Toasted Heretic

Toasted Heretic from; Galway Active; 1988 – 1992
Line up;
Vocals; Julian Gough
Guitar; Declan Collins Guitar; Aengus McMahon
Bass; Neill O’Farrell
Drums; Breffni O’Rouke

Toasted Heretic was an Irish rock band from Galway, active primarily in the late 1980s and 1990s. They were known for their quirky, literate lyrics and their distinctive indie rock sound. The band was fronted by Julian Gough, who later became a novelist and writer.

Another Day, Another Riot was re released in 2021.

Key Facts About Toasted Heretic:

  • Formation: 1988 in Galway, Ireland
  • Musical Style: Indie rock, alternative, with witty and often satirical lyrics
  • Notable Songs: Galway and Los Angeles (which became a minor hit in Ireland), Lightning, and You Make Girls Unhappy
  • Albums:
    • Songs for Swinging Celibates (1988)
    • The Smug EP (1989)
    • Cassette Pet (1990)
    • Another Day, Another Riot (1992)
    • Mindless Optimism (1994)

They gained a cult following in Ireland but remained largely underground. The band’s DIY ethos was reflected in their early releases, which were distributed on cassette. Julian Gough left the band to pursue a writing career, and Toasted Heretic never achieved mainstream success but remained a beloved part of Ireland’s indie music scene.

Melody Maker single of the week

Yes! Toasted Heretic had a “Single of the Week” in Melody Maker, which was a major UK music publication at the time. This was a big deal for an independent Irish band, as Melody Maker was highly influential in the alternative and indie music scenes.

The recognition helped them gain more attention outside of Ireland, but they remained a cult favorite rather than breaking into the mainstream. Their witty, offbeat style and DIY approach set them apart from many other bands of the era.

Toasted Heretic’s single “Galway and Los Angeles” was awarded Melody Maker‘s coveted ‘Single of the Week’ accolade upon its UK release.

paulmcdermott.ie

The song, released in 1991, reached No. 9 on the Irish charts and spent three weeks there.

paulmcdermott.ie This recognition significantly boosted the band’s profile, leading to increased attention outside of Ireland and national airplay in France.