EPK
‘From Trad to folk & heavy rock, matched with powerful heartfelt lyrics. A very impressive group, great things ahead for them, stadium superstars in waiting
Ruth Smith, Simply Folk, RTE Radio 1
Corner Boy are a six-piece folk band from the South East of Ireland than combine elements of folk, rock, bluegrass and traditional Irish music to create a unique alternative roots sound.
Their renowned high energy live shows have seen them tour internationally across Europe, Asia, The Middle East and North America, as well as many of Ireland's top music festivals.
Corner Boy’s debut eponymous album was released in December 2022 to critical acclaim reaching #1 in the Ireland iTunes album charts. Expect more new music in 2026 along with a string of domestic and international live performances.
'With the inestimable Gavin Glass in the producer’s chair, plus a shopful of musical instruments and all six members on vocal duties, Wexford’s Corner Boy have spiced their guitar-rock sound with Americana and Irish folk, creating a unique indie-trad style.
After a stunning opening comprising solemn harmonies, pipes and pounding drums, ‘Blackstairs Winter Snow’ accelerates, with Mick D’Arcy’s careworn vocals underpinned by throbbing bass. Conor Foran’s banjo kickstarts ‘Kingdom Come And Go’, a U2-style effort with soaring harmonies.
Cian McGovern’s harmonica helps ‘Ghost Town City’ out of the traps onto a country-rock base, with D’Arcy’s voice at its most joyous, and James O’Sullivan’s fiddle flurries stirring the pot. ‘Go Soft Into The Night’ has a plaintive quality evoking celebrated poet Dylan Thomas, with Michael Sutherland’s staccato drums adding real drama.
Admitting a little light, to contrast with the shade, might have made this a perfect debut. But Corner Boy still come on like a band hacking their way through the indie jungle, cutting down swathes of tamer opposition. As a lyricist and vocalist, D’Arcy deserves special attention, while the CB Collective could be the delinquent offspring of The Pogues and The Killers. Tremendous stuff'
8.5/10
Jackie Hayden
BIO
