At a glance
- From: Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Released: 1 May 2026, on the label Heavenly Recordings
- Length: 14 songs, about 42 minutes
- Language: English and Irish, with one verse in Arabic on “Palestine”
- For fans of: hip-hop with a punk edge, and Irish identity in music
The title is a word that became an insult against Irish people. Kneecap want to take it back. The band calls the title song “an anthem to embrace our Fenian past”.
Kneecap are Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí. Their first album was Fine Art (2024). The band also starred in a film about themselves, Kneecap (2024), which won an audience award at the Sundance festival and a BAFTA for a debut director.
Fenian is their second album. The band calls it a “considered response” to those who tried to silence them. They also say it sounds darker than before: “It’s a more sinister sound… because these are sinister times.” The producer is Dan Carey, who has also worked with Fontaines D.C., Kae Tempest and Wet Leg. Their label describes a mix of acid house, trip-hop and dubstep. The first single, “Liars Tale”, is a punk-rave song built on a rock riff in the style of the 1980s.
The songs are political and often rude, and not every critic agreed. Clash gave it 7 out of 10 and said the band’s humour can become tiring. Hot Press, in Ireland, gave it 8 out of 10 and wrote: “Quite simply, FENIAN is a triumph.” One small surprise is “Gael Phonics”, an Irish-language lesson in song form.
If you like this, try these from Europe
- Lankum 🇮🇪: a folk band from Dublin. Its member Radie Peat guests on “Cocaine Hill”, on this album.
- Sleaford Mods 🇬🇧: a duo from Nottingham. Jason Williamson writes and speaks the words, and Andrew Fearn makes the music.
Where to find it in Europe
- Buy it: on Bandcamp. The digital album costs £8.99, the CD £10.99 and the black vinyl £18.99 (prices in pounds, as listed on the band’s Bandcamp page).
- Stream it: on Qobuz, a French service. Check that it is available in your country.
- Official shop: the band’s online store lists the album.
The European context
Belfast is in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The band is from there, and the album’s title and songs look at Irish identity and history.
Watch the video for “Fenian”: YouTube
