The Mary Wallopers have unveiled their forthcoming album ‘Paddywhackery’ alongside the release of its lead single ‘Crowns of England’. The record marks the Dundalk band’s third studio release and is set for September 18. It follows their critically acclaimed 2023 album ‘Irish Rock’n’Roll’.
Recorded over an intensive two-week period in Liverpool with producer James Skelly (The Coral), ‘Paddywhackery’ represents a refinement of the band’s sound. Having previously focused on traditional songs, the group embraced their own compositions on the previous album, and this new release sees them balance their unrestrained creative spirit with tighter instrumental arrangements.
‘Crowns of England’ premiered on Thursday, June 4, offering listeners an energetic preview of the upcoming full-length. The track combines uplifting melodies with sardonic lyricism, presenting a observation of England in 2026 while echoing the influence of punk pioneers like The Clash.
“The song captures the experience of being in England and feeling like an outsider amid the colonial history,” explains Charles Hendy. “It reflects Irish people who move to London and assimilate by distancing themselves from their heritage, though this outsider perspective could extend to broader immigrant experiences or those transitioning from rural to urban life.”
Hendy continues: “England remains an archaic society with its monarchy and ubiquitous pub names like ‘The Crown.’ When performing rebel songs there, audiences often react with confusion given the geographical proximity but cultural divide. I once attended an Oasis match at Wembley where someone genuinely asked if Ireland had electricity.”
The album title itself serves as a deliberate response to criticism. “People have historically dismissed us as ‘paddywhackery’ for being too Irish,” the band explains. “While being Irish has recently become fashionable, that trend can feel performative. Serious themes sterilize creativity—people fear laughter. Since we’re branded as excessive anyway, we’ve embraced ‘Paddywhackery’ as our identity.”
“It’s fundamentally a middle finger to those who believe they’re superior to The Mary Wallopers,” adds Andrew Hendy. “We want to infect everything and dismantle anyone who thinks they’re above us.”
The Mary Wallopers embark on a UK and Ireland tour beginning October 13 in Edinburgh, with subsequent dates across Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and other major cities. The trek includes performances at London’s O2 Academy Brixton (October 30), Dublin’s 3Arena (December 10), and Glasgow’s OVO Hydro (December 19).
The Coral will provide support in Brighton, Dublin, and Glasgow. Tickets become available Friday, June 12 at 10am local time.