Hailing from Philadelphia, punk rock four piece Beach Slang are a badly needed shot of adrenaline for a stagnant music scene devoid of any real excitement. Keith McGouran caught up with lead singer James Alex ahead of their Dublin gig in the Workman’s Club on Monday 23rd January.

Listing time again: some of the best albums of 2016.

One of the best Irish albums of the last decade: ‘The Tilt of the Earth’ by Barry McCormack.

Definitely a band to watch for 2017: Keith McGouran reviews Dublin outfit Galants eponymous debut EP.

A band that continues to grow from strength to strength; Dublin outfit We Cut Corners make a big impression in Cork witnessed by Anthony Kelly.

A welcome return to Cork for the brilliant Brian Deady.

Tricks and treats in Cork for the Bank Holiday weekend with perennial live favourites HamsandwicH. Anthony Kelly was there.

A sad day for those that have followed this pioneering Irish radio station from its early years in the guise of Phantom: Keith McGouran with some words on the demise of TXFM.

One of Ireland’s most talented new musicians Ryan Óg aka Kolibrí talks to betweenthebars.net about his new EP ‘Eulogies’.

Destined to be remembered as his masterpiece – The Skeleton Tree by Nick Cave.

Heart-warming stuff from one of the best bands of the nineties, Teenage Fanclub.

Angel Olsen follows up her acclaimed 2nd album ‘Burn Your Fire For No Witness’ with another stunning record.

Anthony Kelly reviews the best of the action from Indiependence 2016.

Brooklyn Dreampop outfit DIIV return with a sprawling, enthralling follow up.

Anthony Kelly reviews Foals live at the Marquee, Cork.

If you are going to call your debut album Masterpiece, it better be good. Big Thief deliver.

The ever popular Lisa Hannigan returns to Cork: Anthony Kelly reviews.

One of the best albums of 2016: M Craft – ‘Blood Moon’

Keith McGouran with an – depth, excellent review of one of Europe’s most prestigious music festivals.

Another bewitching effort from Boston born singer songwriter Marissa Nadler.