tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78447724504213174192024-03-13T00:41:56.918+00:00alternativeirishmusicreviewAlternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.comBlogger270125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-40402052829957784922013-08-25T19:35:00.001+01:002013-08-25T19:35:27.277+01:00Video: Wolf Trap - World On Fire<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Former <b>Zombie Cops</b> frontmen Jamie Hughes and Kevin Fagan have reunited once more to form <b>Wolf Trap. </b>The Dublin trio who also contain Jack Glacken on keys have released a live performance video for their track <i>World on Fire</i>. Early indications are that Wolf Trap's material will be considerably less bombastic than Zombie Cops material, traversing more forlorn atmospheric soundscapes instead.</div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-53045337255874372422013-08-24T21:26:00.001+01:002013-08-24T21:26:53.804+01:00Video: Kowalski - Longer The Night Lasts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Kowalski</b> are back with the second of four 'For The Love Of Letting Go' live session performances. This time round the Bangor four piece perform <i>Longer The Night Lasts </i> which displays a gentler reflective side to the group who normally deliver their heartache laden lyrics upon a bed of bouncy pop tones. The video is once again directed by longtime collaborator Babysweet.</div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-75734755205906374452013-08-24T21:12:00.002+01:002013-08-24T21:12:39.127+01:00Video: VerseChorusVerse - Our Truth Could Be Their Lie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Our Truth Could Be Their Lie</i> the latest song from <b>VerseChorusVerse</b> has a surf tinged rockabilly feel which comes across wonderfully in this live performance video.</div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-68909856045035497072013-08-24T21:00:00.000+01:002013-08-24T21:00:35.136+01:00Video: The Radioactive Grandma - Don't Look Down<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Radioactive Grandma</b> had us all worried when they kept saying <i>"Get your wrists out for the lads"</i> a while back but, it all makes sense now thanks to the release of their hand-puppet themed video<i> Don't Look Down.</i>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-23676939627162053332013-08-24T20:04:00.001+01:002013-08-25T21:05:54.386+01:00Review: Tame Impala Live at The Olympia Dublin 21/08/2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtakXg9aGuaqIc4ML4M3q6-RZoKh9Bp9d9HTTVtlktvB_pIeJhJLjQHk-M_-L4Lfp6Kf6xn_O1rRYBC5cOgTZEp7k6p9yMrKlHFL4W5R-w2Q4UcTrEHAXGlr15rcCDlvSlZix2UjJqQX4/s1600/Tame-Impala-7540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtakXg9aGuaqIc4ML4M3q6-RZoKh9Bp9d9HTTVtlktvB_pIeJhJLjQHk-M_-L4Lfp6Kf6xn_O1rRYBC5cOgTZEp7k6p9yMrKlHFL4W5R-w2Q4UcTrEHAXGlr15rcCDlvSlZix2UjJqQX4/s400/Tame-Impala-7540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A cyclone of pastel crayon colours created the perfect vortex of
visuals to accompany the masterclass in psychedelic crescendos Perth
five-piece <b>Tame Impala</b> delivered with effortless vigour as Kevin Parker brought his expansive brand of Lonerism to Dublin’s Olympia Theatre last night. <span class="J-JK9eJ-PJVNOc">Julien</span>
Barbagallo’s joyful happy-go-lucky approach to the drums provided the
focal point on stage but his bouncy head and seemingly effortless
movement couldn’t betray the level of musicianship on stage as Tame
Impala filled every nook and cranny in The Olympia with swaths of
intricate floaty motifs and coda after coda.</div>
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<i>Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind?</i> set the <span class="J-JK9eJ-PJVNOc">psychedelic</span> pace with the rhythm section of <span class="J-JK9eJ-PJVNOc">Barbagallo</span> and Cam Avery (bass) laying down a tight groove enabling Parker and Co. to build an expansive intertwining <span class="J-JK9eJ-PJVNOc">soundscape</span>. But it was by no means ninety <span class="J-JK9eJ-PJVNOc">minutes</span>
of floaty rock ‘n’ roll. Parker’s guitar was about as polite as a
Panzer tank at times laying waste to everything in its path through the
frequent improvised <span class="J-JK9eJ-PJVNOc">jam sections</span>. <i>Solitude Is Bliss </i>was
an early highlight, Parker’s soft vocals resonating perfectly against
the kind of groove many a band have been lost in the wilderness in
search of to resurrect their careers. <i>Keep On Lying</i> continued
the feel-good atmosphere with Parker once again setting his guitar to
Panzer. The crowd duly responded by singing back the simple but catchy
melody break.</div>
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The excellent <i>Music To Walk Home By </i>kept the crowd singing along with <i>“it’s only when I think of you” </i>repeatedly filling the air. The outro groove led into a reprise of <i>Solitude Is Bliss, </i>a
technique which heightened the psychedelic experience with more a than a
few “didn’t they already play this?” expressions visible throughout the
crowd. Hit single <i>Elephant</i> delivered the kind of Jagger
swagger that Maroon 5′s accountants can only dream of. Even grittier
live than on record with bass and drums pounding home the hypnotic
groove, but it’s Dominic Simper’s synth work which gives <i>Elephant </i>an added dimension<i>.</i></div>
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<i>Be Above It </i>and<i> Feels Like We Only Go Backwards </i>exemplified the influence of the Beatles on Tame Impala,<i> Be Above It </i>tapping into the experimental leanings of Lennon while the superb <i>Feels Like We Only Go Backwards</i>
provided the kind of blissed out moments of unity the assembled crowd
had come to experience. Kevin Parker’s dreamy vocal combined perfectly
with a bass-line reminiscent of Paul McCartney’s heyday.</div>
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An extended <i>Apocalypse Dreams</i>
closed the first section of the show by attempting to send a sonic
message into outer space before the band returns for an encore with <i>I</i><i>t’s Not Meant To Be. </i>Things are momentarily delayed as Parker dons an Irish flag, and a brief rendition of<i> Olé, Olé, Olé </i>breaks out before an extended version of <i>Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything That We Could Control </i>descends into a psychedelic mush of future memories.</div>
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<i>Photo: Aaron Corr </i></div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-60642243279676905962013-08-23T12:46:00.001+01:002013-08-23T12:46:23.473+01:00Video: Liza Flume - Swords<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Liza Flume</b> is quickly becoming Ireland's cult songstress of choice. 2013 has seen her become a prominent figure in the festival circuit and justifiably so, thanks to haunting, heartfelt songs such as <i>What We Called Love</i>.<i> </i>Latest video <i>Swords </i>continues to unfold the darker side of Flume's experience and her honesty is sure to win her even more fans.</div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-57343286568586010982013-08-20T13:26:00.003+01:002013-08-20T13:26:58.078+01:00Review: Kid Karate - Lights Out EP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiEJ8zlmHDI5Gi4bHY2xWp3cJhEyhggGbbEK-B9UAhCZpk2PD8OJVvwI9qf8UpXUHmWTj9u8DggJmeJbW4s113WIs1f5_t2WcYyL5Eikb6iIzLLr9z8ifsXBxr7XOIr7dOrkkf2dnqzxR/s1600/kidkarate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiEJ8zlmHDI5Gi4bHY2xWp3cJhEyhggGbbEK-B9UAhCZpk2PD8OJVvwI9qf8UpXUHmWTj9u8DggJmeJbW4s113WIs1f5_t2WcYyL5Eikb6iIzLLr9z8ifsXBxr7XOIr7dOrkkf2dnqzxR/s400/kidkarate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Z-list celebrity-creating pseudo-reality TV show ‘Fade St.’ has a lot of things to apologise for but <strong>Kid Karate</strong>
certainly isn’t one of them. In fact the band is an unforeseen
by-product of the show and is its only saving grace. Expectations for
the Dublin
duo’s début four-track EP ‘Lights Out’ have been heightened thanks to a
series of hilarious and breathtaking high-octane live shows which have
marked them apart from the hordes of bands in Dublin.</div>
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Kid Karate unleash their guitar/drum/vox volcano straight away with single <em>Two Times</em>
which is about as subtle as a YouTube street brawl. Kevin Breen
vocalist/guitarist teeters on the edge as he lays down a quagmire of
distortion and angsty vocals as drummer Steven Gannon tries to play
ringmaster whilst simultaneously egging his companion on. American
influences abide but <em>Two Times’</em> chorus grabs you in such a way that this almost becomes irrelevant.</div>
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<em>Heart</em>
continues the doctrine that one Big Muff isn’t enough with riffs that
are impossibly rich and thick like triple chocolate cake. The inclusion
of placid piano breaks and electro loops indicate influences beyond
QOTSA such as LCD Soundsystem. When Breen bellows “If I had a heart I
would love you” classic male commitment issues shine through making the
track universally accessible. An ’80s vibe permeates the octave key,
bass and delayed guitar stab out the intro to <em>This City </em>and the
lyrics 180 on the male commitment issues through the verses: “I think
we should start a family,” while the choruses lament the vacuous
lifestyle of city living: “in this city you’re dead.”</div>
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‘Lights
Out’ is the perfect precursor for Kid Karate’s début album ‘Night
Terrors’ due to drop later this year. No doubt comparisons with The
White Stripes, Giveamanakick and indeed Cast Of Cheers’ side project
Charmers will be forthcoming and somewhat justified but Kid Karate can
more than hold their own at an advanced level of combat.</div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-10154379977173331092013-08-20T13:23:00.001+01:002013-08-20T13:23:51.542+01:00Video: Ghost Estates - Winters Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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2013 has been pretty succesful for <b>Ghost Estates</b> so far they've released some critically acclaimed singles and won over a legion of new fans via host of successful festival appearances. It would also seem that the band have decided to draw a line under the material from their debut album announcing <i>Winters Day</i> as the final single. Let's hope that this indicates new material isn't very far away.</div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-73189095450989974382013-08-19T11:39:00.000+01:002013-08-19T11:40:02.384+01:00 Video: Kowalski - Sunroom <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Bangor pop rockers <b>Kowalski</b> have released the first of four live sessions featuring songs taken from their debut album <i>'For The Love Of Letting Go'</i> the follow up to their much loved EP <i>'Take Care, Take Flight'. </i>First up is Sunroom which typafies the groups bouncy happy sad sound.The videos are recorded by long term collaborator Babysweet. You can listen to the entire album <a href="http://kowalski.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">here</a> </div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-77027107206654907482013-08-19T11:25:00.000+01:002013-08-19T11:40:34.251+01:00Review: Haüer - The Infinitesimal EP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWKCDd1rohHWddBGXK5uQ1uXh7kTJtfJWyeeU7DBiAfFPZsfG3jKT90h4fxb3-FJk_IeTobIFXRElUpLfNuY_P170qKYQwSq3DAAW_WveBIfIdohBD3jEmNH0IxsMLWdMU45B7rp1xCC9/s1600/hauer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWKCDd1rohHWddBGXK5uQ1uXh7kTJtfJWyeeU7DBiAfFPZsfG3jKT90h4fxb3-FJk_IeTobIFXRElUpLfNuY_P170qKYQwSq3DAAW_WveBIfIdohBD3jEmNH0IxsMLWdMU45B7rp1xCC9/s1600/hauer.jpg" /></a></div>
Released through Future City Records, which celebrates all things ’80s be it music, pop culture or sci-fi, the début EP by<b> Haüer,</b>
‘The Infinitesimal,’ is a five strong collection of cinematic sci-fi
instrumentals that are crying out to be heard in a cinema near you soon.
Each track is perfect to accompany a daring rescue or a maximum
security prison breakout. Perhaps they are a tad too scenic in
comparison to the vigour of acts such as LeGalaxie to find their way on
to the dance floor but, they are the perfect soundtrack to a sci-fi
daydream.<br />
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<i>Homesfires</i> sets the ambience for the rest of
the EP perfectly, showing flashes of the upbeat and brooding soundscapes
that unfold throughout the five tracks. Though Haüer never quite reach
the epic heights of <i>Chariots of Fire</i> they certainly create four-dimensional terrains and the influence of Ultravox, Kraftwek and Vangelis comes crashing through.<br />
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<i>Interceptor</i>
feels like a cinematic musical fragment rather than a fully realised
composition. It has a Mega City vibe to it slowly building to a
crescendo before crashing and rising from the rubble; presumably to
victory. <i>Colony Children</i> on the other hand feels like its
potential has been fully harnessed with several synth lines combining
successfully to give this track a start, middle and end.<br />
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‘The Infinitesimal EP’ concludes with <i>Helicop </i>which tussles with<i> Colony Children</i>
to be the standout track. A throbbing bass line is flanked by butterfly
synth motifs as Haüer finally make it on to the dance floor delivering a
cinematic happily-ever-after. It’s by no means perfect or compelling
enough for everyday listening, but Haüer have delivered a perfectly
credible addition to the sci-fi niche of cinematic synth-pop.</div>
Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-91313956077653987052013-06-23T14:28:00.001+01:002013-06-26T16:31:07.613+01:00Video: Swords - Lions and Gold<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Following the success of single <i>All The Boys</i> <b>Swords</b> have returned with an animated video for their latest single <i>Lions and Gold </i><br />
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<span class="yt-ui-ellipsis-wrapper" data-original-html="Video, Concept & Animation by David McSwiggan<br><br>Whelans headline July 5th: <a href="http://e1.ie/1cre" target="_blank" title="http://e1.ie/1cre" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://e1.ie/1cre</a><br><br>Lions & Gold is available on:<br><br>Website: <a href="http://www.swordsband.com/Lions-Gold-New-Single.269.1.aspx" target="_blank" title="http://www.swordsband.com/Lions-Gold-New-Single.269.1.aspx" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.swordsband.com/L...</a><br>iTunes: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/lions-gold-single/id659495362" target="_blank" title="https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/lions-gold-single/id659495362" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">https://itunes.apple.com/ie...</a><br>Google Play: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Swords_Lions_Gold?id=Bhnhm7xaernglfisku2mg3dw7za" target="_blank" title="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Swords_Lions_Gold?id=Bhnhm7xaernglfisku2mg3dw7za" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">https://play.google.com/sto...</a><br>Spotify:<a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/3hAgoc8XFMAB7lj6h6Y8Az" target="_blank" title="http://open.spotify.com/track/3hAgoc8XFMAB7lj6h6Y8Az" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://open.spotify.com/tra...</a><br><br>Credits:<br>Lions & Gold written by Anglim, Canning, Frawls<br>Copyright Swords<br>Produced by Karl Odlum<br>Cover Design by Svajune in Language.ie<br>Mastered at Abbey Road Studios<br><br>Thanks to David McSwiggan for his amazing work, talent and for giving us his soul.
"><span class="yt-ui-ellipsis-wrapper" data-original-html="Video, Concept & Animation by David McSwiggan<br><br>Whelans headline July 5th: <a href="http://e1.ie/1cre" target="_blank" title="http://e1.ie/1cre" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://e1.ie/1cre</a><br><br>Lions & Gold is available on:<br><br>Website: <a href="http://www.swordsband.com/Lions-Gold-New-Single.269.1.aspx" target="_blank" title="http://www.swordsband.com/Lions-Gold-New-Single.269.1.aspx" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.swordsband.com/L...</a><br>iTunes: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/lions-gold-single/id659495362" target="_blank" title="https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/lions-gold-single/id659495362" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">https://itunes.apple.com/ie...</a><br>Google Play: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Swords_Lions_Gold?id=Bhnhm7xaernglfisku2mg3dw7za" target="_blank" title="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Swords_Lions_Gold?id=Bhnhm7xaernglfisku2mg3dw7za" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">https://play.google.com/sto...</a><br>Spotify:<a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/3hAgoc8XFMAB7lj6h6Y8Az" target="_blank" title="http://open.spotify.com/track/3hAgoc8XFMAB7lj6h6Y8Az" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://open.spotify.com/tra...</a><br><br>Credits:<br>Lions & Gold written by Anglim, Canning, Frawls<br>Copyright Swords<br>Produced by Karl Odlum<br>Cover Design by Svajune in Language.ie<br>Mastered at Abbey Road Studios<br><br>Thanks to David McSwiggan for his amazing work, talent and for giving us his soul.
">Swords headline </span>Whelans on July 5th buy tickets <a href="http://e1.ie/1cre" target="_blank">here </a> </span></div>
Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-68261755650777486132013-06-23T14:19:00.003+01:002013-06-23T14:19:39.510+01:00Video: Croupier - Power Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Croupier</b> are back with the video for new single <i>Power Up</i> taken from their forthcoming 'Visor EP.' Power Up begins with one of those chirpy tropical synth splashes that have become so prominent in the alt-Irish scene over the last 18 months or so, but that's where conventional ends for Croupier.<i> Power Up</i> stampedes through several riffs before exploding into the final refrain of <i>"Outside, outside, outside,"</i> hammers the song home. At times it's hard to tell where the verses end and the chorus begins or indeed if there actually is chorus at all. But that's what makes Croupier standout from the crowd in the Irish music scene at present.<br />
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-60716478786736293902013-06-20T22:01:00.000+01:002013-06-21T21:13:35.199+01:00Review: The Statics - Hidden Pigeon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cBBbKzsMX_TdCwXvorHcheCFkS-BvAqhpMJEIkM4TE2uLVKWYBlN35kfdOeTFvljHImHlrgowJUbDO-Aa1frt1DDTrTvXdvvsIeAEwuJ1J7VGeLiKVJpUZM6xIpl9sJzKmYoAjyWRNVS/s1600/Hidden-Pigeon-Front-Cover-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cBBbKzsMX_TdCwXvorHcheCFkS-BvAqhpMJEIkM4TE2uLVKWYBlN35kfdOeTFvljHImHlrgowJUbDO-Aa1frt1DDTrTvXdvvsIeAEwuJ1J7VGeLiKVJpUZM6xIpl9sJzKmYoAjyWRNVS/s1600/Hidden-Pigeon-Front-Cover-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Short and sweet and very, very good was the Buddy Holly
blueprint which The Beatles and others adhered to during the pop explosion of
the ’60s. ‘Hidden Pigeon’ the debut EP from Dublin beat quartet <b>The Statics
</b>takes the same approach to song writing. Each track built with layers of
distilled melody crammed into 3 minutes of joyful escapism. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Once title track <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hidden
Pigeon</i> emerges from a languid intro it quickly establishes each band member’s
individual credentials as musicians. The interplay between the rhythm section
of Jacqueline Campion (Drums) and Thomas Nugent (bass) is impressive with
walking melodic basslines and tip top snare work creating a throbbing base for
Liam Gardner (Vocals/guitar) and Daragh O’Connell (Guitar/Vox) to build upon. O’Connell’s
guitar switches between playful staccato jerks and funky moments while a double
tracked solo bounces between the gaps. While Gardner’s Vocals are in the
instantly recognisable category think Liam Gallagher with a Dublin drawl and
the ability to hit more notes. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alone</i> is the EP’s
standout moment. It’s a perfect pop song; simple, relentless, and memorable
from start to finish. Every vocal line is a hook and every note played demands
to be hummed in response. Once again it is reminiscent of pop’s heyday, but
there isn’t a hint of pastiche to be heard anywhere. The Statics clearly
possess the ability to create tracks which stand up to the shadow of their
influences. The Statics have created a vivid EP which indicates they will have
a lot to offer in the future.</div>
</div>
Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-28432399062393236162013-05-25T13:57:00.004+01:002013-05-25T13:57:35.571+01:00Video: Swords - All The Boys<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Swords </b>are fast becoming one of the most hotly tipped bands in the country with rave reviews and airplay flooding in from all over the country, and having caught the trios recent appearance at the Camden Crawl it's easy to understand why. Current single <i>All The Boys </i>sets forth their style of alternative synth pop perfectly<i>. </i>If you like what you hear check them out live this summer.<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fW-mNM7zZmQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Upcoming shows include:<em> </em><br />
<em> 5 July </em><em><em>2013</em> </em>- Whelans - Dublin - Headline (<a href="http://entertainment.ie/show-/Whelans/swords/events-2665625.htm" target="_blank">Buy Tickets</a>)<em> </em><br />
<em>7 July </em><em><em>2013</em> </em>- Groove Music Festival (<a href="http://groovefestival.ie/buy-tickets/" target="_blank">Buy Tickets</a>)<em> </em><br />
<em>4 Aug 2013</em> - Indiependence Music & Arts Festival (<a href="http://www.indiependencefestival.com/tickets/" target="_blank">Buy Tickets</a>)</div>
Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-86410884428611232292013-05-25T13:42:00.002+01:002013-05-25T13:43:01.377+01:00Video: Saint John The Gambler - Lemonade Man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Lemonade Man</i> is the first single from <b>Saint John The Gamblers'</b> latest album 'Five Miles To Vaudeville.' The video is a colourful celebration of the Speakeasy subculture of
prohibition America which perfectly reflects both the song and the bands
overriding style.</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3dj3uO1XONI" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-90388456483152459392013-05-25T13:37:00.001+01:002013-05-25T13:37:10.308+01:00Review: Vanilla Gloom - Vexed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxp5JxJlh9Jw8YDO0DNjW85xkOVCrNV1gLxEEdB8VkgcoFS1SJiH0FlXrl2wiKSOAJhvbd9_7Rrc1pA4JfY0ibuMoXZyW89LajGd1esHNS4VoVER6rmL_78cCTzeIfHqZtbpCekvR_NnOL/s1600/vanillagloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxp5JxJlh9Jw8YDO0DNjW85xkOVCrNV1gLxEEdB8VkgcoFS1SJiH0FlXrl2wiKSOAJhvbd9_7Rrc1pA4JfY0ibuMoXZyW89LajGd1esHNS4VoVER6rmL_78cCTzeIfHqZtbpCekvR_NnOL/s320/vanillagloom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
‘Vexed’ the début EP from Belfast based girl group <strong>Vanilla Gloom</strong>
sees the young trio wearing their grunge and alternative ’90s
influences on their sleeves with some aplomb; with Pixies, L7, and Sonic
Youth permeating its three tracks.</div>
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Opening track <em>Wolves</em> begins with a Kim Deal-esque <em>cho cho</em>
bassline, quickly joined by a lead guitar line which drips ‘Bossanova’
era Pixies. Megan O’Kane’s vocal is, as the EP’s title would suggest,
vexed. Her downbeat speak-sing patter suits the song perfectly embodying
the disaffected and socially awkward lyrics.</div>
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There’s a <em>Never Say Never-</em>esque grove to the intro and verses of <em>Lemons and Wine </em>which is the EP’s standout moment<em>. </em>Shannon
O’Neill takes lead on this track and is as effective as her bandmate
O’Kane, even delivering the knockout line of the EP<em> “There is no us/There is no us.”</em> Final track <em>Vultures</em>
continues the formula of quiet-loud, verse, chorus and doesn’t quite
have the impact of the previous tracks, though the harmonies, provided
by O’Neill and Kane, are impressive.</div>
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Vanilla Gloom definitely have
something about them, despite the obvious influences there isn’t a hint
of inauthenticity about their songwriting and performance and if they
can step beyond these influences they have the potential to be the best
all-girl group Ireland has produced</div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-28532584833071821432013-05-25T13:34:00.002+01:002013-05-25T13:34:34.879+01:00Review: Young Aviators - Self Help<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEElL9rqyAFXZ8uuuQG2FsoQzebcfNs6nGEB-AofvhFuMFPmOkABu4y5Tfo34ibxdb89fl5oM7VIuhb0n9onCJSiZOfnom-LHh49XkKR5qjYht8Bhdf8GVWzJHxemwFHMicupVIMr9wFH/s1600/youngaviators.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEElL9rqyAFXZ8uuuQG2FsoQzebcfNs6nGEB-AofvhFuMFPmOkABu4y5Tfo34ibxdb89fl5oM7VIuhb0n9onCJSiZOfnom-LHh49XkKR5qjYht8Bhdf8GVWzJHxemwFHMicupVIMr9wFH/s400/youngaviators.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Young Aviators</b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;">
are an Irish trio who decamped to Glasgow and honed their sound; a mix
of birthing room brit pop and US indie disco dirge, touring with the
likes of Reef and The Subways. Following several EP’s they have released
a 9 song début, ‘Self Help.’</span></div>
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Opening track <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sunrise on the Motorway</i>
initially sets forth a Brian Jonestown Masacre-esque swagger of hazy
harmonies and fuzz tone guitars before exploding into a raucous,
alternative ‘80s style riff: think <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She Sells Sanctuary</i> meets U2. It’s an unexpected but rewarding segue. Single, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forward Thinking</i> is an early highlight thanks to its truly memorable chorus hook of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Oh oh, need to start some forward thinking</i>”,
once again a strange but luscious combination of influences combine
wonderfully to create a real pop treat with Decky McKay (Guitar/Vox)
filling the roles of Albarn and Coxon beautifully as early britpop
guitar led verses are juxtaposed against more contemporary bouncy bass
grooves throughout the choruses. McKay’s top notch guitar solo is the
icing on the britpop cake though, outshining many of the genre’s
forefathers in the process.</div>
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As ‘Self Help’ progresses, the
happy-go-lucky speed-kick pop turns darker and grittier as the influence
of Alex Turner and the Jarman brothers becomes apparent. Thankfully the
material is just as effective with tracks such as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Love To Change Your Ways </i>and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Future Pill </i>maintaining the authenticity of the initial barrage.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deathrays in Disneyland</i><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;">
is a thoroughly unexpected left turn from rock road to piano ballad
boulevard and, whilst it offers some respite from the albums nonstop
nature, it ultimately it feels out-of-place in this collection. Young
Aviators indulge in some transatlantic aping on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We’ve Got A Name For Folks Like You</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as things go Americana, disco rock with </span><span class="textexposedshow">Kyle Haughey’s</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;">
distorted driving bass parts leading the line as Decky McKay delivers a
deadpan speak-sing vocal. This is taken one step further on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rejection Letter</i>.
Imagine OK Go covering Elastica for a tribute album, add a hint of Nada
Surf and you’re in the zip code where things that really shouldn’t work
do. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sunset on the Motorway </i><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;">successfully
bookends the album with a reprise of the opening track, once again
highlighting the band’s penchant for harmony and noise with equal
abandon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What lies in-between is a quirky fun-filled record of spiky pop gems. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-89087301573936720852013-04-27T14:54:00.000+01:002013-04-27T14:54:22.379+01:00Video: Mykel - Hold On<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dubliner <b>Mykel</b> aka Michael Fitzpatrick is back with his latest single and the lead track from his debut EP 'Hold On'. The video confronts one of Ireland's most pressing problems, suicide, head on. It's great to see Irish artists tackling major social issues such as this. And as the artist himself has proven in his own life, it's never too late to change your direction for the better. <br />
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-59923484636239422152013-04-27T14:44:00.000+01:002013-04-27T14:44:09.470+01:00Remix: The Casanova Wave - Everybody In The Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>The Casanova Wave</b> have released a surprisingly chilled remix of <b>The Dead Heavys'</b> <i>Everybody In The Night. </i>The Retro Gradestep Remix give<i>s</i> the track an 8 bit tinged makeover with summer dance-tent vibes.</div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-9136979967490089422013-04-13T23:37:00.001+01:002013-04-13T23:37:20.024+01:00Listen: Ghost Estates - In Waves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Ghost Estates</b> contribution to this years Record Store Day is the effervescent <i>In Waves</i>. A vibrant, catchy, hook laden track which will have you reaching for the start button as soon as it finishes. The Ghost Estates release <i>In Waves</i> as one half of a split 7" single with <b>TwinKranes</b> having the honour of appearing on the other side with <i>The Wizard</i>. </div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-64864360923642723742013-04-13T23:15:00.000+01:002013-04-13T23:15:11.732+01:00Video: Hot Sprockets - Soul Brother<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The Hot Sprockets</b> have returned with a new single <i>Soul Brother</i> set for release on Record Store Day April 20th. The quality of The Hot Sprockets material has increased significantly in recent times and <i>Soul Brother </i>continues the upward trend. The band will be playing 3 shows on Sat. April 20th in conjunction with the release of the single in The Secret Book Store, Tower Records and Whelan's before embarking on a nationwide tour.<br />
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-40943277341688123892013-04-13T23:03:00.000+01:002013-04-13T23:03:15.718+01:00Video: No Monster Club - A Better Fit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>No Monster Club</b> have released a video of bear-suited hijinxs for <i>A Better Fi</i>t which features on Popical Island's new compilation album 'Community Games.'<br />
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-12310572294200846842013-03-24T16:17:00.000+00:002013-03-24T16:17:02.208+00:00Free Music: Kid Karate <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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To celebrate their <b>SXSW</b> appearance <b>Kid Karate</b> have posted 5 of their songs on soundcloud to download for free including singles <i>Two Times</i> and <i>This City.</i></div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-89177970039259727512013-03-24T16:08:00.004+00:002013-03-24T16:08:32.567+00:00Video: SOnance HOtel - Sub-Dude<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Former Humanzi/The Mighty Stef alumni <b>Brian Gallagher</b> has returned with his latest single <i>Sub-Dude</i> under the moniker of <b>SOnance HOtel</b>. The track has a current of morose sunshine running through it similar to early Doves material. It's bleak and claustrophobic yet somehow spacious and uplifting at the same time. Gallagher's voice has a gritty, knowing, ethereal quality to it which blends wonderfully with the sonic architecture beneath it.</div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7844772450421317419.post-91771672558655855832013-03-24T15:48:00.000+00:002013-03-24T15:48:00.655+00:00Listen: Liza Flume - Poison (Daithi Remix)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Loop pedal protagonist <b>Daithi</b> has remixed <b>Liza Flume's</b> track <i>Poison</i> from her debut EP 'Full Steam Ahead'. Daithi has given the track an unexpected early '90s dance feel far removed from Flume's romantic folk output. Hopefully this mini collaboration will lead to a full blown partnership between the two artists in the future.</div>
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Alternative Irish Music Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03193873863527698907noreply@blogger.com0