
Michael Robert Murphy Releases New Single ‘Corkscrew’
Having enjoyed the cult-success that was afforded his influential band, The Wicked Whispers, prior to their amicable disbandment in 2018, Murphy has since channelled his own poetry and purpose into a run of sell out solo albums. His latest, Chaos Magick, released in summer 2025, found the songwriter stripping back his sound, mixing lo-fi analogue methods of recording with progressive modern technique.
Recorded amidst the natural wonders and untamed climate of the Wirral, supported by producer, Liam Power (By The Sea), Murphy’s self-originated and performed arrangements were embellished with contributions from Echo and The Bunnymen’s Will Sergeant and both Ian Skelly and Paul Molloy of The Coral.
A late runner but never in danger of being lost, Corkscrew is a previously unheard and unreleased gem from the album sessions which now joins a further three tracks (including In A Dream That Holds The Key from Murphy’s hugely successful 2025 Radio X session) completing the Chaos Magick Deluxe Edition. Accompanied by a video shot by Dan Hewitson (Brooke Combe, Jamie Webster), Corkscrew’s story is illustrated using scenes from Liverpool’s Anglian Cathedral, the historic manor, Sudely House and an abandoned railway line that cuts through Murphy’s home city.
Murphy says: “No song gets left behind but, while we were reflecting on the album running order, pushing ‘Corkscrew’ into contention would have changed the balanced vibe and pace of ‘Chaos Magick’. But this enriched version of the song feels really special, it lives as an important companion to the album. It’s me singing to anyone that I have seen going through a tough time. The music is there for a friend if a sympathetic ear is ever needed.”
Chaos Magick gave up a run of similarly reflective, carefully constructed singles last year, including Lift The Curse, Prometheus Fountain, Whispers On The Wind and Cyclone. Those tracks, alongside previous sell-out releases, including songs from 2020’s Metamorph EP and the James Skelly-produced Puzzles/Holding On AA-side single, are in contention for set-list addition for the following confirmed Michael Robert Murphy shows:
- Sun 22 Feb – Glasgow, McChuills
- Thu 26 Feb – London, The Stags Head
- Fri 27 Feb – Liverpool, ARC:HIVE
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Perspective Communications
Alongside links to both the original and updated, deluxe edition of Chaos Magik, final remaining tickets for all dates can be booked via https://linktr.ee/michaelrobertmurphy
For further information on Michael Robert Murphy’s releases and future live announcements, connect online at:
Late Stay Ultra Girls Release New Single ‘Derek Is A Reasonable Man’
After a decade spent immersed in Bristol’s rich and unruly musical landscape, multi-instrumentalist Tim Burden returns as Late Stay Ultra Girls with new single ‘Derek Is A Reasonable Man’.
Troy Redfern Announces New Album ‘Astral Doorways’
Mult-instrumentalist Troy Redfern, no stranger to the British
blues rock scene with his highly individualistic brand of rockin’
Resonator roll and searing slide expertise, and hot off an
exceptional, full band headliner set at the Upton Blues Festival,
has announced the release of his most musically adventurous
album to date.
Sparks ‘Live On The Moon’ Physical Release Lands Today
Sparks – pop’s perennial pioneers – continue to boldly go where no band has gone before. Having pushed the boundaries of music for more than 5 decades, the eternally adventurous Ron and Russell Mael now achieve another first with Sparks Live On The Moon. The twenty-track performance is captured here in all its heavenly glory, complete with intro and outro by Cate Blanchett.
The Wonder Stuff Add Birmingham Date to 40th Anniversary Tour
The Wonder Stuff have added a date in Birmingham to their upcoming 40th anniversary tour to meet demand.
The Long Ryders Announce October 2026 UK Tour
The Long Ryders — pioneers of the Alt-Country movement — return to the stage this October with the same fiery spirit that first made them legends. Fusing punk energy with country-rock harmonies, the band bridged the gap between Gram Parsons and today’s Americana heroes, influencing acts such as Wilco, The Jayhawks and Uncle Tupelo.