Kilkenny-based progressive grunge experiment, The Lions Mane, launches long-awaited debut album ‘Strands’ online. Formed early in 2008 by Alan Dawson, resident engineer for local online music community KilkennyMusic.com, The Lions Mane began as an online experiment for the multi-instrumentalist; as he released tracks anonymously through online social network MySpace.com. The experiment quickly captured(garnered) the attention of music fans in the online world with it’s own style of melodic riffs filled with chunky guitars, layered vocals and strong rhythmic patterns interwoven throughout. The online demand for gigs led to several successful live performances in Kilkenny and Dublin, with Dawson on vocals and guitar, accompanied by various line-ups of musicians; each from other popular Kilkenny bands. The band's debut album, Strands, was released Friday June 5th 2009 and is available to purchase via http://iamthelionsmane.com