There’s not a great deal happening, gig-wise, in the pubs and clubs across the island this week.

Maybe the post-TT hangover is kicking in a week late? Who knows.

But there are one or two things to get you excited this week.

One of the most prolific songwriters on the island, and also one of the hardest working performers, Matt Kelly, has released a brand new album.

Hot on the heels of his second release, which came out earlier this year, Matt released ’The Solar-Powered Sound’, through the local label Small Bear Records.

This 10-track album features all-new material written by Matt on his familiar small guitar, and featuring songs such as ’Full Moon Day’, ’The Raft race’, ’Sign of the Times’ and the bizarrely-named ’Last Orangina In Paris’.

However, what makes this album different is that he recorded the whole thing using nothing but solar power.

Matt utilised a friend’s converted horse-box camper van, which was fitted out to with solar panels, and turned it into a small recording studio.

He then spent a few days sat in the sunshine, surrounded by the relentlessly-tweeting birds, recording his new material in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.

’The Solar Powered Sound’ is currently available as a download only, through Matt’s ’Isle of Matt’ Bandcamp page, on a name your price basis.

CDs should follow soon.

Should you wish to have a preview of some of his new songs, Matt will be appearing at the Sailor’s Shelter, on Peel quay on Wednesday, June 27, along with Paul Reynolds and Annie Pearce, from the folk group Shoh Slaynt, and fellow solo singer Alice Dudley.

Elsewhere, another prolific Manx artist, Alex Harris, has re-released some of his previous albums and songs.

His 2006 album, ’The Answer to Everything’, alongside the EPs ’Dark Love’ and his 2004 acoustic release ’Away From Here’ are now available again from Amazon, iTunes, Spotify and many more places.

This may be paving the way for some new original material from Alex, who has been relatively quiet in recent years, but returned to gigging earlier this year with an all-new backing band, featuring bass player David Rowles and drummer Sam Callin.

Elsewhere, the Chris Winchester acoustic trio are appearing at the Thirsty Pigeon on Saturday night, and Ian Thompson is at Sam Webbs tomorrow night.

Get in touch and keep us informed with anything going on across the Manx music scene.