Now in its 18th year, the IMRO Showcase Tour kicks off next Thursday with two gigs in Belfast next Thursday featuring Ed Zealous, Alan MX, Heliopause and more.

Having called for submissions earlier this year, organisers have now settled on a stellar line-up of up-and-coming Irish bands that will play in venues all over Ireland.

The tour has a reputation for picking some of the most exciting bands on the Irish music scene and giving them a platform. One such act is The Cast of Cheers, who play Crawdaddy next Friday with Hello Moon, Saccade and Get Me Moscow. The quartet released their debut album, Chariot, on free download last month, and only played their first ever live show recently.

Other hotly tipped acts on the tour (March 25th until April 24th) are Our Little Secrets (see New Music, p9), We Cut Corners, Cities and The Ambience Affair. There will be a “best of” gig at Dublin’s Academy on May 1st. imro.ie