Building up a head of steam as he gallops towards the music industry mega-conference SXSW, Peter McCauley aka. Rams’ Pocket Radio has gifted us with the first official single from his debut record ‘Béton’. (which is French for concrete, in case you were wondering.)
Despite launching the album at a Belfast show in June last year, Peter let ‘Béton’ simmer over a number of months until a general release in October. In that time he shacked up with the rollicking local moustachio Foy Vance across America and Europe, played a session for Radio 2 and released a Christmas EP.
Previously nestled within a 2012 EP, ‘Love Is A Bitter Thing’ has remained a staple of Rams’ live shows since almost the beginning. We’ve seen it as a jaunty power-ballad. We’ve seen it as a stripped back piano serenade.
This newly recorded version keeps the spirit of the early incarnations whilst still sounding fresh. A slow build leading into an all action, key bashing, chorus bellowing crescendo. It feels like a local classic already.
We’ve been told that the single will also be accompanied by original versions of the track by grandiose songstress Alana Henderson and Derry electronic artist Ryan Vail. Plus a live version with lady of the moment SOAK .
For those who’ll be in Austin, Texas next month (lucky you!) make sure to catch Rams’ Pocket Radio at one of the following shows. Meanwhile local fans have the chance to catch the Lisburn native at the end of the month at the Strand Arts Centre.
Tour Dates
10-03-14 SXSW Northern Irish party O/S 10pm
11-03-14 SXSW UKTI Great British Breakfast, Parkside
12-03-14 SXSW British Music Embassy showcase O/S 2.50pm
14-03-14 SXSW Full Irish Breakfast, BD Rileys
14-03-14 SXSW Official Showcase, BD Rileys
25-03-14 Ruby Sessions, Doyles, Dublin
29-03-14 Strand Arts Centre [All ages], Belfast