Alun Smyth-vocals,guitar,keys,banjo,programming,misc.
Paddy Smyth-double bass
Andrew Snow-drums
Dorian Bordalo-congas,cavaquino
Mervyn Coyle-saxophone
Simon Fagan-trumpet
Navan's notorious Minty and the Freshmen release their latest long player Time to Burn this month. The title is taken from the song Dig Your Own Hole... "Its your world not mine. its time to burn the ties that bind my hands to your blood , for these stolen goods."
You could say this album is full of unapologetic finger pointing at the modern day masters of war, a puppet government, demonic clergy, our own apathy and cynicism etc. Then again songs like All The Way and Strawhouse are brimming with joy and optimism. Its not so much 'rage against the machine' as 'slowly walk away hand in hand as the machine self implodes'.
The sound is inspired less by rock and roll than the sparse beats of hip hop and the instrumentation of alt country. Banjos and accordians sit comfortably next to samples and synths. On this, their third album, Minty and co have embraced the studio as instrument approach instead of the live band experience of their last offering The Amazing Adventures Of ... with its "ensemble vibe thats never less than a good time" (mongrel magazine). The Freshmen are still dispensing their classy brass and rhythm but in a brand new bag this time round.
Album available for download from itunes, eMusic.com , amazon.com etc.
or get your hard copy from Road Records, Fade st., Dublin 2 and e2 music,Navan.
Michael Brunnock will be performing with his Irish Band "Little Palace" November 5th 8pm Whelans, Dublin November 7th 9pm Headfort Arms, Kells, Co. Meath November 12th 8pm The Backroom, Navan, Co. Meath Little Palace will be releasing their New Single "Beekeeper" from their latest album Invitation Time. We all hope to see you there. Keep Music Alive go hear a show.
Hey lads, our July/August launch Issue is up online now on our myspace page. Come by and check it out! Its jam packed with news, interviews and live reviews featuring the best of Meath music, art and culture. Printed version will be free to pick up around the county in the next two weeks, let us know what you think
Hi Minty good to hear from you! You new stuff is cool, can I name you is lovely :) Hope you're well, looking at your comments it looks like you have a new addition to your family, congratulations, that's fab! Hope to see you soon. Lou
Well Mint-man!..How's tricks? I'd been lookin forward to hearin them tunes again in all their glory, i fuckin love them lad!!.. great to hear sum fresh quality..
if you happen to be in the big shamoke tonight, we are supporting Ruthie Foster in Whelans. We hit the main stage at 8.15pm which is a tad early mais c'est la vie.
Tip: get your special edition discounted ticket from the blond girl wearing a polka-dot scarf reading Ulysses at the end of the front bar between 7 and 8pm.
jes that was quick.. no bother.. congrats to you and emma.. delighted for ye both.. bring on the sleepless nights.. sorry i didn't get a chat with ya.. hope all's well...
well minty, just back from gigging. heard your album on the journey with donzer, very cool. also heard about yer new edition, congrats to you both..gordon
