Longford duo Cronin have released their new single, Overlooking Paris, from their upcoming EP, which is due in April. We asked Michael of the band the BIG questions . . .
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Brothers Michael and Johnny Cronin describe the track as their very own "James Bond spy theme, drawing from the lush, cinematic worlds of John Barry and Serge Gainsbourg."
Recorded at Black Box Studio, France, the track was produced by David Odlum (The Frames, Lisa O Neill, Sam Smith), who also contributes guitar and synths.
Strings are by Anna Houston (No Crowes) and Steve Wickham (The Waterboys), with additional recording and mixing by Michael Cronin at the band own Transmission Rooms Studio.
Cronin have been releasing music since 2006 and release and record with Brian Murphy and Fiachra Milner.
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Under their initial moniker The Aftermath, they had a top ten and two top twenty hits on the Irish Singles Chart with releases through their independent label, Transmission Records.
As Cronin they have released one full-length album, The First Kiss of Love, and a mini-album, A View From the Next Room.
They were musical directors for the late Shane MacGowan Late Late Show special in 2019, assembling a band that included members of The Pogues, Glen Hansard, and Lisa O'Neill. They’ve also performed at high-profile events such as MacGowan’s wedding (alongside Johnny Depp) and funeral (with Nick Cave) and appeared in Julien Temple’s acclaimed documentary A Crock of Gold.
Cronin have also produced work by Steve Wickham, BP Fallon, Mark Greaney (JJ72), and Shane MacGowan.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm a singer songwriter from Drumlish, Longford, but living in Mullingar the last 22 years, and I play in a band with my brother Michael, called after our name, Cronin, with good friends Fiachra Milner and Brian Murphy. I've got a music podcast called Teenage Wasteland with my friend Will Russell. I'm a mod, but was brought up on trad and the first instrument I learned was the button key accordion from granny Agnes.
How would you describe your music?
Irish Indie music, dark melodic baroque pop, with an Irish folk influence. Using soundscapes and strings, we collaborate with a lot of friends and heroes, to make a document of our lives.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Shane MacGowan, my father's accordion playing, The Stone Roses, Jarvis Cocker, Luke Kelly, Leonard Cohen, Robert Smith, Satie, Serge Gainsbourg, Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music, Mark E Smith, Joy Division, The Beatles, The Kinks, Elvis, Kate Bush, Margaret Barry, The Who, Percy French, The Dubliners, Richard Hawley, Bert Bacharach, Oscar Wilde and Scott Walker.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The Waterboys, Room to Roam tour, in Newtownforbs. It was like the Bob Dylan Rolling Thunder Revue coming to Longford - a complete rite of passage. And in the same week, Suede. I'm pretty sure I would have seen Joe Dolan and Mick Flavin with my parents before those gigs.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Pipes of Peace by Paul McCartney and Staring at the Sea by The Cure on cassette in Dennistons Longford town.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Loving Bonnie Prince Billy's new album, The Purple Bird, especially London May. I'm massive Will Oldham fan.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"One summer evening drunk to hell, I stood there nearly lifeless" - Shane MacGowan brings you there in a Pair of Brown Eyes. I also really love Jarvis Cocker’s "She came from Greece, she had a thirst for knowledge" or "Use your mentality, wake up to reality" from Cole Porter’s I've Got You Under My Skin.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Killing Moon by Echo & The Bunnymen from their fourth album Ocean Rain. Or Van Morrisson's Listen to the Lion, from his 1974 live album It's Too Late to Stop Now.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Streaming everywhere and all socials at croninmusic and our website.
Alan Corr
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