DUBLIN, April 23, 2024 – Irish rap group Kneecap will release their new album, Fenian, on April 24, a project born from defiance after facing accusations of terrorism and subsequent performance bans. Teh trio’s upcoming release is a direct response to attempts to silence their politically charged music and advocacy.
A Response to Censorship and Controversy
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Fenian, produced by Dan Carey-known for his work with fontaines D.C. and black Midi-features collaborations with Kae Tempest, Ramallah-based rapper Fawzi, and Irish musician Radie Peat. The album follows Kneecap’s 2024 release, Fine art, and arrives amidst a period of notable challenges for the group.
Since the release of Fine Art, Kneecap has been banned from performing in Hungary and Canada.they were also removed from a Scottish music festival due to “concerns expressed by the police about safety.” In May, bandmember Mo Chara was charged with a terror offense for allegedly displaying the Hezbollah flag at a London concert, prompting the cancellation of a U.S. tour.
What is the importance of the album title, Fenian? The term “Fenian” historically refers to members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a 19th-century Irish nationalist organization. Its use by Kneecap is a deliberate reclamation of a historically loaded term, signaling resistance and Irish identity.
The terror charge against Mo Chara was ultimately thrown out, and the group addressed the ordeal in the November song “No Comment,” featuring producer Sub Focus. prior to Fenian, Kneecap shared the tracks “sayōnara” with Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll and “The Recap” with Mozey.
Did you know?-Kneecap initially gained prominence through self-released music videos on YouTube, gaining a dedicated following for their unique blend of Irish-language rap and political commentary.
In a statement, Kneecap explained, “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.”
Fenian Tracklist
01 Éire go Deo
02 Smugglers & Scholars
03 Carnival
04 Palestine ft. 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 ft. Radie Peat
14 Irish Goodbye ft. Kae Tempest
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