Since Kneecap's 2024 debut album Fine Art, the Northern Irish rap trio has been through a lot. They've been one of the most outspoken voices advocating for Palestine amidst Israel's genocide in Gaza, and bringing that to the stage during their Coachella performance led to what they called a "coordinated smear campaign" that included parting ways with their booking agency, Sharon Osbourne calling for the revocation of their visas, and canceled concerts. An old clip of one of their concerts resurfaced and resulted in a terror charge against Mo Chara, which was ultimately thrown out. Due to the trials, their sold-out US tour was canceled. Canada deemed them "ineligible to enter our country," so they're suing a Canadian legislator. And now, they're announcing a new album.
FENIAN arrives in April, and "Liars Tale" is the lead single out today, serving as a callout against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "Starmer is a scumbag, don't accept it," Kneecap said about the track in a statement. "There's no good in their politics and the belly of the beast is feeding overseas." It comes with a music video directed by Thomas James, who explained:
For me, this needed to be punk, absurd, abrasive and wild. An ugly reflection of the world we find ourselves in; utter fucking chaos. We talked around the idea of a ‘carnival of distraction’ - and for me, this meant as many ideas as would squeeze into the 3 minutes, that embody the 2+2=5 hell-scape we seem to be surrounded by.
A whirlwind of Irish mythology, of satire, of anger. A vehicle for what the boys have been through, but likewise, for what everyone is witnessing. It’s not often you get to work with a band who have a genuine fire, and a selfless interest in trying to help people. And that for all of us involved, was important.
The video became a nightmarish fuck you to the powers that be, with a wry smile and a lubed up prop selection.
Here's what Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí said about the record:
They tried to stop us by branding Kneecap 'terrorists', with cancellations, with statements from the Prime Minister himself.
We had all the motivation we needed…this isn't a swift reaction, but a considered response to those that tried to silence us. And failed.
Made with Dan Carey, a producer we are honored to have worked with. It's a more sinister sound…because these are sinister times. But also defiant and triumphant.
Inspired by, and proudly named 'Fenian', who were warriors in Irish folklore, and later a derogatory term for the Irish.
Now we're using it to name everyone speaking truth to power.
After 800 years of colonisation, they thought the Irish language would die, it didn't. Thanks to Muintir na Gaeltachta, and all the Gaels who refused to let their culture and language be destroyed.
And Kneecap is much the same…we haven't gone away.
The Paddies are back.
Watch the "Liars Tale" video below.
TRACKLIST:
01 "Éire go Deo"
02 "Smugglers & Scholars"
03 "Carnival"
04 "Palestine" (Feat. Fawzi)
05 "Liars Tale"
06 "FENIAN"
07 "Big Bad Mo"
08 "Headcase"
09 "An Ra"
10 "Cold At The Top"
11 "Occupied 6"
12 "Gael Phonics"
13 "Cocaine Hill" (Feat. Radie Peat)
14 "Irish Goodbye" (Feat. Kae Tempest)
TOUR DATES:
05/29-30 – Belfast, IE @ AVA
06/06 – Barcelona, ES @ Primavera
06/11 – Porto, PT @ Primavera
06/13 – Neuchatel, FR @ Festi’Neuch
06/27 – London, UK @ Crystal Palace Park
07/01 – Gdynia, PL @ Open’er Festival
07/02 – Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Festival
07/04 – Werchter, BE @ Rock Werchter
07/18 – Plovdiv, BG @ PhilGood Festival
07/21 – Waterford, IE @ All Together Now
08/12-16 – Winchester, UK @ Boomtown
08/28-30 – Reading & Leeds Festivals, UK
FENIAN is out 4/24 via Heavenly Recordings. Pre-order it here.
