Their legions of fans will be delighted to hear that East Belfast Protestant Boys have just released their newest CD.
“Nulli Secundus” (Latin for “Second to None”) is the 11th recording produced by the Band, as they target a release every 5 years.
This latest CD marks their 55th Anniversary and includes many links to both the bands past and current history.
One of the bands early murals featured a “Laughing Lion” and the band have brought that symbol bang up to date with this latest iteration, and it looks superb not only on the CD Cover but in their other promotional material. Whilst the very 1st tune takes you back to the bands 1st recording “Let it Rip!”
The track listing of 20 strong Blood & Thunder tunes is sure to feature something for everybody – Melody enthusiasts will prick up their ears when they hear the EBPB interpretation of “Juarez”. Sci-fi fans will be sure to recognise “May the 4th”, Rap music fans will be familiar with “Toy Soldiers” and followers of ‘Trad’ music will be instantly taken with “Half a Shandy” and “Jimmy’s Song”.
The CD introduces other musical combinations to this cd, including Piper Francis Strain on “Highland Cathedral” and the purely percussive “55th Drum Salute” which was composed especially for the 55th anniversary and performed for the first time at their Annual Parade in East Belfast.
The band also take the time to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our forefathers with “Captain Nichols”, “The Somme”, “Ulster Volunteers” and “The 36th Brigade”.
But especially poignant is both the track “The Jubilee” and the dedication to Queen Elizabeth II on the rear of the CD. Even more so with the final track on the CD, “God Save The King” – possibly the first marching band to record in their track listing this new iteration of the National anthem. It still looks strange to me seeing and singing King instead of Queen.
The CD is available to purchase from Union Jack Shop (+ 44 28 9059 2909), from any band member or on the bands facebook page. Cd’s are priced at £10