimmicks, he just comes out on stage in jeans and a t shirt, straps on his guitar counts in his stunning band and off he goes.

5. Which famous musicians have you learned from?
Christy Moore, who after Planxty and Moving Hearts emerged as this utterly inspiring solo act, also Paul Brady, for his powerful and varied songwriting. Both have given me wonderful advice over the years.

6. Describe your first instrument.
A fairly old upright piano that sat in our living room. The 'B' above middle C was a bit wonky. It's mildly affected my perception of that note my whole life.

7. What are your fondest musical memories?
I used to love playing and singing with my brother Kieran and my sister Marion. A few years ago when my mother was very ill in hospital, we used to go in and play there and it was great to be playing and singing again with them. It brought back so many memories.

8. Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which
Ones?
Yes, my sister was into Simon and Garfunkle, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell and my brother was into Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, my Dad was into Mahler, so I had a curious mix of influences. My grandmother's gramophone was in my bedroom and there was an interesting collection of records to accompany it. Sometimes I'd wind it up and blast out "Isle of Capri" on an old 78.

9. Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD's?
As regards Irish musicians, I think that the late Rory Gallagher was really something special. I'm also a big fan of Irish singer songwriter 'Mundy' but in general, I am constantly blown away by the talent I see in this country.

10. How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
When I perform, I try to capture some magic in the room, auditorium or club. It depends on a lot of things, the sound quality, my own state of mind, most of all the energy and personality of the audience. Mistakes really don't come into it.

11. What advice would you give to up and coming artists?
I'd tell them to try and keep it about the music.

12. How often and for how long do you practice?
It really depends. On the road I try and do an hour or so after the soundcheck. In an ideal world I would do a couple of hours a day.

13. You have a quite hectic career schedule. How do you
balance your music with other obligations - mate, children alone time?
It's all a bit of a juggling act  to be honest and in truth, sometimes I drop one of the balls. I just try and make sure that the ball I drop is never the child......

14. You have over 10 albums now recorded, will you continue
making new albums or will you take a break. Its 21 years now with A Womans
Heart. And the shows are still selling as strong as ever. Where do you see
yourself in 5 years?
Take a break? I'm consumed with ideas! Why would I take a break? I'd like to still be touring, collaborating with interesting singers and musicians. I'd also like to write for film and theatre. I also love the medium of radio, so would like to explore that avenue at some point.

Thank you for your time Eleanor.
John
Pleasure!

Frances Black keeps getting stronger

It's been 7 years since she put out a studio album but this ten-track collection of well-chosen covers, including several classics, positively places Frances Black nicely back into the spotlight; where she belongs. 

One of the Nations most beloved songstress, Frances took the albums title from the Faith Hill declaration of womanly independence ‘I Would Be Stronger Than That’. Produced by long-time Ray Davies sideman Bill Shanley. Who does a great job in unison with Frances on re-deilvering well known song on another spectrum.

The LP includes a version of Sheryl Crow’s ‘Strong Enough’, which is currently gracing the airwaves.  From get go the record introduces Elton John's composition ‘Love Song’ from Tumbleweed Connection, followed by a lavish version of Carol King’s Tapestry classic ‘It’s Too Late’. From the same era comes James Taylor’s poignant ‘Long Ago And Far Away’ is sublimely captured by Black.

Our Favourite track is 'Rise', a little gem that showcases Frances' ability to take the thread of a fine song and weave it into something uniquely her own. Just superb. The album is aptly  titled as its stronger she is getting, proving she has yet, still so much to offer.

8/10