The Mary Wallopers are about to take the UK by storm with their brand-new album 'Paddywhackery', out on September 18th. This Dundalk-based trio is not messing around – they're ready to put the record straight and reclaim a term that's often been used as a derogatory label for Irish culture. Charles and Andrew Hendy, the brothers behind this folk force, are more confident than ever in their mission to redefine what it means to be Irish.
This album is a game-changer. Recorded over two weeks with James Skelly of The Coral, 'Paddywhackery' is an artistic leap from their earlier work, which mostly stuck to traditional Irish songs. They're tackling contemporary themes head-on – isolation, displacement, and the complexities of being Irish in England. Andrew Hendy makes it clear: they want to own both the serious and the silly sides of Irish culture, banishing misconceptions that have held Irish music back for too long.
The lead single 'Crowns Of England' is a heart-wrenching portrayal of this sense of disconnection, set against a backdrop of England's romanticised history. The accompanying video stars Danielle Galligan navigating English pubs plastered with Winston Churchill posters – it's a stark reminder of the cultural landscape the band observes. Another track, 'Landlord's Demise', pulls no punches in its critique of the Landlord Class and song for struggling renters. It's a direct response to socio-economic issues, drawing inspiration from Ireland's rich history.
The Mary Wallopers have never shied away from speaking truth to power – just last year, their set at Victorious Festival was infamously cut short over accusations of a 'discriminatory chant'. The band pushed back with their own video evidence, and the festival later issued a grovelling apology. Andrew Hendy reflected on the incident: it showed them that saying what's right is always worth fighting for.
Their growing popularity – fueled by energetic live performances and standout online appearances – will see The Mary Wallopers tour major venues across the UK, including London's Brixton Academy and Dublin's 3Arena. It's a testament to their reach and influence within the folk scene, which is only set to continue as they take on the world with 'Paddywhackery'.
While you won't catch them on major terrestrial channels just yet (no BBC, ITV, or Channel 4 for now), their music's readily available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music – get ready to immerse yourself in this game-changing sound!