Dublin trad-rock firebrands Ispíní na hÉireann have released their final single, a blistering rendition of the Cork classic “Johnny Jump Up,” ahead of their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Poxtail Soup’. Originally written by Tadhg Jordan in 1934 and famously performed by Christy Moore, the track serves as a darkly comic warning about the chaotic effects of a potent batch of cider. The band—led by frontman Tomás Mulligan along with Paahto Cummins, Pádraig Óg Mac Aodhagáin, Aongus MacAmhlaigh, and Declan Gillen—originally performed the song at their very first gig. This latest version, released via Faction Records, replaces the acoustic simplicity of traditional covers with a raucous, high-energy arrangement that has become a staple of their “musicianship and mayhem” style.
‘Poxtail Soup’, which arrived in November 2025, follows the critical success of their 2022 debut ‘The Hard Working Men’ and the 2023 EP ‘Worse Things Than Dying’. The ten-track album features guest appearances from traditional music royalty, including Sharon Shannon on the tracks “Eileen Ní Riordain’s” and “The Kings Of Kerry.” Produced with a focus on capturing their live intensity, the record balances foot-stomping anthems with sharp social commentary and moments of raw intimacy, such as the duet “A Health to the Company.” Following a massive album launch tour that wound through iconic Irish venues like DeBarra’s and Bank Lane, the band continues to redefine the contemporary trad scene. This record stands as a factual testament to their evolution from a “silly name” to a premier force in Irish alternative-traditional music.