_{I’ve been a fan of Canadian band Kobra and the Lotus for quite a few years so it’s great to see details being released about their next album. “Evolution” is due for release on 20th September by Napalm Records. The album will be the band’s sixth studio album since their formation in 2009. It follows the release by Napalm Records of “Prevail I” in 2017 and “Prevail II” in 2018.}

_{I did an e-mail interview with lead singer Kobra Paige in January 2013 and she was my guest on the Friday NI Rocks Show in August 2017 following the release of “Prevail I”. The latter interview can be found here – http://www.rockradioni.co.uk/interviews/3178-ni-rocks-interview-with-kobra-paige-from-kobra-and-the-lotus.html}

_{The Napalm Records press release can be read here -}

_{“The Great Escape” is the debut album from Irish band Jailbirds and it was released on 5th July by Golden Robot Records. Although based in Dublin, the band was actually formed by two Australians who had ended up living there. Jailbirds released an EP in 2017 and have secured some great support slots over the last couple of years. The track “Nothing Good Lasts Forever” opened the Friday NI Rocks Show on 14th June and “Thrill of the Chase” is on the Show on 26th July.}

_{“Open Wide” is the second album from Nitrate, an English band with a Swedish singer. It was released on 21st June on the AOR Heaven label. Nitrate are inspired by the 80’s rock sound and the band features a number of musicians who will be well known to fans of the British music scene. The track “You Want It You Got It” was included on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 5th July.}