Mundy takes to the stage at Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday 17th July.
The boy from Birr, Co Offaly offers us a wealth of super pop songs such as July, Mexico, Gin and Tonic Sky or who could forget the most downloaded song of 2007 & 2008 Galway Girl. With some many great songs under his belt, Mundy’s latest album, Strawberry Blood, also shows another side to this artist. Mundy’s songs are beautiful and uplifting, a true tonic for the times.
Mundy was born Edmund Enright in the rural town of Birr, County Offaly, in 1976. At age 18, Mundy moved to Dublin and began performing on infamous busker haven Grafton Street, and at open-mike nights at the nearby International Bar. Less than two years later Mundy signed with Sony subsidiary Epic Records, and released his debut single, "To You I Bestow," on New Year's Day 1996. The presence of Youth, founding bassist with post-punk pioneers Killing Joke, is notable in the Smiths-like bounce of the single, and he was an equally important influence upon the album that followed, the appropriately titled Jelly Legs. Shortly before the album was released in October 1996, "To You I Bestow" was licensed for inclusion on the soundtrack for Baz Luhrmann's Shakespeare adaptation Romeo + Juliet, alongside tracks by Radiohead and Garbage. The soundtrack went on to sell 11 million copies; Jelly Legs sold a respectable 50,000 worldwide.
Strawberry Blood, Mundy’s fourth studio album is possibly his most accomplished to date. Recorded in Grouse Lodge, Co Westmeath and the Cauldron, Dublin by Joe Chester, Strawberry Blood features an intriguing cast of contributors including Shane McGowan (Love is Casino), Gemma Hayes (Fever) and Interference man Fergus O’Farrell (Pepper in My Dreams). The result is a beautiful and uplfiting album
As an added bonus for music lovers, Rhob Cunningham of Our Little Secrets will play support for Mundy on Saturday night. Having just toured the length and breath of the country as special guest opening for various acts including Cathy Davey, Villagers, Lisa Hannigan and James McMorrow, Rhob Cunningham's musical project has piqued the interest of just about anyone who's heard it. Rhob has spent the last few years playing songs and breaking E strings in every venue imaginable in Ireland. His consistent talent has led to support slots with many artists including Bell X1, Mundy, Mick Flannery and the late John Martyn, as well as backing vocal duties on Hannigan's debut album 'Sea Sew'. Performing song from his new self-titled album, you won't want to miss the Our Little Secret's set.
This is the perfect Summer gig and a great way to beat the post-festival blues. Mundy (acoustic) at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge. Saturday 17th July 8pm. Tickets €20/€18. Call 045 448327 or book online www.riverbank.ie