A launch gig for the debut album from I.H. Wright’s The Former Soviet Republic takes place Upstairs at Whelan’s on Sunday, with Big Monster Love and At Last An Atlas also playing.
The Former Soviet Republic is the mostly solo project of I.H. Wright of Betaghstown Co. Kildare. Don’t concern yourself if you’ve never heard of it (the Google Streetview car didn’t even bother to go up the road where Wright lives), Betaghstown is the sort of place that most likely hasn’t heard of you either.
On August 19th Wright’s debut album “The Former Soviet Republic Is Made Of This” will be released by the Mickey Goldmill Recordings And Antiquities Company. The majority of the recording was done in Wright’s home but it was finished off in Paterson, New Jersey over a snowy February fortnight last year. Wright played most of the music on the record with additional parts being played/programmed by co-producer Tom Burns and Alan Tepper his bandmate in New Jersey power-pop outfit The Kimballs. Also, Charles Bissell (The Wrens/Okkervil River) played guitar one one song.
Big Monster Love is the nom de guerre of a disgruntled North Dublin anti-folk pop merchant. He’s been plying his musical wares around Dublin and elsewhere these last 5 or so years. He cites as influences the Dubliners, CFTPA, Eels, John Prine, Half Man Half Biscuit, and Randy Newman. In 2011 he released his debut album “Game Over” on Abomination/Popical Island to minimal acclaim.
At last an atlas is the music of Greg O’Brien. Greg was born and lives in Dublin Ireland. Currently he writes and records music in the house he grew up in using an organ, synths, sampler, nylon string guitar, vocals, noises and field recordings.
The album is streaming right now on Bandcamp so check it out:
The Former Soviet Republic (Album Launch)
Big Monster Love
At Last An Atlas
Upstairs At Whelan’s
8pm, Sunday August 20th
Admission €7, or €15 with album
http://www.facebook.com/theformersovietrepublic
http://bigmonsterlove.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/atlastanatlas
