Junior Brother, one of Ireland’s most idiosyncratic folk artists, has unveiled “A Lot of Love,” the potent final single from his forthcoming second album, The End. Released via Pete Doherty’s Strap Originals label, the track is a gallop through light and shadow, showcasing the artist’s unique ability to channel the ancient and eerie through a modern lens.
“A Lot Of Love” carries the hallmarks of Junior Brother’s distinctive style, blending rich lyricism with a raw, expressive energy. The song serves as a testament to the album’s overarching themes of madness, mythology, and meaning. “‘A Lot Of Love’ is a response to life’s tight spots, when fighting hate with love gets you into a dark corner,” explains the artist, Ronan Kealy. “Some of us keep fighting with love anyway, because… sometimes, it wins.”
This racing journey is brought to life in a compelling single-take video by longtime collaborator Ellius Grace, who also appears in the video. Set in a dark restaurant, the visual follows a protagonist who confronts a cavalcade of challenging characters—from a critical voice from home to the daunting gaze of the Irish Trad community—with relentless joy. The manic pursuit of love culminates in what Kealy describes as “an ecstatic nirvana, clutching six glasses of wine, passed out face-down in a plate of cold spaghetti.”
Following acclaimed singles Take Guilt, Welcome to My Mountain, and Small Violence, this release cements the anticipation for what promises to be his most ambitious work yet.
The End arrives on September 5th via Strap Originals.
Pre-Order The End: https://orcd.co/jbtheend
Tour Dates
July
31 WATERFORD All Together Now Festival, Hidden Stage
August
1 WATERFORD All Together Now Festival, Arcadia
9 ANTRIM Under the Drum Festival NI
12 EDINBURGH La Belle Angelle supporting Peter O’Doherty
13 EDINBURGH La Belle Angelle supporting Peter O’Doherty
29 DORSET End of the Road Festival with the Incredible String Band
September
12 CORK The Pav Sounds From a Safe Harbour Festival Album Launch
13 DUBLIN Grand Social Club Album Launch (with support from Madra Salach)
14 DUBLIN Grand Social Club Album Launch (with support from Anenome)
20 LONDON South Bank Centre QE Hall with the Incredible String Band
21 DROGHEDA Vantastival Festival
October
10 TRALEE LASTA Festival Síamsa Tire
November
9 CLONAKILTY DeBarras Samhain Festival
14 GALWAY Róisín Dubh
15 LIMERICK Upstairs at Dolan’s Warehouse
21 DERRY Sandinos
22 BANGOR Open House Festival
23 DUNDALK Spirit Store
26 BIRMINGHAM The Victoria
27 LONDON Hootananny
28 LEEDS Hyde Park Book Club
29 MANCHESTER Gulliver’s
Tickets available at: https://www.juniorbrother.com/tour