Kneecap Release New Album 'Fenian' Amid Controversy

The Northern Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap released their third studio album, 'Fenian,' on Friday. The album's title references Irish republican revolutionaries and is a reappropriated slur for Irish Catholics. The band continues its explicit support for Palestine, with lyrics calling UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer a 'genocide armer' and a track titled 'Palestine' featuring Ramallah rapper Fawzi. The album opens with 'Éire go Deo' ('Ireland Forever'), citing figures like Hugh O'Neill and Conchobar mac Nessa. It also includes introspective songs about suicide, addiction, and depression, such as 'Irish Goodbye' with Kae Tempest, dedicated to Móglaí Bap's mother. The album was produced by Dan Carey, known for work with Black Country, New Road and Fontaines D.C. Reviews have been largely positive: Alexis Petridis of The Guardian gave four stars, Andrew Trendell of NME gave four and a half, and Dean Van Nguyen of Pitchfork praised the band's deeper commitment. Kneecap will tour Italy in June, performing in Milan, Bologna, Rome, and Bari.