Released in November of 1995, 'Heartworm' was Whipping Boy's second studio album. While it didn't go on to become world-renowned or sell multi-millions, it's an album that is still held in high regard by those who remember from the time, and new generations of music fans that have discovered it through the years since its release.

Over 60 minutes, Dan profiles the album and the band during this period of their career with the help of contributors such as the band's guitarist Paul Page, 2fm's Dave Fanning, Tanya Sweeney (The Irish Times), Ben Vendetta (author of the novel 'Heartworm', which borrows its name from the album), Jenny Huston (founder & Creative Director of Edge Only jewellery), Torsten Kinsella (God Is An Astronaut), and Olan McGowan (ex-Sony Music/now RTE) who signed the band.

The Story Of Heartworm - Dan Hegarty - May 2021

Kitty's Cool Beams

Is Bliss
‘Velvet Dreams EP’
21st October 2016
12” Vinyl EP / AC3013084. 
www.clubac30.com

Introducing ‘Velvet Dreams EP’, the debut from psychedelic shoegazer trio Is Bliss, set for release this autumn on Club AC30. 

‘Velvet Dreams’ is a tantalising taster of this new band’s potential. It’s atmosphere resonates strongly with the hazy sixties underground, with its sitar-like waterfall guitars and hypnogogic beats, but other, harder influences bleed through. From the intense hit of fuzzed-up anger on ‘Truth’, through to yearning, soaring dream-pop gorgeousness of ‘Lure’ and lead track ‘Ocean Blue’, this release sets out to show Is Bliss’ full range and depth.

Comprising of Jimmy Stuart (vox, guitar), Dean Edwards (bass) and Sam Speakman (drums), Is Bliss have been together barely a year and yet have quickly gained attention opening for Wolf Alice, Telescopes, Nine Black Alps, Mark Gardener and Robin Guthrie. Many bands today cite My Bloody Valentine as a major influence, but Is Bliss exist because Dean clocked Jimmy’s MBV t-shirt and when they struck up a conversation they discovered a shared a love of Slowdive, Spacemen 3, Verve and The Cure, along with a need to escape the mind-numbing boredom of rural Hampshire. This first clutch of songs was developed through live improvisation, but is taken to the next level here by Pat Collier (The House Of Love, Primal Scream, Swervedriver).

Is Bliss are planning a UK tour in the autumn to promote the EP, followed by the release of their debut long-player in the new year. 

Live:
Thursday 4th August - The Victoria, London - Supporting The Hacienda
Friday 5th August - The Fat Fox, Southsea - Supporting New Desert Blues
Saturday 24th September - Edge of the Wedge - Southsea Psych Out
Saturday 28th January - The Fat Fox, Southsea - Icebreaker Festival 2017

For all press enquiries please contact Clare Buckland at Big Wheel PR 
on 07968 379 355 or e-mail clare@bigwheelpr.com


Taffy - Inner Nerd

Club AC30