Review: Preachers Son - Love, Life & Limb

Preachers Son is the brainchild of Kila bassist Brian Hogan and former Engine Alley drummer Emmaline Duffy-Fallon. Their debut album 'Love Life & Limb' is a fast paced mix of turbo charged swamp rock with nods to alternative renegades such as Nick Cave & Lou Reed. Hogan has put aside the bass to front Preachers Son on both vocals and guitar. The vocals are delivered mostly in spoken word format. They bare resemblance to the aforementioned Cave and Reed as well as alternative 80's front men like Andrew Eldritch and Wayne Hussey. There is even a resemblance to Bono on several tracks.

26 Years starts the album off with a dirty Jon Spencer Blues Explosion style guitar blast, before we are diverted to unexpected places through the chorus "I don't really believe you when you say you don't care" would comfortably fit into any U2 album. Born Another Time is a dirty swamp blues stomp panting sexually between Nick Cave, The Sisters of Mercy and Personal Jesus, and also contains some excellent tremolo picking by Hogan.

The voice of Emmaline Duffy-Fallon turns Book of love into Beauty and the Beast for grown ups. The sparse noir arrangement is the first of several tracks build on atmosphere, rather than bombast. The Jarvis Cocker-esque sexual paranoia of single X For Sandra-the best of several duets on the album-Is a bobbing blues boogie, sprinkled with some Bowie magic in the choruses "And this is the time that makes me, keeps making me struck with wonder."

This Time of Life has a white soul era Bowie vibe with funky bass running head first into classic rock riffage. On Lipstick Gavin Friday's guest vocal is cast over a classical landscape mixed with avant garde Diamond Dog diversions for clashes with "bimbo bitches." The albums low point arrives with the over cooked cover of Son of A Preacher Man. It's as ill advised as the Jack White-Alicia Keys, James Bond combo.

It's as if an eerie voice-over from the villain in a Western movie gets things back on track with Rain. The words of wisdom are set against accomplished classical and jazz acoustic guitar phrases. Hogan's voice has its second Bono moment on Heaven For The Moment a mix between Albatross style lead guitar parts and Faraway So Close. It is certainly one of the albums highlights especially when it's "staring down the isles of heaven or hell."

It all goes a bit Led Zep for the eastern tinged Should Have Been Gone. A barrage of instruments are underpinned by a pulsating bass riff. This is the albums only nod towards Hogan's traditional roots. But don't let that put you off its more Aleister Crowley than Fionn Mac Cumhaill. Lost My Faith is a rockabilly firestorm, which Imelda May could only dream of producing, complete with super fast wailing guitar solos and on point horns.

This is certainly the most commendable sidebar from Kila any of its members have embarked upon. Thank God Hogan had the sense to stay away from amateurish TG4 X-Factor style judging panels and focus on the creation of music instead. ' Love Life & Limb' is a bold move by Hogan, but he who dares wins.

Review: Duncan Maitland - Whelan's 11/11/2010

Former Picturehouse main man and Pugwash collaborator Duncan Maitland returned to his adopted home of Dublin for his first solo show in Ireland since the release of his critically acclaimed new album 'Lullabies for the 21st Century' which is currently picking up more 9 out of 10's than an Olympic gymnast's wildest dreams.

In the upper saloon of Whelan's of Wexford St. there's no laptop or backing tracks for Duncan Maitland-as is the fashion for solo performers these days-just him and a twelve string guitar. 'Lullabies for the 21st Century' on the other hand is a lush orchestral instrument laden album with lashings of harmonies. So how will this work then?.

Its easy peasy for Maitland as the albums tacit bedrock of acoustic guitar is revealed in all its glory. Your Century is perhaps better live than on the album. Thanks to this more organic -as it was originally written- style of delivery. The folk boogie of Terry the Toad with its excellent chorus of "Everybody's playing it cool" is well received by the audience, containing some excellent vocal ad libs. Maitland also mouths some organ parts throughout the outro.

"You gotta stand out in the rain to get hit by lightning and I'm gonna stand in the rain for this one" Maitland informs us before inticing the audience to hum in a zen like fashion for the George Harrison influenced Horror Stories an excellent mix of 'Revolver' and The Notorious Byrd Brothers physcadelia. Maitland leaves Whelan's awestruck with an immaculate version of the classic David Bowie song Starman. Note perfect subtle and nuanced it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Album highlight Up To You a tale of tested faith, sex and the No.42 is surprisingly masculine live, minus its sombre trumpet intro. Duncan Maitland is accompanied by saxophone for genre spanning Insect Under the Stone which flips between jazz tinged Rat Pack and ELO acid rock. From Bowie to Bobby Darin, Maitland's voice is sensational and truly versatile.

Hybristophilia is a strange theme for a song "I played this in Wisconsin" quips Maitland with a smile before launching into Fan Club an old Picturehouse song which was revamped for Maitland's 'Live Alien EP'. Fan Club is a dark tale of people who are attracted to serial killers like Wisconsin's own Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein. The lyrical syntax is similar to American Psycho and the music echos this, building to a frantic Day in the Life style crescendo. A dark end to an excellent evening.

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Review: Jogging - Minutes

Jogging are a power-punk trio. Their debut album 'Minutes' is released through the Richter Collective whose other acts include Adebis Skank, Enemies and Bats.

Jogging reel in dark shadowy images of modern life and cast back scathing social commentary with sharp venomous tongues. The music mirrors this world view. it's fast, frantic, cascading rage, sometimes unhinged but almost always on target.

Opening track Threadbare has a dirty melodic swagger to it. This up tempo drink-to-forget song is a live highlight and features some excellent distorted bass playing by bassist/singer Ronan Jackson. The track cascades to a close with the repeated melody hook of "I can see through you, we will see this through."

A sunkist guitar riff by guitarist/vocalist Darren Craig eases us into Not Simple. A bruising stampede of One Hand Scissor style rock. A reap what you sow tale of jealousy "You made your bed now lie in it. Even if it’s made of old napkins." While the chorus recoils "Everybody's laughing at your weakness, Everybody's laughing at your name." Once again the bass is excellent weaving around the top notch Robert Frippesque guitar solo.

Fostered Foes is frenetic half hepped up Psychobilly instrumental meets Frank Zappa half QOTSA firestorm. It contains the well known but seldom spoken fact that "Cream and bastards rise to top, the rest just gathers down here with the slop." However the delivery of the word "land" is definetly one of the albums low points.

Shattered Knees on the otherhand is one of the album's highlights containing some classy, funky, punk, guitar riffs "It’s two long then two short for too long" is a fine melodic moment. The interplay between the guitar and bass is excellent. Each keenly deploys its own dancing melody before racing the other to the finish line.

The held-back-scream, spoken word delivery of Shape Up Shakedown adds weight to the broken home scenario. Where "Worthless parents couldn’t care for, the welfare of their heirs." While "Bullies carry broken homes. Youth abandoned, youth unknown." Just like a HSE care home? Perhaps theres even a salute to those who have escaped to the streets "You can say, but you don’t know. When you fore-go the umbrella, there’s a certain drenched dignity."

A stadium rock guitar intro, propels Bruises Like Bow-Ties through the verses. The vocals begin with an astute put down "You blew me away, but not in that good way". Before comic self loathing "If I went to punch a window just to prove a point it’d punch back until my eyes crack." descends into self indulgent screamo. A sad outcome from such promising beginnings.

Thankfully normal service is returned on anger biscuit Cleft Chin, Good Heart. Built around two pulsating guitar blasts. Initial lyric "It’s not love, but it’s affection" acts as a decoy before the groove explodes into anger and remorse "I've got blood on my hands."

If you can get past the decidedly teenage, amateur, bedroom squeakiness of the opening barrage of Lifeline you will find a companion piece for Shape Up Shakedown with more prominent bass licks and spoken word cataclysms. While Judas Priest meets post punk Arboriculture on Heartwood. Minutes closes with the aptly titled Curtains a melodic slice of Dinosaur Jr. style Americana.

Jogging nearly have a four star album on their hands. But they have overstretched themselves in places, cramming to many musical ideas in to songs. The drum sound fails to deliver the bombast that the songs require. A failure on the part of the producer no doubt, rather than drummer Paul Lee who obviously displays the ability to meet the challenges of this genre of music. Minutes however, is worth the download fee alone for standout tracks Threadbare & Shattered Knees and we don't believe you'll find a better punk trio around.

Review: Neosupervital - Battery Power

'Carpe Diem' may have been a more appropriate title for 'Battery Power' the latest album from eighties enthusiast Neosupervital such is the level of pep and can do spirited lyrics contained within its twelve tracks. The songs are heavily influenced by 80's super groups such as Depeche Mode and Tears For Fears and more modern acts such as Daft Punk and Les Rhythm Digitales, spinning tales of love on the dance floor, one night stands, and how self believe will see you through, in the process.

For There's Only This Time an Angus Young style riff is given a full on electronica treatment with Numan synths in the chorus as NSV sings "We gotta do it properly this time." The vocal delivery is akin to 'Much Against Everyone's Advice' era Soulwax. While Dance With You, is an eclectic mix of Herbie Hancock meets OK Go, in a fluffy ode to dance.

Do What You Feel is a summer holiday island dance floor anthem with big bass and funky guitar rhythm figures and a Kenny Loggins style guitar solo. "If you want to be real gotta do what you feel" is a simple but memorable chorus line.

Sun Goes Down is a classic big-hair Depeche Mode style stomper, filled with layered syncopated synths and another sing along chorus. While Instrumental track Then is definitely one for people who still dream of "sand dunes and salty air..." Can't Be On Your Own is pure lovable cheese and even contains the phrase "Danger Zone."

Be Who You Want contains the quintessential 80's pulsing synth line and fractured nonsensical lyrics which somehow work. The influence of Tears For Fears looms large on Sky is Higher, especially on the sound of the lead guitar. This is the best of the more serious sounding songs on the album.

Neosupervital goes bilingual for the half French half English Distant Light. The darkest song on the album it explores the alternative synth landscapes of Talk Talk and Ultravox juxtaposed against a metallic guitar line.

'Battery Power' is an album for fans of 80's movie themes and feel good one hit wonders such as We Close Our Eyes It may be a guilty pleasure for many, but shouldn't be viewed as such. As Neosupervital is a quality songwriter and deserves to recognised as such. Not just celebrated by drunken hordes on the dance floor.

Video: Zombie Cops - Taking LIves

Here is the new video for Taking Lives from the excellent Zombie Cops by Highly Stimulating Productions and its our video of the week.

Zombie Cops - Taking Lives from Highly Stimulating Productions on Vimeo.

Review: Sacred Animals - Whelan's 27/10/10

It's been quite a week for Sacred Animals following the release of their debut EP 'Welcome Home' on the Delphi Label. They are currently listed as fourth most blogged about act in the blogosphere in the London Independent. Kanye West is number one. No mean feat for a new band on a fledgling Irish Indie label. We caught them Upstairs at Whelan's following a hectic week of Capital gigs including The Ruby Sessions.

The intimate surroundings perfectly suited tonight's paired down two man incarnation of Sacred Animals. And for tonight's show they chose to do things Stop Making Sense style, as the solitary figure of main man Darragh Nolan takes to the stage for As You Sleep. Nolan delivers the first of many haunting vocals on this dark mournful electric ballad.

Mark Colbert (vocals) joins Nolan on stage for Holy Ghost a song built on an evil grinding guitar riff "Holy Ghost I know your word is strong" belts Nolan as Sacred Animals unleash their secret weapon, Harmonies.

Darragh Nolan's voice is a record producers wet dream: rich, powerful, pitch-perfect and effortless. Add to this the backing of the other Sacred Animals and we have a first class harmony machine, that would surely bring tears to Brian Wilson's eyes.

For the rest of the set Colbert takes his place on drums, sans cymbals, standing upright in the finest indie tradition of The Jesus and Marychain. The bands black and white projections of clouds, lakes and caravan parks cast a large dancing silhouette of Colbert, ensuring he is the visual focal point from now on. Indeed, Nolan seems happy to linger in the shadows and allow his face and songs to convey his emotions.

Backing tracks of synths, white noise and bells join the bombastic live drumming on Still Removed where the eerie spectre of Nolan asks "Whats the point in boxing clever? All I see is all you are. It's the flaws that make the man & you are an imperfect star." Three songs in and the audience is enthralled huddled around the stage hanging on every syllable.

Wired Islands begins with an Eels style keyboard line before Nolan delivers a haunting vocal Thom Yorke would surly approve of "A rest will come, islands less inhabitants, with one eye on the prize, executed plans, pursued by passengers."

Mark Colbert's drums drive us through another, other-worldly sound scape reminiscent of 'Virgin Suicides' era Air on Chosen Seed. "Are you scared of what you said Well you're not the only one." Is a truly dread filled refrain delivered from the shadows by Nolan.

They finish off the set with the title track from their debut EP 'Welcome Home'. A throbbing percussive masterclass of energetic paranoia, aided by long hanging piano chords and a looped "ding dong" bell melody. Welcome Home conjures the claustrophobia of the finest moments of Massive Attack.

Sacred Animals are set for a great future Darragh Nolan has a truly phenomenal voice. Creatively they are already surpassing the output of many of their influences. Mark my words it wont be long before the world worships Sacred Animals.

Review: Evil Uncle: - Songs For The Road EP

As soggy motorists trudged back to the Electric Picnic car park five thousand of them found a surprise underneath their window wipers. The latest EP from Galway singer/songwriter Evil Uncle. The aptly titled 'Songs For The Road' had been lovingly nestled overnight by a craic team of Evil Brothers and Sisters.

Evil Uncle opens this EP with his tongue firmly in his cheek for opening track Gardening. Behind a slightly overdriven arpeggio guitar line the bass plays the melody from Nina Simone's Feeling Good. Gardening is not a feel good song however, as the listener soon discovers, its a meticulous blow by blow account of a peeping toms night up a tree and some may say that the lyrics are a little too knowing not to be true. 

A choir sample you might expect to find in a Sisters of Mercy song weaves in and out as the voyeur recants his experience "I thought of creeping forward And write my name on my breath on your window" being one of the more choice lyrics. The deadpan spoken-word style vocal delivery makes this song ever the more weird and witty. With Its "My Peek At You" chorus the voyeur realises the futility of his actions "And what's it for now darling. All this creeping in your front garden. It doesn't get me close to you It's true."

The shortest song on the EP Something for Nothing is fast paced with several tempo and key changes reminiscent in a way of 'Fuzzy Logic' era Super Furry Animals. The lyrics are once again, full of take it or leave it dry wit. The vocal harmonies and one note stabbing piano lines work really well throughout the song, helping it build at the right moments. I'm not sure if its ironic or just another in-joke, that a song called Something For Nothing is on a free CD.

Junkies Killed My Babies is the most standard formatted song on the EP ie verse chorus guitar solo etc. The originality is all in the narrative about a bereaved man struggling at the loss of his girlfriend to drugs and what may or may not be his personal struggle to get clean, thoughts of suicide, remorse, and what will never be..

Spider Song Sees Evil Uncle spin another unusual narrative, for what at first glance is a song about "Timmy the Spider", is actually a song about being stuck in on a Saturday night, looking desperately for entertainment in every corner of the house. In this song Evil Uncle asks the big question that has divided Veterinarians and Pet Detectives the world over. "Does Timmy Have a Soul?" The EU fails to answer this question but leaves us with the refrain "Hey Timmy you’re so fine, yeah you’re so fine you blow my mind." The influence of Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy can also be felt on this, the undoubted highlight of 'Songs For the Road'.

'Songs For The Road' concludes with Sunny Day in Space a jaunty alt country number. The influence of Gruff Rhys returns and the song is also influenced by Tim Buckley. As well as a sing-along chorus, this song contains some vivid stream of consciousness lyrics "Sausage rolls and landing lights, Foggy breath wire fence shopping feet and mountain side, And the postman’s pocket book is dripping ink all over his bike, Head down, lucky dip, eyes closed ice cold eyes."

The EP flounders where several of the songs contain false starts and noodling endings giving the EP a DIY feel rather than serious studio sheen. 'Songs for the Road' is buy no means perfect but its surely one of the most creative Irish EP's released this year.