Alternative Rock from Pork Pie

Based in Dundalk, Ireland, Pork Pie is a four-piece rock band that’s been making an impression with their unique fusion of garage, alternative and psychedelic rock. Featuring musicians Michael Stafford, Shane Brett and brothers Michael and Peter Laverty, Pork Pie delivers their own take on modern rock, drawing in a loyal fanbase through both their magnetic live shows and well-received studio work.

Their debut album, Pterodactyl, dropped in 2021, marking their arrival as a rock band with an uncompromising sound. The album received critical acclaim, praised for its inventive compositions and blend of genres, helping to secure the band’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most promising rock acts and propelling them into the spotlight at key venues such as Ireland’s Spirit Store, The Paradiso in Amsterdam and London’s iconic Dublin Castle. Their festival appearances have been equally thrilling, attracting crowds with their high-octane performances and infectious stage presence.

Pork Pie’s influence has also been acknowledged by the Irish Government, who endorsed an exclusive online performance at the Great Northern Brewery, attesting to their growing role as cultural ambassadors of Irish rock. Following Pterodactyl, Pork Pie continued to share new music and announced their sophomore LP Golden Leaf Sheets. With four singles already out, each release builds anticipation for the album, showcasing Pork Pie’s evolution as they add new instruments and explore more complex soundscapes.

Their fifth and final single ahead of the album’s release titled “The Raven,” perfectly captures the band’s genre-blending brilliance and shifting sonic vision. Folding in elements of post punk, post grunge and psych tinges into a raucous alternative rock sound, the song was inspired by a chance encounter in Galway, where frontman Michael Stafford busked with a New Age marionette player. Their time together left a lasting impact on Stafford, who penned a poem about the eccentric puppet-maker. Years later, that poem evolved into the lyrics for “The Raven,” bringing together a story of creativity, memory and the profound effect of unique personalities.

Recorded at Dundalk’s Lockup Recording Studio, “The Raven” opens with bright guitar leads above the rattle of cymbal before jumping into a bouncy rhythm of lively drums, stretched organ textures and expressive vocal lines. Building with charging riffs and belted vocal performance, the track delivers a burst of frenetic alternative rock cut with electrifying psychedelic lead guitar touches and rousing rhythms capped by memorable hooks.

Shaking with fuzzy rock aesthetic and balancing thoughtful lyrical writing with storming energy, “The Raven” presents a five minute ride of invigorating modern rock. It’s another epic example of Pork Pie’s evolving sound while building the hype for their highly anticipated second album.

Listen to The Raven below

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