Music legends to launch new EP from heart of Kilkenny music scene

To mark the launch of their first EP in 14 years, Cry Before Dawn will play an in-store performance at Rollercoaster Records in Kilkenny on Thursday, August 7 at 2pm.

Their new EP, Open Water, is due for release on CD, vinyl and digital on Friday, August 1. It follows the release of their latest single of the same name on June 4 of this year.

Cry Before Dawn first formed in Wexford in 1982. Masterfully combining the intensity of guitar-driven rock with the rich heritage of traditional Irish pipes and whistles, this fusion creates a powerful and dynamic sound that sets them apart in the music scene.

The band has reached incredible heights with two double platinum-selling albums and a collection of prestigious national awards. Among these, they won Best Newcomer in 1987 and Best Irish Group in 1989, showcasing their widespread acclaim and popularity across the nation.

After a break, Cry Before Dawn reunited in 2011, marking the occasion with the release of a “Best Of” CD, the new single “Is This What You Waited For,” and a live album titled “Live at the Opera House.” Their return was met with excitement, and they subsequently embarked on tours throughout Ireland and the UK.

In 2023, they returned to the stage, performing at key festivals and sell-out headline shows across the country, earning rave reviews from the press that celebrated their return.

As they entered 2024, the band launched an extensive nationwide tour, selling out major venues across the country, including two consecutive nights at the Wexford Spiegeltent and three unforgettable nights at the iconic Whelan’s Main Venue in Dublin. Their explosive performances at prominent international festivals like Forest Fest and Night & Day further reinforced their status as one of Ireland’s premier live acts.