Peter Baxter – The Dark Familiar Album Launch at Volume Records

Album Launch (Limited Edition Vinyl)

Join acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Baxter for the official launch of his new album The Dark Familiar at Volume Records, Dún Laoghaire, on Saturday March 14th.

This special live show celebrates the release of The Dark Familiar, a limited edition vinyl LP, featuring an exceptional line-up of collaborators including Mick Thomas, Leslie Dowdall (In Tua Nua) and David Bridie, alongside musicians from Australia, the UAE and the UK.

Irish-born, raised in Australia, and now based on the east coast of Ireland, Peter Baxter has spent decades crafting deeply personal, melodic songs that sit comfortably between Americana, folk rock and alt-country. He has released three albums to date and has toured internationally, sharing stages with legendary artists such as Archie Roach and Ben E. King, playing shows across Europe and Australia.

The Dark Familiar takes its title from a book by the late Irish writer Dermot Healy, whose work resonated deeply with Baxter during the writing of this record.

“Dave Steel, who produced my first two albums, recommended Dermot Healy’s book A Goat’s Song. I loved it and sought out all his work – it really seemed to suit this collection of songs.”

The album moves confidently between atmospheric Celtic rock and widescreen alt-country, with swirling keyboards, textured guitars and richly layered arrangements.

Highlights include:

• ‘Where Do I Begin?’ – a brooding, expansive opener with a tougher, edgier sound.
• ‘Hickory Wind’ – an achingly beautiful take on the Gram Parsons classic, recorded with Sydney’s Steph Miller, and aired on BBC, RTÉ, ABC Country, Double J, and featured on the Rhythms magazine sampler.
• ‘A Thousand Dreams’ – a reimagined song from Baxter’s 1997 album The Miracle Bell, now featuring a stunning vocal from Leslie Dowdall.
• ‘Running To The Ruin (The Devil’s Song)’ – the closing track, driven by acoustic guitar and soulful trumpet from Gary Alesbrook, reflecting on human fallibility and hard-won self-awareness.

• Peter Baxter – live band set
• Special guests: Pól Ó Conghaile & Eoin O’Mahony
• Start time: 8.00pm
• Tickets: €10

“Baxter is a gifted singer-songwriter… an interesting and provocative interplay between two different cultures.”
— Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald

“Extraordinary material. Dave Steel’s warm production empathises with Baxter’s acoustic feel.”
— Peter Holmes, The Sun Herald

“Strong, melodic folk rock songs, and a voice that could be accurately described using the same pronouns… a surprisingly good debut!”
— Rhythms Magazine

A warm, intimate launch in one of Dublin’s best-loved record shops — limited vinyl, special guests, and a rare chance to hear these songs live.

Two Ticket options are Available

€10 - General Entry

€30 - General Entry and a signed copy of the limited edition Vinyl album

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