The Skalps began in 2016 as a passion project for Dubliner Tommy Byrne (formerly of Present Arms), who wanted to record his original songs with top local talent ahead of a milestone birthday. He recruited seven musicians from ska bands like The Dodgy Few, Pressure Drop, and Gangsters, as well as acts like The Knocking Shop, Retrofix, Dr. Mindflip, and Blood or Whiskey.
Originally aiming to record an EP, the group quickly discovered their chemistry and couldn’t resist the call of the stage. Their live debut at the 2016 Dublin Ska Festival launched them onto the Irish and UK ska/indie scenes, where they’ve built a reputation for energetic shows and genre-bending surprises.
Their sound is fast, melodic, and packed with punchy ska rhythms, featuring both original material and unexpected covers. In July 2024, they released their debut album Dreamscapes and Landscapes (following a sold-out launch at Whelan’s), now reissued on double vinyl. With an EP and two singles already under their belt, The Skalps are currently touring Summer 2025 and writing new material, gaining fans as far afield as Australia and Mexico.
Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/theskalps