The Cornermen bring their commitment to music and community together on their latest single, “Stretched On Your Grave,” ahead of their ten-track studio album, releasing later this month. Led by John Houston, the five musicians came together during an impromptu open-mic session in October 2022, and their roots lie at South Moreton Boxing Club, where The Cornermen operate as a charity supporting Men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
The band explains:
“This is the second release of Trad songs from The Cornermen. Following on from last year’s Trad, this album, entitled Tramps and Hawkers, has 10 songs from old favourites to covers of Shane McGowan and Christy Moore songs. Done with just vocals, fiddle, guitar and bodhran, this is more of a pub session sound you might find in a Donegal tavern when the hush descends, and a song rings out.”
The upcoming album follows their collection of traditional songs, combining repertoire favourites with interpretations of material associated with Shane MacGowan and Christy Moore. Fiddle, guitar, bodhran and vocals form the foundations, and since forming, they’ve played more than fiftty shows, including support slots for Ian Prowse and Damien Dempsey.
Their fundraising has financed over 600 counseling sessions for men in crisis, with streaming and performance revenues continuing to support this work, as well as the filming of their podcast. Next year, the band plans to join Damien Dempsey’s Christmas Residency at Dublin’s Vicar Street, with further touring on the cards for 2027.
