We Speak Music

Irish Folk-Rock Act Roving Crows Share New Single ‘Dirty Habits 2.ø’

Published

1 year ago

October 27, 2023

Irish folk-rock act Roving Crows are a band that can play in a way that is both distinctively inspiring and engaging.

The quartet is a powerhouse with their engaging and exciting music. Their energetic and grungy new tune ‘Dirty Habits 2.ø’, is rich and full of driving Celtic influence.

‘Dirty Habits 2.ø’ has a rock feel to it. The melodies are lively, and the lyrics are clever. The folk-rock track includes guitar, fiddle, bass, drums, and vocals on the production showcasing Roving Crows’ effortless musical talents and abilities.

Originally composed for their 2012 debut album Bacchanalia, back then, there was a trumpet player in the band, and the atmosphere was less boisterous and aggressive. The song was a local radio favorite, so Roving Crows decided to give it a makeover and the “new crow” treatment after being joined by a new bass player and drummer in 2019. This version sounds considerably fuller and more edgy, with a more frenetic atmosphere that goes well with the new lineup.

Roving Crows comment on the track, “‘Dirty Habits 2.ø’ is about a night of wild abandon.. that feeling of getting out there, the ensuing chaos that unravels, and the feeling on Sunday of being ‘spent, broke, locked’. But then doing it all again! This song was actually inspired by a previous band member and his ‘leisure’ activities! Performing ‘Dirty Habits 2.ø’ allows us to let out our energy, to be raucous, and just release ourselves into the moment when we’re performing it.”

Barrett and O’Neill founded the band in 2009, and since then they have released four albums: Bacchanalia (2012), Deliberate Distractions (2013), Bury Me Naked (2017), and Awaken (2022). Nick Brine (Ash, Oasis, Bruce Springsteen, Seasick Steve) produced the first two albums at Rockfield Studios, while Loz Shaw produced Bury Me Naked.

A must-see live act, Roving Crows combines furious violin playing, thought-provoking lyrics, and powerful drum and bass sounds with real passion, energy, and soul. They have developed a distinctive and captivating sound that defies the conventions of the Celtic Folk genre, and their energetic live performances never fail to make an audience have a good time.

Members:

Caitlin Barrett – Fiddle/Vocals

Paul O’Neill – Acoustic Guitar/Vocals

Jim Smith – Bass/Vocals

Laurence Aldridge – Drums/Vocals

‘Dirty Habits 2.ø’ is available on all streaming platforms

We Speak Music

Waz-u drops ambient gem ‘Vermillion’ ft. Lilyg

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Don Reed

London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.

Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’

‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.

Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.