No hymns but plenty of soul

MUSIC NEWS:Dublin's Unitarian Church is most often used as a venue for non-denominational religious ceremonies, but the church on St Stephen's Green has recently been booked by a number of contemporary bands and musicians in search of a more unique setting.

The coming months will see more music of a non-hymnal nature take place in the church, when Dublin music/visual project Elevens launch their new EP Torn at the Seams on November 11th. Delorentos will also play an acoustic set there on November 25th in support of their new EP

Little Sparks,

while on December 9th, post-rock band Halves will pack the pews with their last gig of the foreseeable future as they prepare to bunker down to write and record their second album. The band promises to make the gig extra-special with mince pies, mulled wine, special visuals and limited edition merchandise.

Church organist and music director Josh Johnston said that although there are certain suitability guidelines to be met for acts wishing to book the church, its “liberal ethos” means that most acts – within reason of volume and taste – are welcomed. All income generated goes towards a fund to restore its 100-year-old organ.