The Paddies are back, and they aren’t pulling any punches. Following a massive 2024 that saw them play a storming set at Glastonbury, release a critically acclaimed biopic, and generally wind up the establishment, Belfast trio Kneecap have announced details of their new album. Titled Fenian, the record is set to drop on 24th April 2026 via Heavenly Recordings.
Never ones to shy away from a bit of controversy, the lads – Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí – have made it clear that recent political pressures have only fuelled their fire. Speaking about the new record, the band stated: “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.”
The album title itself is a reclamation of a term steeped in history. “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,” they explained.
To coincide with the announcement, Kneecap have released the first single, “Liars Tale”. It’s a proper kick in the teeth of a track, blending their signature hip-hop flow with a rave-punk chaos that feels tailor-made for sweaty venues. The song takes direct aim at the current political landscape, with the band describing it as a response to “sinister times”. The accompanying video, directed by Thomas James, matches that energy with a visual feast of satire and “nightmarish” imagery.
Produced by Dan Carey, Fenian promises to be a darker, more confrontational beast than its predecessor, Fine Art. If “Liars Tale” is anything to go by, we’re in for a wild ride.
Pre-orders / saves are available now
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You can catch the band live at several festivals across the UK and Ireland this summer, including huge slots at Crystal Palace Park and Reading & Leeds.
UK & Ireland Tour Dates:
- 29-30 May – AVA, Belfast
- 27 June – Crystal Palace Park, London
- 21 July – All Together Now, Waterford
- 12-16 Aug – Boomtown, Winchester
- 28-30 Aug – Reading & Leeds Festivals
Tracklist:
- Éire go Deo
- Smugglers & Scholars
- Carnival
- Palestine (ft. Fawzi)
- Liars Tale
- FENIAN
- Big Bad Mo
- Headcase
- An Ra
- Cold At The Top
- Occupied 6
- Gael Phonics
- Cocaine Hill (ft. Radie Peat)
- Irish Goodbye (ft. Kae Tempest)
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Header photo by Alan Swan
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