The Hard Working Men

Irish trad duo Ispíní na hÉireann have always taken a unique tack when it comes to self-promotion. The Dublin-based pair, whose name translates as ‘Sausages of Ireland’ – on account of them being ‘the slippiest, greasiest dogs going’ – have made memes of themselves across social media, and gig attendees can often be found toting stickers that proudly declare, ‘I was touched by Ispíní na hÉireann.’ Their debut album, The Hard Working Men, sees banjo player Adam J Holohan and guitarist Tomás Mulligan bringing this inimitable character to some of Ireland's favourite tunes, including a hectic rendition of ‘The Silver Spear’ and a darkly evocative take on ‘Spancil Hill’.

However, it's their self-penned material that makes up the standout moments on this record. ‘Talk to Joe’ details Mulligan's time working the phonelines for a call-in show, and immortalises Irish radio's most sympathetic listener – Liveline's Joe Duffy – while ‘Please Don't Start the Fun’ sees the pair expressing their anxieties about post-pandemic partying, through their words at least. Their personal style in The Hard Working Men occupies that excellent space between music and comedy, putting Ispíní na hÉireann in league with the likes of Pat Shortt, Christy Moore and the Rubberbandits.