Energy Orchard was a rock band from Belfast, Northern Ireland, formed in the late 1980s. The group consisted of Bap Kennedy on lead vocals, Paul Toner on lead guitar, David Toner on percussion, Spade McQuade on rhythm guitar and mandolin, Joby Fox on bass guitar, and Kevin Breslin on keyboards. Emerging from the remnants of another Belfast-based punk/new wave band, 10 Past 7, Energy Orchard signed to MCA Records following early concerts at the New Pegasus, recommended by Steve Earle. Their debut single "Belfast" reached number 52 in the UK Singles Chart and was featured on EastEnders. The band's self-titled debut album, Energy Orchard, was released in 1990 to critical appreciation. Subsequent albums included Stop the Machine (1992), Shinola (1993), Pain Killer (1995), and the live album Orchardville (1996). Despite extensive touring, mainstream success eluded them. The band disbanded in 1997 after completing their recording contract with Castle Communications. Following the split, Bap Kennedy launched a successful solo career, while other members pursued various musical and non-musical endeavors.
