Monday, July 18, 2011

The Fallen Drakes: Single Launch Whelan's 15/07/11

The Fallen Drakes launched their new single "Girl From New York" to a sold out crowd in Whelan's on Friday; with the news that it had crashed into the number one spot, on the itunes rock chart and number 11 in the overall chart. It marks a phenomenal rise for the band who have recently supported The Commitments and Bon Jovi in the RDS, having won two separate public-vote competitions. The band are now officially "the next big thing" in Irish music..

The Fallen Drakes, have the mass appeal of the reinvigorated Take That, mixed with the stadium rock presence of U2 and Coldplay. Indeed the sound is unashamedly 80's stadium rock with elements of Inxs and Simple Minds also audible.

As the crowd chant "Fallen Drakes, Fallen Drakes" repeatedly the band walk on stage bathed in golden yellow light. Think Cashier Number 9's video for "Goldstar", and you get the idea.

They atart of the show with their new single "Girl From New York" The crowd merrily sing each word, which quickly becomes the norm for the rest of the show.  Music aside, judging by the crowds reation The Fallen Drakes, may not be playing intimate venues for much longer. 

You are unlikely to find a tighter the rhythm section in Ireland than the Ali brothers. Hyder Ali's slick bass groves are mirrored by twin brother Nabz on drums. Slovakian guitarist Michal Bartolen delivers effective, effect-laden lines on almost every track. While front man Brian McGovern posses "the brass neck" of Christy Dignam.

The bands performance is plagued with technical problems, which somehow adds to the occasion, giving the night even more of a stadium rock feel as stagehands dash to fix mic stands and guitar straps.

The anthemic radio friendly choruses come thick and fast. "Lights On" takes things up a notch, as McGovern delivers the ladies we are open for business chorus of "She likes making love with the lights on". Comparisons will undoubtedly be made with The Script, but would be better aimed at the likes of Jimmy Eat World or Kings Of Leon, as The Fallen Drakes are musically superior to The Script. Other highlights included "Don't Cry", "Love Again" and a rather tongue in cheek version of Bon Jovi's "Living On A Prayer".

"Masquerade" was the best song of the night. It's another singalong anthem with swashes of delayed guitar and big bass. It offers the biggest hint that their is a long-term future for the band. As McGovern tries to sing the final chorus the crowd take over singing duties completely. A spectacle for next summers festivals, no doubt.

The band return for a brief encore, finishing with a second helping of single "Girl From New York". Brian McGovern thanks the crowd. as the final notes fade.  He catches a bra, "34B" he informs the crowd.  But he can surely expect bigger and better things from now on.

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