Limerick post-punk/indie outfit His Father's Voice have released their new single, Arm's Length. We asked lead singer Ash O'Connor and lead guitarist James Reidy the BIG questions . . .
Band_Shot_2.png - Photo taken by Graham Patterson.
The band, who also include Laya Meabhdh Kenny and Cian McGuirk, have supported Cherry Glazerr and Viagra Boys, alongside festival slots at Electric Picnic, Ireland Music Week 2023, Whelan’s Ones to Watch 2023 and their first London show in ICC Hammersmith in March.
The band also features in Féile na Gréine’s award-nominated documentary Out of Place, which was screened at Irish Film London 2022 and Vermont Film Festival 2023.
Speaking about the new song, Ash says, "I've always wanted to try my hand at capturing what lust sounds like lyrically. To me it's claustrophobic and crushing, yet somehow, at the same time it's utterly exciting and euphoric.
"This song has a go at exploring those contradictions - it's dreamy yet catchy, it's hesitant yet can't help but urgently keep driving forward. The guitars and rhythm section create a pummelling ending giving it a sense of release while still clinging onto an overarching frustration."
His Father's Voice play 26 April - Upstairs Whelan’s, Dublin and 28 April - Coughlan’s, Cork.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Ash: When I was a kid, apparently I threw a tantrum on the floor of a shopping aisle in front of Paul King, known best for the absolute banger Love and Pride. I have a space reserved in my heart for Ireland's best small music festival Féile na Gréine (volunteer at it every year, totally not biased). Best of luck dragging me away from a pool table on a night out.
How would you describe your music ?
Ash: Tense pummeling catchy melodic indie?
Who are your musical inspirations?
James: I think my "staples" since being a teenager are Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine and Have a Nice Life. But I go in and out of phases of different bands every year or so. These days I'm listening to a lot of Magazine, Kraftwerk, The Smile and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Ash: Atomic Kitten at the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, Cork. It put manners on me because I'd made an A3 paper flag coloured with crayons and quickly realised I couldn't use it if I also wanted the people behind me to see the stage. Atomic Kitten also forgot a lot of lyrics that night, so gigs were on an upward trajectory for me from that point onwards.
What was the first record you ever bought?
James: Viva la Vida or Death Or All His Friends by Coldplay. I'll maintain that there's some good tracks on it still, though I won't be bringing that back into my rotation any time soon.
What's your favourite song right now?
Ash: I've been listening to the hell out of Callan by The Personal Vanity Project.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Ash: I don't think there's a better or more beautifully rhyming opener than Archie, Marry Me by Alvvays. It's a classic for a reason. 'You've expressed explicitly your contempt for matrimony, you've student loans to pay and will not risk the alimony'.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
James: I'm gonna go with Railroad King by Junk Drawer - I think it has all the hallmarks of a perfect song. The imagery in the lyrics, the noodly but purposeful guitars and how the rhythm section literally feels like it's chugging along in a very apt way.
Where can people find your music/more information?
We're on all streaming services under His Father's Voice. If you want to keep up with us on social media, our handle is @hfv_lk across all platforms. We also have a website where you can find our music, upcoming gigs.
Alan Corr
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