We Speak Music

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

Published

3 years 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

Vinyl Floor’s Balancing Act Proves That Honest Rock Still Matters

Published

8 hours ago

April 27, 2026

Emily

“Balancing Act” by Vinyl Floor is a real treat. It is the sixth record from brothers Daniel and Thomas Charlie Pedersen sounds like it was made for right now and how they blend the ’60s and ’70s with modern elements never feels forced.

The production is clear and thoughtful. Every string, every horn, every vintage keyboard has space to exist. “Puppet Laureate” opens strong with real energy, while “The Swan of Eileen Lake” catches you off guard with folk warmth. “Adelaide” might be the best track, built on a lovely piano line with vocals that cut through cleanly. No hiding behind effects here.

The title track closes things out with the reflection the album’s been working toward. The core idea of finding hope in a fractured world could tip into despair easily, but Vinyl Floor stays honest about it. They’re not offering false comfort, but they’re not drowning either.

Progressive rock this restrained is rare. The arrangements serve the songs instead of overshadowing them. If anything, some moments could use more breathing room, but that’s small in a record made by people who clearly care about what they’re saying.

This is for anyone who wants rock that actually wrestles with real ideas. It counts for something.

You can listen here.