“The gigs in Galway have always been amazing. We said we had to come,” says O'Reilly, about the band's discussions on where to tour their latest album.
The band is no stranger to performing in Galway. It played at Galway Airport this summer, and headlined the Galway International Arts Festival last year. The band performed at the Róisín Dubh early in The Coronas' careers: "I remember the first time we played in the Róisín Dubh; it wasn't even half full. When we sold out the Róisín it was a big deal for us," says O'Reilly.
The band has teamed up with Golden Discs for its album launch, with the intention of performing smaller shows across the country. While they’ve been to Monroe’s after their gig at Galway Airport to celebrate, this will be the first time the lads will perform at the Dominick Street venue.
The album launch will be for all ages, and the band plans to play their new album for an hour, and meet fans afterwards. “I wanted people to come down with their family after work,” says O'Reilly.
The album itself, Thoughts & Observations is the band’s eighth studio album. It will be released tomorrow, Friday, September 27. The album is about life, relationships and life as a band.
"There’s lots of different stuff on there. That's why we came up with the name Thoughts & Observations; it’s little snapshots of different things in our lives. We’re really proud of it.”
O'Reilly revealed that creating this record was much easier compared to earlier projects. "We’re more confident in ourselves. As we get older, we have a better understanding of what our strengths are. We’re getting better at weeding through the bad stuff.”
When asked about why they love performing in Galway so much, the pair said they always feel a certain extra appreciation in Galway when they come to visit.
“There’s probably more international gigs in Dublin and in Cork, so you always feel appreciated in Galway just that little bit more," says O'Reilly.
Knox agrees that this upcoming show is much smaller and more intimate compared to their other Galway gigs. The band hopes to play the new album for an hour then meet fans after. He also said he can’t reveal much, but there could be a few surprises. Rumours of an appearance by O'Reilly's sister, the singer Róisín O, abound. The siblings are the offspring of major, modern Irish folk-rock singer, Mary Black.
Prior to rehearsals for their upcoming gigs, the last time many of the songs were played was back in January. The Monroe’s gig will be one of the first times the band will play these new songs live.
When asked about future plans, O'Reilly is certain that the band would be returning to Galway soon for a larger gig.
Tickets €20 - with wristbands required for entry - available from Golden Discs. Links at www.monroes.ie
