The Irish rap trio Kneecap has revealed details of their upcoming album Fenian, set for release on April 24 via Heavenly Recordings. The announcement coincides with the 110th anniversary of the Easter Rising and includes a series of intimate UK gigs. A new single, Liars Tale, is out now with a video directed by Thomas James.
Kneecap, the Belfast-based rap group known for their advocacy on issues like Palestine, have announced their second album, Fenian, following their 2024 release Fine Art. Produced by Dan Carey, who has worked with Fontaines D.C. and Black Midi, the 14-track LP features collaborations with spoken word artist Kae Tempest on the closer 'Irish Goodbye', West Bank-based rapper Fawzi on 'Palestine', and Irish musician Radie Peat of Lankum on 'Cocaine Hill'. The album's release date, April 24, marks the 110th anniversary of the Easter Rising.
The lead single, 'Liars Tale', which references British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, premiered on BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders show and is accompanied by a music video directed by UKMVA winner Thomas James. James described the video as 'a whirlwind of Irish mythology, of satire, of anger' and 'a vehicle for what the boys have been through, but likewise, for what everyone is witnessing'. He added, 'It's not often you get to work with a band who have a genuine fire and a selfless interest in trying to help people, and that for all of us involved, was important.'
In a statement, Kneecap reflected on recent challenges: '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.' These include bans from performing in Hungary and Canada, removal from a Scottish festival over safety concerns, and member Mo Chara's terror charge for displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert, which was later thrown out. The group canceled a U.S. tour due to the court date and issued a statement: 'Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah.' Post-investigation, they released 'No Comment' with Sub Focus, along with tracks like 'Sayōnara' featuring Orbital's Paul Hartnoll and 'The Recap' with Mozey.
To celebrate the album, Kneecap announced the Fenian Outstore tour, playing small venues across the UK: Circuit in Kingston on April 23, Chalk in Brighton on April 24, The Fleece in Edinburgh on April 25, Rescue Rooms in Nottingham on April 26, Livehouse in Dundee on April 28, The Liquid Room in Edinburgh on April 29, and Rough Trade East in London on April 30. Tickets go on sale January 30, available only to those who pre-order the album.
