Carefully pushing the boundaries of what modern Irish folk can look and sound like, Junior Brother is an idiosyncratic, challenging, and richly lyrical singer/songwriter from County Kerry. His much-anticipated third album, The End, is due to arrive on 5 September via Strap Originals, a label forged with love by Pete Doherty of The Libertines.

In a statement from the label, Strap say: ‘We’re beyond excited to have this extraordinary Irish artist join our label. One of the most unique and powerful voices out there.’

Junior Brother shared his excitement about the signing: ‘I’m delighted to be bringing my record The End out on such a great label – I look forward to sharing the same roster as such favourites as Peter Doherty, Real Farmer, Warmduscher and loads more. Excitin’ times ahead!’

Following the success of his 2024 single Take Guilt, Junior Brother offers another taste of his upcoming LP with Small Violence, a powerful track that addresses the growing influence of misinformation and the escalating wave of conspiracy-fuelled hatred.

Speaking about the new track, Junior Brother says: ‘Small Violence follows a character pulled in by a small few who enjoy using violent words to stoke real violence further down the line. The intro riff was heavily inspired by the Opening Titles of The Blood on Satan’s Claw, a Folk Horror from 1971 which I highly recommend to anyone except the sensible.’

The End is a deeply instinctive yet carefully considered response to the chaos of modern life, with Junior Brother weaving the recent years of upheaval into the eerie folklore of Fairy Forts. These ring-shaped earth mounds, scattered across the Irish countryside, are known to possess an energy that can bewilder, curse, or even lead the unwary astray. Stepping into one is to risk losing yourself – both physically and spiritually. To Junior Brother, this ancient folklore mirrors the disorienting reality of today’s world.

‘The title The End represents the moment after being led astray, when the grip of madness releases you and you suddenly see your way home,’ says Junior Brother. ‘It may reflect the doom of a world gone mad, but it also represents the end of darkness, and the start of a new road.’