Cork city's The Altered Hours have released the video for their latest single, All Amnesia. We asked the band’s co-vocalist Cathal MacGabhann the BIG questions . . .
The Altered Hours are a five-piece alt-rock group fronted by lead singers Elaine Howley and MacGabhann. Hailing from an "art-punk" tradition, they also cite influences such as The Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, Pixies, Iceage, Lydia Lunch, Spacemen 3 and Stereolab.
Before the pandemic, the band joined fellow Irish rockers Fontaines D.C. on a major European tour, playing sold out venues such as Le Bataclan (Paris) and Paradiso (Amsterdam).
The band say All Amnesia explores the idea of putting the past behind you and allowing yourself to be led by the present.
"The lyrics represent what it means to forget the past and to be guided only by the desire of the moment," says singer Howley. "It speaks to the idea that forgetting or suppressing history can lead to erasure of the future and how unwillingness to face our reality leaves us floating in a hedonistic present"
The band recently signing to Pizza Pizza Records and MacGabhann says: "We're really excited for this chapter of our band's music, this song is inspired by our love for rock 'n' roll and rich melodies and the endless pathways that can take us on.
"We feel we're always getting closer and closer to the core of what we love about music and this is another step in that exploration."
Tell us three things about yourself?
I enjoy cooking outdoors. I love being in a studio recording guitar. I don’t like to stay still for long.
How would you describe your music?
Rock music.
Who are your musical inspirations?
King Tubby, Pete Kember, Alice Coltrane, Dean Blunt, Dirty Beaches, Mos Def, Bush Tetris, Sun Araw, Peter Tosh, PJ Harvey, Elliot Smith . . .
How are you occupying yourself during the coronavirus restrictions?
Writing, working on our next release and tours, skating.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Sandra Cross - Listen DJ.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I only get my hair cut once a year and they call me country" - Sanford Clark
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’m In Love by Jennifer Lara.
Where can people find your music/more information?
All streaming services. We make vinyl too sometimes. Bandcamp. Visit us on social media for information on new music and tour announcements.
