NO ENCORE

Yep, we just can't wait any longer. It's time to review the latest Kanye West missive - Jesus Is King. ACT ONE: Dave did the impossible - he dragged Craig to the cinema.ACT TWO: Kanye West. Jesus Is King. A review longer than the album itself.ACT THREE: News in relatively bite-sized fashion.ACT FOUR: Songs of the Week featuring Leonard Cohen, Dan Deacon, and Tame Impala.EXIT MUSIC: Elaine Mai - 'Heartbeat' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The truth is we don't know, folks. Certainly not at time of writing, anyway. But let's forget all that for now and welcome back Sarah Corcoran of Pillow Queens fame, now officially a WOMAN OF THE YEAR.A deserved honour. She joins two of the usual crew as they discuss the new Foals record, gigs from Chromatics and a quiet unassuming Clare man by the name of Daithí, and why 899 Craig fans can't be wrong.ACT ONE: Gigs and Kanye chatter.ACT TWO: A fairly grim news section if we're honest, but at least we got Craig's social media strategy out of it.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week featuring Frank Ocean, Selena Gomez and Destroyer.ACT FOUR: Foals have another album. Let's review.EXIT MUSIC: HAPPYALONE. - 'L U C I F E R' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At long last, NO ENCORE's 'music and movies' sidebar returns.Apologies for delay, life is very busy. Anyways, it's time for Dave Hanratty and David Higgins to delve into the bizarre Fred Durst-helmed, John Travolta-fronted, problematic nightmare that is.... THE FANATIC.ACT ONE: Dave and Dave recount all of the films they have seen since they last convened, so that's about half of the episode covered.ACT TWO: The Fanatic is destined to be remembered by the few who saw it, for all the wrong reasons. John Travolta gives it his all as an obsessed fan, but should this thing even have been made? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congratulations to our resident Captain Fiddle on the release of his superb new album, which is out now so go and listen to it!As such, he's not here this week. Filling in is the wonderful Brendan Canty, a man who knows a thing or two about music videos and Big Thief, which is helpful as that's our big album review this week...ACT ONE: Go listen to Daithí's album!ACT TWO: One of the most red-hot news sections in some time takes in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations, Pharrell suddenly listening to 'Blurred Lines' for seemingly the first time, that Joker song inclusion, and Elton John's Lion King remorse.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week featuring Pusha T, Harry Styles, and William Doyle.ACT FOUR: Big Thief return with Two Hands, their second album this calendar year. Very much the lo-fi critical darlings of the moment, is the hype justified?EXIT MUSIC: BATS - 'Ergot' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Salutations. Craig and Dave draft singer-songwriter man Carlo Magliocco in to assist in reviewing the new, typically ambitious and otherworldly Nick Cave record.Before all that, there's a sit-down with Tandem Felix hero David A. Tapley as debut album Rom-Com finally emerges, and plenty of list-based musings to consider...ACT ONE: Lists, lists, and more lists. ACT TWO: A scattering of news.ACT THREE: Tapley takes a stroll to Daithí's home studio where the boys have a conversation.ACT FOUR: Songs of the Week with Michael Stipe, The Who, and Caribou.ACT FIVE: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' Ghosteen under review.EXIT MUSIC: Tandem Felix - 'Tapley Takes a Stroll' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE returns with special guest Philly Taggart of BBC Radio 1 and writing a great book - Phil Taggart's Slacker Guide to the Music Industry - as the boys put the music world to rights once more.Dermot Kennedy's debut album. Kanye West's no-show. Robert De Niro's profanity. Dave's Joker remorse. It's all up for debate...ACT ONE: Introducing our guest and why you should part with your hard-earned for his book.ACT TWO: IT'S THE NEWS.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week with Floating Points, CHVRCHES, Dodie, and Chromatics.ACT FOUR: Dermot Kennedy is finally Without Fear but will the official NO ENCORE verdict on his long-awaited debut put the frighteners on him?EXIT MUSIC: Autre Monde - 'On The Record' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE returns, as does Irish Times crime man Dean Ruxton, in order to run the rule over one of the year's most anticipated records; Girl Band's The Talkies. Elsewhere, it's your usual hot take music shop. Lengthier show notes unavailable due to Dave being ill whilst typing these very words. Dive in... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys Tebi Rex take over the studio in celebratory fashion as Dave and Craig do their best to maintain decorum. Do check out their debut album (Tebi Rex, not Dave and Craig) The Young Will Eat The Old when you can. But first, the podcast...ACT ONE: Welcome back, Matt and Max.ACT TWO: The Guardian did a big list and the guys dive in accordingly. Elsewhere, do we owe Tom DeLonge an apology?ACT THREE: Songs of the Week with an experimental twist.ACT FOUR: Charli XCX is back with Charli, her long-awaited, feature-heavy third album. Can it live up to the hype?EXIT MUSIC: Tebi Rex - 'I Never Got Off The Bus' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sickness strikes and the result is a two-man power trip as Dave and Craig strap in for another wild week in the world of music.On the cards; the dominance of Post Malone, Kurt Cobain's crumbling legacy, and tributes to the late, great Daniel Johnston.ACT ONE: Overheard in Castleknock and brief film-related discussion.ACT TWO: News, with the passing of Daniel Johnston, Kurt Cobain advertising concerns, festival recognition software, and a big SUPER-SHOW that we'll likely be avoiding.ACT THREE: New tunes from the likes of M83, Danny Brown, and a team-up between Slowthai and Denzel Curry.ACT FOUR: Post Malone is your new streaming overlord, but is he a worthy avatar for today's generation? The boys dive into Hollywood's Bleeding. EXIT MUSIC: Orla Gartland - 'Did It To Myself' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your core NO ENCORE threesome do an episode exclusively together from start to finish for the first time in a little bit.Tool, Electric Picnic, Burning Man, Lana Del Rey and plenty more are on the agenda, so let's do it to it...ACT ONE: Dave, ready to re-enter festival hiatus yet again, details the highs and lows of Electric Picnic 2019.ACT TWO: A scattering of news.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week featuring Grimes, Francis and the Lights, and Twin Shadow.ACT FOUR: Stoner-friendly prog-rock titans Tool return with Fear Inoculum, their first record in 13 years. The boys go deep on an 87-minute epic.EXIT MUSIC: Inhaler - 'Ice Cream Sundae' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your core trio are back together as Dave, Craig and Daithí finally convene again.On the agenda; Slipknot in conversation, Taylor Swift's latest long-player, and a brief dive into James Bond territory...ACT ONE: Craig and Dave discuss their respective late summer jaunts.ACT TWO: News, featuring the Harry Styles press push, the VMAs, and Craig patting himself on the back.ACT THREE: Dave chats to Clown from Slipknot about life, love, and the band's superb new album.ACT FOUR: Songs of the Week with Pusha T, Ms. Lauryn Hill, The 1975, and A.G. Cook.ACT FIVE: Taylor Swift returns with Lover. Alice Kiernan pops in to help the boys make sense of it all.EXIT MUSIC: Neverwait - 'Blind' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave brings good tidings from Toronto, Daithí is a Love Sensation, and telly addict Zara Hedderman makes a dramatic return.Up for debate; the debut album from The Murder Capital, celebrity waxwork etiquette, and the demise of another homegrown outfit...ACT ONE: Zara's summer of TV, Dave's enjoyable escape and Daithi's latest festival engagement.ACT TWO: Otherkin RIP, Taylor Swift takes control, Billie Eilish conquers all, Cheryl Cole has relevancy issues, and Slayer upset the delicate sensibilities of NASCAR.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week with Kojaque x Luka Palm, Kim Gordon, and Bat For Lashes.ACT FOUR: The Murder Capital unleash their debut album amidst a tidal wave of hype. Your NE trio duly dive in.EXIT MUSIC: Wallis Bird - 'Brutal Honesty' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NO ENCORE studio becomes People’s Republic territory, as show OG Colm O’Regan hops back on the mic to cover for our brother in The 6ix. Craig and Daithi complete a familiar trio – do line-ups get any better than that? Why yes, they do, as we also have a new interview with The Country’s Best Band™, Girl Band.ACT ONEThe return of O’Regan comes at a busy time, as Daithi arrives fresh from The Fleadh (a boyhood dream, we learn) with new music in tow and Craig reveals he’s off on a last-minute jaunt to New York. Will he secure Broadway tickets to see Jeff Daniels’ poignant turn as Atticus Finch? Find out in a fortnight. But before that…ACT TWOOur news starts with a cruise, as Belle & Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch declares “It's like the geeks won – the geeks made it to heaven for a long weekend!” We take a look at B&S’s “Boaty Weekender” around the Med (it’s no “Motörboat”). Elsewhere, A$AP Rocky is found guilty but he’ll be grand, BTS go on a break and make Gavin James a star in Korea, and Jay Z gets into bed with the NFL.ACT THREEAhead of the September 27 release of The Talkies, Girl Band are in conversation with our own Dave Hanratty.ACT FOUR Songs Of The Week time. Big Thief get prolific, Kendrick supports a Top Dawg mate and Whitney give us wistful end-of-summer vibes.ACT FIVEHow do you follow a puzzling masterpiece like 22, A Million? We find out, taking a deep dive into Bon Iver’s i,i. Oh, and there’s a drive-by Slipknot review, natch.EXIT MUSICDaithi – ‘Nobody New Around You’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE returns with another deep dive into the world of cinema as powered by a musical theme.Dave Hanratty and David Higgins are joined by Norma Howard, who knows a thing or three about all things film, as they do an Irish movie for once by focusing on 1980s kitchen sink drama but also colourful fantasy musical Sing Street…Is Sing Street a strong depiction of recession-era Dublin? Are the songs any use? How about the casting? And Jack Reynor’s accent, for that matter? What the hell is with that ending? And just how smoothly did director John Carney handle the press tour for this one? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s one thing you should know about Nadine O’Regan: never interrupt her when she’s halfway deep into a new 10-minute sonic odyssey from Tool.With Dave bound for Toronto, the beloved broadcaster and journalist joins NO ENCORE to unpack a busy August week in music. Aside from chatting to Craig and Daithi, you can also catch her chatting to the infinitely less interesting likes (ahem) of Jon Ronson, Graham Norton, Tracey Thorn and Kevin Barry on her own podcast, My Roots Are Showing.But before that, let’s get musical… ACT ONE:Craig might have been at home watching Daniel O’Donnell’s bizarro Eurovision knock-off “Mary From Dungloe”, but Daithi and Nadine actually went to a festival. They discuss the good, the bad and the traffic of All Together Now. ACT TWO:We pay tribute to David Berman, one of the finest writers of songs and words you are likely to hear. The former Silver Jews frontman passed away less than a month after his glorious return to music with Purple Mountains.From there, we analyse Chance The Rapper’s reaction to The Big Day criticism, with Nadine delivering an impassioned defence of the album (she likes at least two of the 22 songs).Lightening the mood further, A$AP Rocky is a free man, Tyler can play New Zealand, Noel Gallagher’s still a quote machine and Nic Cage reveals all about that ‘Purple Rain’ karaoke.ACT THREE:Noel Gallagher also has a song out, so there’s that... Elsewhere in Songs Of The Week, Tool’s first release in 13ish years and Drake gives Jai Paul a massive payday. We knew he was good for something.ACT FOUR:If you caught our recent ‘Sounds Of The Hot Boy Summer’ episode, you’ll know how much we adore Clairo’s ‘Bags’. Does the rest of her Rostam-produced debut album live up to that greatness? Immunity is our Album Of The Week.EXIT MUSIC:Felted Fruit & Laurie Shaw – ‘Mum & Dad’s’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the studio once again approaching critical meltdown levels, Dave and Craig welcome the returning Dean Van Nguyen to the table.Dean has a new book out - Iron Age: The Art of Ghostface Killah - and he explains why you should pick it up. Elsewhere, the new Chance the Rapper album comes into all of its overlong and irritating focus...ACT ONE: A bit on Dean's book.ACT TWO: Oh joy, there's another flowery Fontaines D.C. profile in the wild. The boys examine the New York Times' take on the Dublin punks and there's some other scattergun news action, too.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week featuring BoyW1DR, HAIM and Brockhampton.ACT FOUR: Chance the Rapper got married and he wants to tell you about it. For 77 minutes. Sigh.EXIT MUSIC: lullahush - 'Elysium' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not to go all Santana or anything but jesus christ the studio felt like it might actually melt down during this one. Yes, it's a two-hour episode. You're welcome. On the agenda; a tournament of summer tunes, the cancellation of Versatile, and a chat with Orla Gartland, who is awesome. ACT ONE: A brief preamble for once.ACT TWO [5:10]: The horrible Cats trailer, Versatile's reckoning, and the Mercury Prize nominations - tis the week in news.ACT THREE [24:15]: Songs of the Week~!ACT FOUR [36:15] In lieu of an album - yes, again - the boys consult Spotify's 'Songs of the Summer' playlist and go all European Football Championship knockout on the whole thing in a bid to discover the official NO ENCORE Sound of the Summer.ACT FIVE [1:14:00]: Dave hits up a sleepy franchise chain coffee shop in Dublin city centre to welcome Orla Gartland home with the best of all gifts - a 33-minute interview. They discuss moving to London, airport trouble, working in a despised cereal café, her excellent new EP and a whole lot more.EXIT MUSIC: Tandem Felix - 'Nightclub (I Sold My Soul To The Devil)' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys are back - well, two of them, at least. With Daithí away, Dave and Craig will play. On the agenda; the new Ed Sheeran album, Craig's festival trip abroad and the current state of The Strokes, and one Song of the Week that isn't like the others...ACT ONE: Craig talks about Bilbao for a bit.ACT TWO: News including the world's biggest 2Pac fan, Rihanna under fire, Lizzomania, and Tool vs Justin Bieber.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week with Purple Mountains, another Charli XCX collab, and a song that holds up. ACT FOUR: Ed Sheeran has gathered together a bunch of his superstar mates for a team-up album that has greatly upset Dave and Craig.EXIT MUSIC: Pillow Queens - 'Gay Girls' (Elaine Mai remix) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That's a Superman II reference, kids. It's a case of 'abandon ship' this week as the entire crew leaves Dave on his lonesome. Sad times.Luckily, the birthday boy is able to call on ace rising rapper Nealo as a co-host. Tangent-friendly chaos ensues as the boys talk Longitude, Versatile, Jeremy Renner (yes, again) and being middle-aged now.ACT ONE: Fresh from Longitude, Nealo gives his perspective from both onstage and off.ACT TWO: News! The Jeremy Renner rabbit hole goes deep, JAY-Z aims that little bit higher, and Metallica look to expand their audience.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week with Villagers, Madlib, and Sampa The Great.ACT FOUR: More news because Dave forgot some.ACT FIVE: Steven King of Fangclub discusses his band's new album Vulture Culture and the unique personal struggles he overcame to deliver it.EXIT MUSIC: ILENKUS - '3456' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A ridiculously stacked episode this week as the OG Three return to the fold. There's reviews of huge gigs, a great interview and a genuinely insane foray into the world of music from a Hollywood superstar.Let's do this...ACT ONE: Reviews of Mother Pride Block Party, Glastonbury from the couch, and Vampire Weekend's trip to Trinity College.ACT TWO: Tons of acrimonious news featuring Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Jack White, Interpol and Dave and Craig's old haunt doing them proud. ACT THREE: Bantum is back and he's got a rake of ace tunes with him. But first, the boys catch up with a man rejuvenated as he celebrates 10 years of making music. ACT FOUR: Songs of the Week with Jeremy Renner (yep), Kanye, and a homegrown team-up.ACT FIVE: Thom Yorke returns with another solo effort, but what do the guys make of ANIMA? EXIT MUSIC: Dashoda - 'In Between' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back at it with another music and movies breakdown; NO POPCORN returns after a brief life hiatus with man of the moment Elton John.No, he's not in studio as he's very busy, but rather the film of his life - Rocketman - is up for discussion as the Two Davids dive into a most fantastical story... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Daithí off doing further Daithí things, Dave lifts a controversial ban to welcome ace journalist and Lil Nas X stan Eva Short to NO ENCORE HQ.Craig is also on board, because Craig is forever. On the agenda; the new Hot Chip album, statue remorse, Dave's quite astounding link game and Lana Del Rey's summer party...ACT ONE: Your general catch-up situation finds Craig experiencing summertime sadness and Dave breaking his festival hiatus (yes, again) for about eight hours.ACT TWO: News, and plenty of it. Limp Bizkit's special status, Luke Kelly's defacement, P!nk's brand new fan and the state of Glastonbury.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week featuring Lil Nas X, Friendly Fires and a team-up between Mark Ronson and Angel Olsen.ACT FOUR: Hot Chip have made another Hot Chip album, but is it any good?EXIT MUSIC: Maijia Sofia | 'Edie Sedgwick' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two episodes in three days? The decadence.Business as usual for the NO ENCORE trio with definitely nothing different whatsoever. Meanwhile, Bruce is back.ACT ONE: Dave quite literally Takes Back Sunday.ACT TWO: News.ACT THREE: T-Swift enters Ally Mode, Drake steals the show, and a smouldering soul keeps his level.ACT FOUR: The Boss goes soulful country, but how does album #19 from Bruce Springsteen resonate in 2K19?EXIT MUSIC: Bantum x God Knows x Farah Elle x Ben Bix - 'Strongest Thing' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE returns with a special feature presentation.Very much the man of the moment; Dermot Kennedy is enjoying a meteoric rise in the music world. Dave Hanratty caught up with Kennedy during his recent four-night stand at Dublin's Olympia Theatre for a lengthy and open chat about just about everything... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave and Daithí go remote this week as Craig sells out once again.Luckily, we caught up with HEALTH frontman Jake Duzsik during the Los Angeles noisemakers' recent trip to Dublin. On the agenda; social media dos and don'ts, politics, video games, pop culture, and a great deal more.Elsewhere this week; Daithí attends the swankest gathering of his young life, and Dave... doesn't.ACT ONE: Daithí and Miggledy 4 Life, Slane non-report and other happenings.ACT TWO: HEALTH man Jake Duzsik in conversation.ACT THREE: It's the news - the passing of Philomena Lynott, the great Universal blaze, Satanic panic in Limerick, and Miley Cyrus Damage Control Corner.ACT FOUR: Songs of the Week ft. Dermot Kennedy, BTS, Charli XCX, Flume and London Grammar.EXIT MUSIC: Tony Fitz - 'Empty' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A highly emotional episode of NO ENCORE as Dave and Craig report back from Colm's Norwegian nuptials, Daithí basks in his glory, and Kobina makes an overdue appearance. On top of that, please enjoy lengthy public service announcements on the returns of both Girl Band and Jai Paul. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the last few months on NO ENCORE we’ve interviewed many Irish artists at different stages of their careers. One point that continues to come up (either on or off the mic) is how hard it is to make a living writing music. It got me thinking about a question; Who actually is writing music full time anymore? There’s the obvious ones, the really successful acts that are at a very high level. and the music producer helping loads of upcoming acts develop. Then of course there’s the guys writing music for Film and TV. Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Ennio Morricone, all of those guys. Finally, there’s a whole range of other music writers working in Industries that we don’t really think about. We certainly don’t give them a lot of coverage. So today, we’re going to be talking to 3 Irish people, working full time writing music.You’ve heard their music, but you’ve probably never really thought about who made it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE's last stop before the team decamp to Norway for marital bliss welcomes returning guest George Morahan to the table. Game of Thrones' series finale, Moby's terrible prose, Hayden Thorpe's debut album and a great deal more are on the agenda, and that's all you're getting show notes wise this week as we've all been struck down by various maladies. Enjoy... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave returns from a fateful and frenzied trip to Paris to report on Metallica live, airline trauma, personal injury, and chance encounters.Elsewhere, the boys sink into the new album from The National, run the rule over an increasingly erratic Game of Thrones narrative, and consider the merit of superstar pop team-ups. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yep, it's Nu Metal Vampire Music Video: The Movie.Dave Hanratty and David Higgins pivot the NO ENCORE music axis to the movies once more as they tackled 2002's bizarre Queen of the Damned.Was Stuart Townsend really the best choice to replace Tom Cruise? Why do most of the characters not get a proper introduction? Did you expect Lestat to sound like Jonathan Davis when he sings? And is that Disturbed on support? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE is back, as is host Dave Hanratty.The boys are reunited in time to discuss the Met Gala, Game of Thrones, last week's Murder Capital smackdown, the new Big Thief album, and why Daithí isn't going to Colm's wedding.ACT ONE: A busy preamble takes in most of the above and more.ACT TWO: Met Gala fallout, Wu Tang honoured, Tool toy with our emotions, and some reminiscing on a bizarre music video from about five years ago.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week featuring Denzel Curry, MorMor, and Blink-182.ACT FOUR: The whole world seems to be in love with neo-folksters Big Thief and their new album U.F.O.F. but are the NO ENCORE lads so easily won over?EXIT MUSIC: Loah & Bantum | 'April Brave' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The year is 2019 AD and Earth’s population has been decimated to the point where there’s no one left to assume NE hosting duties bar Craig Fitzpatrick. We’d say may God have mercy on our souls if it wasn’t already clear he had completely forsaken us. But wait, who’s that in the distance? Yes, it’s Captain Fiddle himself ready to save the day! With Daithí back onboard, we’ve another two-man power trip through what was a jam-packed week in the world of music. But first: Daithí reminisces about how he could have been Ireland’s answer to Tony Hawk, Craig talks about stumbling into a very quiet, very serious gig at just the wrong time, and the boys can’t contain themselves: yes, there is Game Of Thrones chat, but it’s sequestered in its own section bookended by cats singing the theme tune so you can easily skip.ACT ONECHVRCHES under threat from a loathsome bunch of fans, Kevin Abstract on a treadmill for 10 hours and Coachella blamed for a massive herpes outbreak, Oh, and Jaden Smith’s set to play an alternate reality version of Kanye West. It’s the news.ACT TWOFear not, we have your Dave Hanratty fix. Our man sat down with The Murder Capital and drew on all his reserves of journalistic patience and nous to wring something interesting from it. Fascinating listening.ACT THREEIn Songs Of The Week, Taylor Swift enlists Panic! At The Disco’s Brendon Urie as part of her reDisneyfication. And plunges us into a deep existential funk. Can the return of Stormzy and Japanese Breakfast lift our spirits?ACT FOURThe immensely talented Aldous Harding got us super hyped for her third LP with the release of lead single ‘The Barrel’ earlier this year. Does Designer live up to our expectations? EXIT MUSICNealo ft God Knows & Innrspace – ‘Questions’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE is back on a two-man vibe with another packed deep dive into the realm of all things music.There's a chat with SOAK as she releases new album Grim Town, thoughts on Kanye's Sunday Service, Dave versus the national broadcaster, and the hotly-anticipated comeback from Vampire Weekend...ACT ONE: Dave talks Avengers: Endgame, gets into a social media ruck, and generally defends the honour of critics. Again.ACT TWO: The boys mull over the news happenings, from David Byrne's job offer to what bands should be avoided for security purposes.ACT THREE: SOAK is back with Grim Town, her excellent sophomore effort. She sits down with Dave to discuss what went into the album's construction, mental health, problematic lyrics, and why her career is something of a happy accident.ACT FOUR: Songs of the Week with FKA twigs, Better Oblivion Community Center, and an all-star team-up in honour of Game of Thrones.ACT FIVE: There's a week to go before Vampire Weekend release Father of the Bride, their first album in six years. But dammit, Dave and Craig can wait no longer...EXIT MUSIC: Le Boom x Æ MAK | 'Dancing Bug' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deep breaths.NO ENCORE's movies-and-music spin-off continues apace as NO POPCORN hits up an intensely grim venue to catch a punk band as they do their utmost to survive the night against a ruthless, murderous pack of neo-Nazis.Yep, it's Green Room, and it's really fucking intense...Is this the best horror of the decade? Is the violence impactful or gratuitous?Patrick Stewart; stunt casting or inspired genius? And which one of the lads has a terrifying on-the-road story of their very own? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The only way to make a Good Friday even better - the latest episode of your beloved NO ENCORE podcast.It's good on other days, too. This week, the boys welcome God Knows into the studio for a long-awaited, in-depth conversation.Elsewhere, there's some Fontaines fallout, a Coachella blitz, the new Anderson .Paak album, and a strangely lethargic Daithí for some unknown reason.ACT ONE: Dave is very bored by something that he wrote about. Don't ever say he's not self-aware.ACT TWO: Rusangano Family man God Knows on growth, success, giving back, mental health, and why he's determined to fight for the best version of himself.ACT THREE: In the news; Coachella, Frank Ocean, and Keanu Reeves. Also, Dave goes to bat for a band that needs more love, at least according to him.ACT FOUR: New and Improved Songs of the Week ft. Mark Ronson, Lykke Li, BTS, and Madonna.ACT FIVE: Anderson. Paak didn't take long to follow up the uneven Oxnard. Does Ventura bring him back to form?EXIT MUSIC: Kobina | 'Does It' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave indulges himself in all kinds of ways following the success of his Picture This expedition. Craig and Daithí look on, concerned.Elsewhere on NO ENCORE this week - Sarah Corcoran of Pillow Queens stops by to chat their new single and upcoming tour with SOAK, bold fashion choices, cinema etiquette and whether or not the whole punk thing really is kicking off.Speaking of, there's hype-aplenty about Dublin noiseniks Fontaines D.C. and their debut album - but is it any good?ACT ONE: Dave upsets everyone.ACT TWO: The Beatles ride again, 25 years of Kurt Cobain not being a murder victim, and MySpace is back! Kind of.ACT THREE: Sarah Pillow Queens in conversation.ACT FOUR: The new and improved Songs of the Week.ACT FIVE: Fontaines D.C. are your new punk rock indie kings. Let's talk about it.EXIT MUSIC: God Knows | 'Crown' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE at the movies returns with a double bill.First up, Dave Hanratty and David Higgins ingest about as much of yawn-some Motley Crüe tribute The Dirt as they can stomach.The main event, however, looks at the life and times of the explosive N.W.A. as F. Gary Gray's 2015 effort Straight Outta Compton comes into focus.Does the movie do a good job of highlighting the cultural impact of N.W.A.?Was the casting on point?Did we need the parade of cameos?Is Paul Giamatti wearing a wig?And how does that F. Gary Gray filmography hold up?All that and much more discussed... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A very special guest hits up NO ENCORE HQ this week with an important purpose.Dave reports on an epic, life-changing journey. Daithí played his part. Craig did not. Elsewhere, the boys look at Billie Eilish's debut album and engage in questionable shopping etiquette.ACT ONE: Yes, Dave actually did that. Five nights of it, no less. Hear the whole gory story and do bail over to JOE to read more about it.ACT TWO: News as Leo V Taoiseach indulges in pop perks, Green Day embrace their feminine side, Skrillex fends off pests and KFC annoy everyone while boosting their brand.ACT THREE: Songs of the Week with Modest Mouse, Khalid, Ariana Grande and Victoria Monét, The Drums, and Rosalía.ACT FOUR: Much hype about Billie Eilish these past few months, some of it emanating from this very show. Can her debut possibly live up to expectations?EXIT MUSIC: Damsel | 'Head Hums' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig flees to Spain like an exiled lord as Dave and Daithí hold down the NO ENCORE fort.There's an in-depth look at Drake's 3Arena takeover, a chat with Rushes as he releases his debut EP, and Dave's grand return to school amongst plenty more.ACT ONE: Daithí does Drake as Dave buries himself in The Dirt.ACT TWO: Scott Walker RIP, Bo-Raps gets the scissors, Dr. Dre has social media remorse and the holograms are back to haunt us - it's the news.ACT THREE: Cork producer Rushes has just dropped his debut Glimpse EP. He joins the boys to discuss his process, working with Diffusion Lab, choosing a different path and retaining a sense of mystery.ACT FOUR: Songs of the Week with Flume, Tame Impala, Sky Ferreira, Marina, and Logic.ACT FIVE: Avant-garde outfit and critical darlings These New Puritans are back with their first album in six years. Dave didn't like the last one, so that bodes well, right?EXIT MUSIC: Bouts x Kobina | 'Love's Lost Landings, Pt. 2' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The best damn music podcast in town returns with reports of great live music and violently theatrical happenings, a lively chat with Soulé and some good old-fashioned emo wanderings. ACT ONE: Live correspondence from Anderson .Paak's Dublin visit, as well as a recap of Daithí's exciting birthday.ACT TWO: Little Green Cars switch off their respective engines, MySpace somehow makes headlines in 2019, George Ezra goes through the legal mill, and Bohemian Rhapsody keeps on upsetting people - it's the NEWS.ACT THREE: Soulé is making waves with her new Love Cycle EP but it turns out that she's just as adept at the culinary arts. A quite wild conversation ensues.ACT FOUR: Deeply influential emo proves too much for Daithí to deal with, leaving Dave and Craig to play some American Football.ACT FIVE: Songs of the Week unites Two Door Cinema Club, Weyes Blood, Saudade, The Head and the Heart and Iggy Azalea.EXIT MUSIC: The Claque | 'Stray' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE's deep dive into the world of music-related cinema continues with the epic, the bizarre, the hilarious, the tragic, the essential Metallica: Some Kind of Monster.Dave Hanratty and David Higgins sit down to try and make sense of one of the most compelling music documentaries in the game. Why did Metallica agree to make this? Who are the heroes and villains of the piece? And how are we feeling about St. Anger 16 years later? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NO ENCORE returns as Dave, Daithí and Craig welcome Molly Sterling for a chat, provide further dispatches from the RTÉ Choice Music Prize, and muse on bathing etiquette.ACT ONE: NO POPCORN #002 incoming, but what band 'Hurt' Dave this week?ACT TWO: The boys got their vox pop on at the Choice - hear some immediate hot takes from Nialler9, The Point of Everything, Tony Clayton-Lea and Zara Hedderman.ACT THREE: News, and plenty of it.ACT FOUR: Rising artist Molly Sterling is enjoying a dark and challenging rebirth. She opens up on a difficult breakthrough and an exciting new direction.ACT FIVE: Songs of the Week.ACT SIX: Foals have unleashed part one of their latest voyage. Can long-time sceptic Dave finally be won over?EXIT MUSIC: Anna Mullarkey | 'Sometimes' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A pleasure to welcome musical force of nature, Other Voices presenter and all-round legend Mary-Kate Geraghty to the co-hosting hot seat. Fun is had, cans are cracked, and there’s also room for more serious discussion in a newsworthy week for all things music.ACT ONEDave regales us with tales of his jaunt to London for a Billie Eilish gig (he saw a Union Jack cushion, basically). His hotel was two doors down from the venue, but how close was it to Shattered Dreams Parkway? We find out. We also have an early pow-wow about Solange’s When I Get Home. It’s a mood of an album and so is Craig, apparently. ACT TWOTime-travelling hijinks prior to, and live from, the Choice Music Prize.ACT THREEWith the world having lost the iconic and beloved Keith Flint, we pay tribute. Closer to home, we parse the Twitter storm whipped up by Ed Power’s stinging Wyvern Lingo comments. From there, it’s all Brian May raging against the media machine, cloud macchiatos with Ariana Grande and Kanye West’s Sunday service.ACT FOURSongs Of The Week sees the Jonas Brothers giving us a dose of purity ring pop nostalgia, Mac DeMarco angering Mitski fans while appealing to Mary-Kate, and more.ACT FIVEShe’s been on the cusp of pop stardom for some time, so has rising Norwegian artist Sigrid capitalised with her long-playing debut? Sucker Punch is our Album Of The Week.EXIT MUSICParticipant – ‘Medicine’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome, players, to NO ENCORE #154.Jafaris drops in with just days to go until his debut album hits the world, an old friend makes his mark, and the gang try to solve the conundrum that is Andrew Hozier-Byrne.ACT ONE: Icelandic awkwardness, Massive Attack-soundtracked weirdness, and Academy Award-uselessness - it's the preamble.ACT TWO: The boys cop what a mess they've made of this week's news section much too late, so hopefully that top 10 saves the day.ACT THREE: Jafaris is on the rise. Debut album Stride is imminent. He opens up on his faith, his drive, his artistry, realising potential, and why Los Angeles provides its own unique inspiration.ACT FOUR: Time to enter the Wasteland, Baby! as lapsed fans and sceptics unite to hurl themselves headfirst into Hozier's sophomore long form offering.ACT FIVE: SOTW w/ Big Thief, Kojaque, P!nk, Hatchie, and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever.EXIT MUSIC: King Pallas | 'The Dead' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for your beloved NO ENCORE music podcast to take a deep dive into the world of cinema.NO POPCORN is our new semi-regular look at a film that boasts a certain music-themed flavour; be it a biopic, a musical or something that just has a musician in it for five minutes or less.And what better way to kick things off than by breaking down the Academy Award-winning Bohemian Rhapsody?OG NE host Dave Hanratty is joined by David 'Higgs' Higgins as they try to make sense of what is, and we're being charitable enough here, a complete mess.How did this film win all those awards? What the hell is going on with the editing? How does Aidan Gillen keep getting work? Is Rami Malek's performance actually any good? What's with all the outright lies?All those questions and more are answered as NO POPCORN's maiden voyage takes hold... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You'd know Colm was gone, given that it's time for THE LONGEST EPISODE OF NO ENCORE TO DATE.But hey, that's what happens when you welcome Tebi Rex to the studio for a long, intimate chat. Throw the return of Daithí as he ably breaks down The Gloaming's new album and an in-depth review of an awards show that nobody cares for and, well, yeah, this one's epic.ACT ONE: Dave and Daithí's Valentine's Night report (they went to Maggie Rogers), Daithí cheats on NO ENCORE, Dave enjoys a flying visit to Output Belfast and more.ACT TWO: Brit Awards, gender disparity and a bench in honour of late Eazy-E; it's the news.ACT THREE: Matt and Max of rising Maynooth hip hop outfit Tebi Rex take over as Cillian Murphy is firmly put on blast.ACT FOUR: Songs of the Week with Jenny Lewis, Lizzo, Tierra Whack, Mango x Mathman and Aldous Harding.ACT FIVE: The regal tones of The Gloaming come into focus as they drop their third record. Can Dave and Craig finally learn to love their heritage?EXIT MUSIC: Host - 'Taste of Your Love' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we make a shock decision to cover an electro-industrial album rather than the latest long-player from the biggest pop star on the planet… And then can’t help discussing new Ariana Grande in-depth at the top of the show anyway. Elsewhere, Craig didn’t really watch the Grammys but has opinions on it and Dave’s been hanging out in the media section of a church.ACT ONEYep, so Craig won’t be attending a Ryan Adams gig anytime soon. We discuss the awful New York Times revelations about the alt-country star. In brighter news, 21 Savage has been released from the clutches of the dastardly ICE and a famous London venue takes Daithi’s side in the whole ’should stage times be released?’ debate.ACT TWOWe’re joined by rising Dublin rapper Nealo for a chat about swapping hardcore for hip hop, inspirational dog walking, existential crises and why music sounds better when it’s the unvarnished truth.ACT THREEHas Dave come around to Otherkin? Can Jessie Ware put a foot wrong? Have we all been sleeping on Mini Mansions? All these questions and more answered in Songs Of The Week.ACT FOUR“This album was designed to be played at a high volume. Please do your best.” We did indeed do our best with HEALTH’s fourth… So is VOL. 4 :: SLAVES OF FEAR worth the potential earache?EXIT MUSICRoyal Yellow – ‘Aruba’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roll up, roll up - NO ENCORE returns with the two-man power trip that is David William Hanratty and Craig Fitzpatrick for yet more music-related chatter.There's an interview with Talos man Eoin French as he releases excellent new album Far Out Dust, the fallout of Maroon 5's appointment with the Super Bowl and the return of Beirut.ACT ONE: The preamble features a difficult week for both Dave and Craig and another tease for the upcoming NO POPCORN.ACT TWO: An ever-busy news section - Castlepalooza on festival hiatus, a positive Billy Corgan story for once, yet more Fyre Festival fallout and Dave reads some fan mail.ACT THREE: Eoin French of Talos fame talks new album Far Out Dust, mythical tales of rowdy gigs, embracing the majesty of pop music and whether or not he forgives Dave for his role in last year's Choice Music Prize.ACT FOUR: Songs of the Week with a LEGO Movie amalgamation, Empire of the Sun's glittering comeback, Alex Gough's laid-back drawl, Interpol's surprising energy and the naked politics of Pet Shop Boys.ACT FIVE: Craig's mate Zach Condon aka Beirut is back with his fifth album Gallipoli, which provokes an emotional reaction from the boys - but of what nature?EXIT MUSIC: Fat Pablo - 'Shambala' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Luke Kelly’s gigantic disembodied head now scaring tourists on Sheriff Street, your NO ENCORE trio are across the Liffey keeping the great man’s passion for music alive. By trading Bros one-liners. We’ve seen the incredible After The Screaming Stops doc and are ready to talk conkers, rectangles, street sweepers and superstition. Elsewhere, Ben Howard leaves Dave and Daithi scratching their heads and professional wrestling keeps Dave up all night.ACT ONEAs the shortlist for Irish Song of the Year is revealed, we debate the merits of that particular Choice Music Prize accolade. Also on the news agenda? A Harry Styles face tattoo shows how standom is only getting scarier, the Fyre Festival fallout ain’t done yet, and rogue “artists” have been hijacking Spotify (we’re looking at you, Bono).ACT TWOJ Cole makes his much-hyped, horn-heavy 2019 bow, Ryan Adams rages against the weather, Billie Eilish captivates with a tale of the monster under your bed... Just a taster of Songs Of The Week. With added Idris Elba. ACT THREEBackstreet’s back, alright? The “Rolling Stones of pop” recently celebrating 25 years in the game and they’ve added some electro-pop moves to their DNA. We gave the new studio album from The Backstreet Boys a helluva lotta spins and our reaction to one track in particular will SHOCK YOU. EXT MUSICJAFARIS - ‘TIME’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sri Lanka’s loss is podcasting’s gain as Daithi makes his glorious return. Elsewhere in a week of shake-ups, Dave gets his hosting privileges revoked. But who is this mysterious “Michael Encore” getting Craig’s name wrong? We’ll never know. In completely unrelated news, Michael Fry also offers up his hottest musical takes.ACT ONEWould you rather be stuck on a flight with Azealia Banks or a bunch of Irish trad musicians? What will be cooking in the “Larry’s Kitchen” section of the U2 visitor centre? Who are you muting on Spotify? Unsatisfactorily answering all of these questions – it’s the news!ACT TWOVampire Weekend are back, back, BACK! Ariana Grande, Sigrid, Foals and Hozier are the other artists having the GALL to release new material at the same time in our Songs Of The Week.ACT THREEAn open debate on the myriad merits of James Blake’s fourth album. The artist has already slated Pitchfork’s review of Assume Form (their low score couldn’t have anything to do with him calling them out “for their toxic masculinity”, could it?). What will he make of the NE crew’s take? More importantly, what will YOU? EXIT MUSIC DENISE CHALIA - ‘COPPER BULLET’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.