With a twist of traditional Irish sounds - MATT McMANAMON - releases his touching new single: ‘Mulranny Smile’. Out 14th May, you can listen to the track here: https://linktr.ee/mulrannysmile
Stepping away from the Ska-addled sounds of The Dead 60s of whom he once captained, his latest single instead pays homage to his celtic connections on a track that decisively puts the folk in ‘Scally Folk’. With a lush, idyllic sound laden with sweeping flutes, fiddles and traditional folk arrangements, “Mulranny Smile” is one of many tender and unexpected surprises to be found on his forthcoming debut solo album (out 28th May 2021, via Fretsore Records).
An album that finds McManamon retracing his roots both musically and lyrically, latest single “Mulranny Smile” was inspired by his late Grandfather Peter McManamon. Taking its title from the small village on the West coast of Ireland from which Peter settled and raised Matt’s family, ‘Mulranny’ is now a place Matt has come to call home too.
As Matt explains of “Mulranny Smile”: “I never met my Grandfather as he died before I was born, yet when I first moved to Mulranny I always felt as if I could feel his presence, as if he was watching over me. I was aware that he could be regularly seen in and around Mulranny when he was still alive, and I often used to conjure up an image of seeing him and being with him in his company, it’s a bit of a fantasy really, a daydream if you like, I absolutely love the idea of walking in his footsteps.”
The track swiftly follows recent singles, “Every Time I Close My Eyes” and “Jumpin’ The Gun”, all of which set the scene for what will be McManamon’s new album, ‘Scally Folk’, his first studio release since 2008.
Perhaps best known as the frontman one-time Deltasonic darlings: The Dead 60s, and later a touring member of The Specials; over 15 years since tracks like “Riot Radio” raided the charts and indie dancefloors across the nation, McManamon returns to music with an altogether different outlook on life. On ‘Scally Folk’ McManamon explores the sounds perhaps once side-lined by the pursuits of his younger self and uncovers a new identity within them. With hints of classic Merseybeat to that distinctly Wirral kind of psychedelia and Liverpool jangle-pop, across its 10 tracks McManamon pays tribute to the city that made him, while also delving deeper into some of traditional sounds associated with his Irish heritage.
TAKES TRADITIONAL FOLK TWIST ON NEW SINGLE ‘MULRANNY SMILE’ (OUT 14 MAY)
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
LISTEN TO THE TRACK HERE
Recorded in just 14 days at the Transmission Rooms Recording Studio, Drumlish, Co Longford, Ireland, the album was produced by the celebrated Mick Cronin (Shane MacGowan, Kodaline, Noel Hogan of The Cranberries). Guest musicians include Vinny Redmond (Angel Pier), Enda Mulloy (Biblecode Sundays), plus additional contributions from Andy Nolan (Biblecode Sundays), Kane O’Rourke (Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan) and John Murray (critically acclaimed American singer/songwriter). Mick Cronin also adds his trademark percussion.
A record about the passing of time and finding your place within it, ‘Scally Folk’ unpicks the stitches of life’s rich tapestry and uses its threads to begin anew. A humbling work and the realisation of lifetime’s ambition, its final single: “Mulranny Smile” is released on Friday 14th May.
Matt McManamon is the former vocalist and songwriter of The Dead 60s. Releasing their s/t debut in 2005, the band scored 5 UK top 40 hits and surpassed over 100k sales in the UK alone. During his tenure as frontman, McManamon toured with the likes of Morrissey, Kasabian, and Deltasonic label mates The Coral, appearing on stages from Glastonbury to Top of the Pops. Prior to launching his solo career, Matt also toured with The Specials as their live guitarist. Returning with his first music in nearly 15 years, Matt McManamon will release his debut solo album: ‘Scally Folk’ on 28th May 2021.