WATCH: Larissa back in ‘Crowded Places’

There has probably never been a time when the release of a record called Crowded Places was more appropriate, or served as a perfect bridge between eras that will be looked back on as two distinct periods in history.

For singer songwriter Larissa Tormey, a song written from such a personal perspective has taken on a far more universal context, even outside of the realm of the heart.

“We’re all in such a strange place still, even though things are getting much better at last. And thank God.

“It’s funny in some ways to think that only a couple of years ago crowded places were part of normal life. That was for everyone, but especially for anyone working in the music world.

“And then, all of a sudden, overnight, you couldn’t find a crowded place anywhere, for so long.

“Now, we’re getting back there again, slowly, but crowded places are still something many people will be unsure of for a while.”

Crowded Places is the follow-up to Larissa’s late July release, also from her own pen, Old Fashioned, a song that will forever harbour the most bittersweet of memories for the Kilbeggan-based artist.

The video for the song starred her neighbour, Tom Lynam. Sadly, however, Tom died in a tragic accident just days after filming the video.

Larissa has also filmed a video to accompany Crowded Places, shot on location at Belvedere House and Gardens, a location Larissa says she “fell in love with” over the course of the Covid lockdowns.

Crowded Places is the latest offering from a long-player of original songs that’s set for an early 2022 release, one of several projects Larissa has been working on over the last 18 months.

Crowded Places, the new single from, and written by, Larissa Tormey, is now available on all platforms, and to request from radio stations nationwide.

High Kings announce local dates for winter tour

Following the release of their latest record, Home from Home, The High Kings have announced that they will be back performing in Ireland between this December and February next.

The group’s 20-date tour includes performances at the Tullamore Court Hotel on Friday January 21, and at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone on Saturday January 29.

Home from Home was recorded live in Dublin and is a journey through classic folk songs, old and new.

In a statement about going out on tour, the band said: “We are absolutely delighted and to finally have the opportunity to get back on tour around Ireland.

“It’s been a surreal time in all of our lives, and I can promise you The High Kings are ready to bring the good times back again.”

The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O’Brien.

Tickets for their ‘Home From Home Tour’ are available from venue box offices and Ticketmaster.