All posts by Indie Buddie

Broozer ‘Are We Dead Yet’ EP

Wolverhampton based Punk Rock Duo Broozer have released their debut EP ‘Are We Dead Yet’. Since their formation they have played at iconic venues in Birmingham and the West Midlands and were picked up by Wyatt Wendall of Planet Rock and featured on his New Rock Show several times. They have been supported by Tim Senna of Switch Radio/BBC WM Introducing and have also received airtime on Brum Radio, including their EP ‘Are We Dead Yet’ which has been added to their A-List, prior to its release.

‘Are We Dead Yet’ presents Broozer’s raw untainted punk rock in four brisk bruising tracks. Surrounded in a relentless swarm of demolishing energy ‘Thank You Baby’ and ‘Give Um Hell’ sets the madness in motion as the duo batter your skull with crushing drums and harsh riffs. The band waste no time spring-boarding into their adrenaline-inducing sound while the fierce vocals howl over the shattering instrumental backdrop. However the duo are not all about rapid punk-fueled sprints. They can refine and cultivate their sound too and ‘Hero’ showcases this sublimely. It is a creeping, chilling, sexy number. Dark soundscapes smother ominous grainy guitar riffs while groove-rooted drums take on a sensual quality. With sinister vocals, sharp whines on guitar and a horror movie frenzied soundscape its quite the impressive number that shows there is substance to this band. ‘I’m Ok’ brings the EP to a delirious mind bulldozing end – it’s a pure concoction of mania. With screaming vocals clamorous instrumentation and barbed atmosphere it is not for the faint-hearted. 

Broozer have created an EP laced in acid dipped guitar and pulverising drums to create a rapid assault on the senses. Exuding explosive energy and anarchy from its core – its an EP sure to ignite the mosh pit of a live show.

Stream ‘Are We Dead Yet’ EP  below 


Author : Danu

Indie Quick Picks

Danny G & the Major 7ths

Photo by Rosa Parozci at Wild Vintage Dublin

Genre: Neo-soul

Bio: Danny G & The Major 7ths are a neo-soul group from Dublin, Ireland. ‘Time the Healer’ is the 3rd single from forthcoming album ‘The Lookout’. ”Say When’ and ‘Believing’ were both featured on RTÉ’s recommended playlist and were on rotation on WPPM 106.5 FM PHILADELPHIA  – Reprezent 107.3FM London , 87.8 MHz Oz Urban Radio Perth, RTÉ Radio 1, 2FM and Today FM to name a few.The band is an all-star lineup ranging from 5 to 8 musicians including past or present members of Hozier, Loah, Fehdah, Mary Coughlan, Zaska, Ensemble Eriu, Manden Express, Selk, MixTapes from the Underground and LaGracia.

Track: ‘Time the Healer’ feat. Fehdah & Zaska

Why We Like It: It’s an intricately weaved and profound piece of musical beauty that hits all the right spots. With rich soul elements drifting elegantly over chic funk grooves and soft sprinkles of jazz it’s a classy flamboyant delight. The smooth vocals caress the creamy melody with an elegant suaveness while the snazzy guitar infectiously flash steamy vapor throughout this refined piece. The track unravels becoming more musically rich as it progresses. With lush harmonies and soft atmosphere this compelling gem is classy and velvety smooth with zesty wonderful twists within its sleek intricacies. Well crafted and clean ‘Time the Healer’ is the work of musical magicians. 

About the track Danny said : “This song was written for a friend. When you go through a really tough time, the pain never really goes away, you never forget it. But time passes. One day you’ll wake up and it won’t hurt any more. You’ll come out the other side, wiser and stronger.”

You can follow Danny G & the Major 7th on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dmajor7ths/

Stream ‘Time the Healer’ below 

https://open.spotify.com/track/3TqJyg2s8UbjNXYSBDaaeE?si=ktaZCPZqRl6Ip7EY1n3wbw

We Three Kings

Genre: Alternative rock

Bio: We Three Kings are a no-nonsense three piece rock ’n’ roll band from Manchester. The band are an unpretentious live act with a massive, balls-out sound, recent singles ‘Give It To Me, GO!’ & ‘Do It’ have achieved widespread critical acclaim, including radio airplay on BBC Introducing, Planet Rock Radio and Amazing Radio

Track: Gasoline

Why We Like It: It’s a fiery brawny number brimming with the bulky blues infested rock ‘n’ roll We Three Kings do so well. With its catchy chorus, jagged rough riffs and pounding drums the band whack out another robust assault that wrestles your ears into submission. With a shredding solo and infectious groove its one locked and loaded pistol ready for the mania of a live show. 

You can follow We Three Kings on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/we3kingsband

Stream ‘Gasoline’ below 

The Suncharms

Genre: Indie/shoegaze

Bio: The Suncharms are a Sheffield based indie/shoegaze band originally active between 1989-1993.  After releasing a retrospective CD compilation on Cloudberry Records the band reunited and released a 7″ single on Slumberland Records in 2018

Track: Monster Club

Why We Like It: It’s a woozy dreamy number encased in subtle eerie undertones as the band create a chilling summer tropical jam. With warm guitar jingles, hazy melodies, haunting vintage organs and creepy creaking sounds its a wonderful paradox. The shoegaze tones glide and subtly drift about the track while the laid back atmosphere consumes your ears in marshmallow soft delight as the band lure you into their mysterious haunting soundscape.

You can follow The Suncharms on Facebook here https://m.facebook.com/thesuncharms/

Stream ‘Monster Club’ below 

Little Blue Thula

Photo Credit : Daniel Andrew Pahlen

Genre: Alt-folk

Bio: Little Blue Thula are an alt-folk duo from Hull. Forming over a year ago, playing almost 80 shows (of which some include supporting signed artists) and a full length album recorded, the band are fast becoming one of the most productive bands on the circuit.

Track: I Could Never Understand

Why We Like It: This gentle sweet track flows effortlessly on Little Blue Thula’s passionate and meaningful musicianship. Soft emotive vocals drape delicately over the sweet melancholic melody while the lush harmonies and warm guitar accompaniment create a dreamy supple atmosphere. These guys have a refined ability to create deeply compelling tracks that hit you in the chest with emotion and tenderness – ‘I Could Never Understand’ follows this trend beautifully. 

You can follow Little Blue Thula on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/littlebluethula/

Watch the video for ‘I Could Never Understand’ below 

Saltwater Sun

Genre: Indie Rock

Bio: Following on from the release of critically acclaimed EP The Great Deceiver earlier this year, Saltwater Sun kick-start the next phase with their new single ‘Mouthbreather’. Admired across the BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music airwaves (Annie Mac, Jack Saunders, Huw Stephens), the childhood friends have spent the majority of summer on the festival circuit (Isle Of Wight, Latitude and Truck) alongside notching impressive support slots with US alt-rockers Jimmy Eat World and fellow indie risers The Amazons and Another Sky.

Track: Mouthbreather

Why We Like It: It’s a dark tense indie track that flurries around blistering grunge as the band create a whirling wall of sound filled with fury and dizzying angst while the pop smeared melody creates a catchy element to their blistering instrumental backdrop. With sharp guitars, strident bass lines and a psychedelic hued soundscape Saltwater Sun craft their infectious indie into a smothering sinister track that is utterly outstanding. The explosive backdrop creates an exhilarating atmosphere as Jen Stearnes’ vocals coo through the ominous, shivering verses and soar with luring power and rasp filled texture for the chorus. It’s another outstanding track from this exciting band.

About the single frontwoman Jen Stearnes explained: “Mouthbreather is a monumental rant about the myriad people who get on Saltwater Sun’s collective last nerve. Loud chewers, bad drivers and mansplainers–the list goes on! Sure, we could be the bigger people and rise above, but where’s the fun in that?”

You can follow Saltwater Sun on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/saltwtrsun

Stream ‘Mouthbreather’ below 

modernlove.

Photo Credit : Scott Leeson

Genre: Indie Pop

Bio: Named after Bowie’s ’80s classic, Ireland’s modernlove. have rapidly become one of indie-pop’s brightest and most talked about new bands. Debut single ‘Us’ and follow up ‘Bop’ have quickly amassed over 250K streams on Spotify and featured on editorial playlists such as New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds and The Pop List. ‘Bop’ was also featured in a recent episode of the Channel 4 series ‘Made in Chelsea’ and picked up national radio support in the UK and Ireland. With a recent support slot for Good Cop Bad Cop (Arctic Monkeys’ Matt Helders new band) under their belt, they’ve been announced to support Larkins in The Academy on November 25th, and a headline show in The Soundhouse in spring

Track: Liquorice

Why We Like It: modernlove. present a lush juicy slice of indie pop saturated in shimmering glossy synths and mouth watering melodies that are sure to leave you craving for more. With rich rhythms shaking, pulsing and shimmying through tutti frutti guitar jingles and intricate bass lines the band create a tasty number sure to charm the hearts and minds of all who hear it. It’s a passionate track with dynamic emotive vocals that venture effortlessly into sweet falsetto heights and warm depths. The band whack out brisk lyrics that will tie your tongue in knots while the adrenaline induced through their 80’s dipped wall of sound will take you back to your youthful heart racing days. With The 1975- esque influence, bittersweet melody and vibrant soundscape these guys are ones to keep an eye on. 

About the track the band said : “Liquorice is a song about naive teenage infatuation set against a dizzying backdrop of alcohol and substance fueled nightlife”

You can follow modernlove. on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/modernloveband/

Stream ‘Liquorice’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here 


Author : Danu

Dakota Avenue ‘Temptress’

Following ‘Getintheshower’ and ‘The Island’ earlier this year, Alt/rock outfit Dakota Avenue have released their new single ‘Temptress’ which was recorded in Stoke-on-Trent with producer Andy Gannon. The trio have performed and received airplay from BBC Introducing, match day slots at Manchester City’s Etihad and festivals nationally; Belladrum, Tramlines, Dot To Dot, Blackthorn and RivFest and supported The Covasettes and Sly Antics to name a few.

‘Temptress’ takes Dakota Avenue’s powerful rock and refines it into a punchy, more potent dosage.  The band batter through with robust and aggressive drums creating a beefy backbone with elastic flexibility while the piercing guitars slice and whine throughout creating an ethereal, vaporous quality that is sleek and steamy. It’s a dynamic number that boasts the mighty anthemic range of this three piece as they cultivate their sound to a grander scale. There is an equal measure of smooth velvety qualities to robust power. The melody drifts into the ears with ease as  Frontman J’s compelling vocals coo and lure through the verses before howling the infectious chorus. His vocals drift with soulful and powerful tones while maintaining a rock-fueled rasp. Dakota Avenue have successfully carried the sublime passionate nature of previous release ‘Getintheshower’ through to ‘Temptress’ however they have slapped on some destructive heft and crashing wall of sound to create a thrilling new single and entice listeners. These guys are ones to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Temptress’ below 


Author : Danu

The Howlers ‘Matador’

THE HOWLERS / PIXEL STUDIO A / Kentish Town / Shot by Rob Blackham / www.blackhamimages.com

After receiving notable support from BBC Radio 1, Radio X & Clash Magazine with debut single ‘La Dolce Vita’ East London Desert Rockers The Howlers are back with their follow up single ‘Matador’. Recently endorsed by Laney Amplification the band are continuing to drive home the hype that surrounded their debut single. The band will be playing a handful of shows around London and the UK to see the year out, as well as live shows the band will be back in the studio to finish their third single which will be released in early 2020. 

‘Matador’ is a rousing piece of desert rock as The Howlers lasso your ears with their sweltering musicianship and exhilarating sound. With bracing whines on guitar the band delve deep into a mystery soaked biting atmosphere while the relentless drums and dynamic bass roar and rumble through the blistering wall of sound. The track exudes swagger as the cool vocals gravel between the stinging backdrop. Its western – esque bravado and spiky coating adds fiery intensity while the smooth melody and anthemic eruption for the chorus make this track something your ears will crave to hear again. ‘Matador’ is an intoxicating new single from The Howlers. 

Stream ‘Matador’ below 


Author : Danu

Minutes to Midnight ‘Skinny Kid’ Video Premiere

Minutes to Midnight has released a video to his single ‘Skinny Kid’. After a long stint as an audio professional in the gaming industry, Simone (Minutes to Midnight) has now turned his focus into music production. After extensive experience working with other artists, arranging, co-writing, and mixing, M2M has decided to tell a very personal story of his in the medium of a concept album. “After 1989 – A Trip To Freedom” is the debut solo album. It’s the result of a personal journey through a painful family legacy during World War II, and the tumultuous decades that followed. 

‘Skinny Kid’ is a tender delicate number as Simone expresses emotional and harrowing themes through a bitter, icy piano and tense progressive soundscapes. With a steady beat pounding through weaving guitars and ominous rumble on bass, the track projects images of isolation and loneliness by means of sinister chilling twinkles and tender vocals. The haunting backing vocals and lamenting pines on guitar have a chilling element as Simone portrays this harsh experience with sublime instrumentation and vivid musicianship. 

The black and white video allows a train journey to tell the tale of how a young man managed to escape Germany in 1945. With clips from the war mirroring more modern clips as footsteps lead us to  what happened to one individual during the war. 

About the album Simone said : “ Summer, mid-eighties. During a family dinner, after a glass too many, my grandfather let a story slip from his past. He told us how fascists captured and sent him to Germany, where he spent four years in Sachsenhausen concentration camp, on the outskirts of Berlin. The Nazis spared his life because of his craftsmanship as a shoemaker. In April 1945, a few days before the Allies stormed into the city, he managed to escape with a fellow Russian inmate. They crossed Europe and came back home. I grew up during the Cold War, obsessed by a shared feeling of impending doom. My very first trip was to Prague and Berlin, a few months after the collapse of the Wall. I watched a divided city as it still was, but didn’t dare to visit the camp. Many years later, I was able to put my resolve to the test. Present day. Once again, I’m back in Berlin, this time to finally see the Konzentrationslager. I’m on the S-Bahn train to Oranienburg. At each station, my mind goes back in time, to the tumultuous decades that preceded the 9th of November 1989, when people were able to cross the Wall. I’m thinking about the connection between my grandfather’s story and the convoluted menacing world order that came out of it. When I finally cross the steel gate of Sachsenhausen, I realise how this whole story is about being a prisoner. Whether in a concentration camp, behind a wall, caught within propaganda or fearing a nuclear holocaust.”

Watch the video for ‘Skinny Kid’ below 


Author : Danu

Cassia Live In Whelan’s Dublin

Macclesfield trio Cassia performed their debut Dublin headline show in Whelan’s last night.The last stop on their UK and European tour the trio gave it their all. They must have been absolutely shattered, in fact when I spoke to them beforehand they admitted they were tired. However the band were not going to let that stop them and like a ball of radiant energy the trio –  illuminated Whelan’s. 

Support on the night came from Irish singer/songwriter Jack Joyce.Unfortunately I missed his set however I looked him up on spotify after the show and he has some delightful, heartfelt tracks.With intriguing track titles like The Darth Vader of Teenage Romance’ and ‘Grumpy Boots’ his home grown tunes sparkle with a quirky sense of humour and passion to create something truly special. 

Cassia strolled onstage and launched into show opener ‘Loosen Up’ as the crowd bounced and bopped along. One thing that is immediately noticeable is their tunes are more punchy and dynamic within the live setting.Jacob Leff’s nimble drumming provides an Afro -esque beat. Immersed in his drumming he occasionally looks at the crowd to smile between the rapid ebullient foundation he creates.It’s his rich drumming that coaxes the crowds hips to wiggle and shimmy. Rob Ellis coos the catchy lyrics between beckoning sing-alongs and sublime slinky calypso guitar lines. To see this guy execute those smooth rippling riffs and licks with such precision is quite mesmerising. ‘Weekender’, ‘Under The Sun’ and ‘Small Spaces’ create a fun and chilled atmosphere as the band become a wonderful catalyst to an enjoyable night. With flashing lights that dazzle through the heavy instrumental breaks the trio display their proficient and clean performance with a dash of edgy pizzazz glimmering throughout. The band don’t mess about too much on stage they don’t need crazy gimmicks or dramatic poses they perform with a chilled persona that puts the audience at ease. ‘Replica’ is particularly a joy to watch. The band are bathed in gold hued lighting as they present the balmy tropical tune with a glint in their eyes. It’s rare for a band to have such a soothing yet fun effect on the atmosphere of a room; however their smiling faces and the infectious tunes they produced elevated the venue lifting it into a world created entirely by the band. Lou Cotterill was a hit with the fans as some of them giggled in shyness at a glance from him as he wiggled while laying down those deep-rooted bass grooves. ‘Get Up Tight’ and ‘Out Of Her Mind’ have the crowd singing and cheering but its ‘100 Times Over ‘ that causes one of the most energetic reactions of the night. Some of the crowd mimicked the actions to the “get up sit down “ lyrics while ‘Moana’ sparks Hawaiian hula-type dancing. The band announce that they are coming to their final two songs and the crowd moan and complain shouting “one more song”. Ellis tries to explain they will play two more so naturally the crowd demand five more. It’s a haggling ordeal that results in the band playing one extra track for the encore – their fantastic cover of Martin Solveig and Dragonette’s ‘Hello’ . 

There is no denying these guys are talented. With depth through their lyrics and sublime sweet harmonies blended throughout Cassia deliver a show of pure refined indie goodness.The audience left the venue beaming and singing lyrics from the songs. It was a joy to witness and for such a young band to have this effect on a crowd is wonderful.


Author : Danu

Check out some more images from the show below

Lord Baltimore ‘Black Triptych’ Video Premiere

New York City-based bassist Lord Baltimore (Jack Doyle) has released the video to his single ‘Black Triptych’. ‘Black Triptych’ is a swagger-dipped slinky number as Lord Baltimore creates another dramatic and invigorating track through indie elements, rich percussion and eerie atmosphere. With haunting soundscapes swirling around strident pines on guitars while Doyle’s rich and deep vocals ache and exclaim over the catchy melody. His expressive vocals are always commanding however the lighter instrumental versus contrast the intense vocals superbly. The track bubbles and boils, creeping into the infectious chorus. The use of heavy beats and acoustic guitar injections freshens up the track while the fuzzed bass and conflicting soundscapes make this track invigorating and a joy to the ears. 

The video is part ghost story, part love song, and part rap video pastiche. If you want to see sex dolls in bike crashes, ghosts hopped up on malt liquor, and a recently deceased cyclist coming to grips with the afterlife, this might just be the video for you.

About the video Doyle said: “‘Black Triptych’ is a study of grief and catharsis.Inspired by white painted “ghost like memorials that commemorate passed cyclists, the creative team found an often overlooked but hauntingly familiar visual metaphor to epitomize the nature of loss. In contrast to the gloomy subject matter, the video seeks to revel in macabre humour, finding levity in the form of vandalism .. traffic violations. .. loitering .. public drunkenness.. Indecency.. And disturbing the peace. All in celebration of the hope that perhaps death is not the end …”

Watch the video for ‘Black Triptych’ below 


Author : Danu

TiLT Live Event In The Button Factory With TOY GIRL, Bullet Girl, Synk and Munky

On Tuesday night TiLT began its debut showcase event in The Button Factory Dublin in association with Totally Irish 98FM, Sound Training Productions and The Button Factory. This first edition featured four exciting Irish acts – Bullet Girl, Synk, TOY GIRL and MUNKY.

Alternative five piece TOY GIRL kick started the event. Hannah Worrall’s mesmerising vocals echoed around the venue with powerful sweet tones and rich depths of captivating proportions. She punctures the rooms atmosphere with haunting crisp clarity leaving the crowd stunned in her presence. TOY GIRL’s chilled indie fluidly oozes with an R&B quality as the band, unnerved, command the stage. Their darkly coated tracks create a smoky atmosphere as Worrall’s vocals coo and haunt over the rumbling drums and eerie, piercing guitar. With their tightly layered sound of twinkling keys and rooted bass grooves the band slowly seep their enchanting tunes into the venue- mesmerising the crowd. After a small request from Worrall to move closer the crowd rush to the front of the stage to sway to the bands hypnotic tunes. The hushed atmospherics of their songs flood with rich vitality and deep intricacies that can only be truly adored in the live setting. Utterly majestic and soul fulfilling TOY GIRL were superb.

Post Punk four piece Bullet Girl follow, tearing the venue to shreds with their raucous set and blistering instrumentation. Pulverising drums, crashing guitars and relentless bass hammer and pierce the atmosphere, consuming the audience in the band’s ferocious soundscape and battering punk assault. Aaron Doyle is the ever charismatic frontman as he prances about screaming, wailing and yelping into the mic. The tense sweltering bass and shrilling whines on guitar gash through your skull as Bullet Girl masterfully display their raw savage wall of sound. It’s an acute chaotic set brimming with tracks to set a mosh pit alight and the head banding and bopping from the crowd was a pleasant sight. This band is designed for blood thirsty moshing and utter anarchy. Bullet Girl are a fantastic raw live act. A must see. 

Electronic rock band Synk are up next. These guys bring an intense set to The Button Factory but on a different level to the previous act. The audience are swirled up in a psychedelic prism of rock with light indie facets and mellow glimmers to create a wholly submerging experience. These guys could melt your mind, frazzle the remains and solidify it again all in one rich tune. There are lush warm guitar moments wrapped delicately in laid back sweet melodies and dreamy soundscapes as well as crashing harsh rock moments throughout this bands set. The deeply nourishing melodies create a wholesome atmosphere while the lush harmonies and vibrant keys lift the tracks to ethereal heights. The rhythm throughout each song is mesmerising and pounds through your chest as this band weave between genres to create a sound all of their own. Very professional and proficient Synk’s sound is a bottomless pool of magical depth and the passionate powerful vocals are spine chilling. Synk are an outstanding and refined band that take you into a whole new universe with their sound and in a live setting they are enthralling to watch.

The fourth and final band to take to the stage are disco grunge group Munky. A band of vibrant charismatic characters these guys know how to put on a show. They steamroll through their funky infectious tracks with relentless stamina. With Taylor Maslanka and Sinead McConville on backing vocals and Andrea Louise Jones on saxophone the band were set and ready to create their dance-able setting. Stage presence and swagger-dipped persona’s in tow they jump, dance and wiggle around the stage as their tracks fluctuate from crashing grunge rawness to light disco funk with ease. The crowd dance and execute some very snazzy moves to the bands catchy tunes. Munky always put on a fantastic show. Their set is always vibrant and rich while exuding fun and energy. Bassist Niall Donnelly and guitarist Conor Lawlor have guitar poses down to a tee. The sharp guitar lines and intricate melodies are performed with precision while that hip grooving bass and pummeling drums keeps the crowd dancing. It’s not often there is a band as much fun to watch and listen to but these guys have it all. You will never be disappointed at a Munky live set.

TiLT chose four outstanding bands for their first showcase. There was something for everyone and more. Each band performed their set to a polished and professional standard however there was enough edge to keep them refreshing and interesting to watch. They all put on an exhilarating show. Versatile in their on right and greatly entertaining all four acts showcase the immense talent we have in Ireland. The sound on the night provided by the ninja’s at Sound Training Productions was flawless and of course The Button Factory is one sleek venue so it was sure to be one heck of a night and it was. I’m looking forward to who will play TiLT next month.

 


Author : Danu

Check Out Some More Images From The Night Below

The Riptide Movement Live At The Olympia Theatre Dublin With Support From Adam Weafer ,Midnight Wayne and ELLYD

The Riptide Movement headlined The Olympia Dublin last night. Promising us a set brimming with tracks from their rich and exhilarating repertoire the band created a show that was buzzing with adrenaline and vigor without fail.

Dublin’s Adam Weafer kicks off the night with his rich and warm tunes accompanied on keys by the beautiful and strikingly powerful vocals of Amy Penston. Their vocals blend perfectly – sweetly cooing the glorious catchy melodies with passion and gusto. Weafer has an extremely expressive tone and velvety texture to his voice. His tracks charm and coax the crowd to the front as they sway along while the pair banter and laugh between songs. Weafer is an enthralling performer and he brings a lighthearted and charismatic approach to his riveting tracks. Charming on stage they both settle the crowd in nicely. 

Midnight Wayne, the solo project of Wayne Soper the front-man of Dublin rockers The Hot Sprockets follows. His style is perhaps a little different to what you might expect. After time travelling from the 70’s he brings a brown flared trousers suit and some sweet luscious melodies to the stage. His falsetto coo’s through each track with a candied delicacy. With acoustic guitar and loops he creates the perfect, simple yet lush soundscape for his retro rose-tinted tunes. He proves himself quite the proficient musician creating wonderful psychedelic hues and rich sounds with a simple yet effective set up. A must see. 

ELLYD (Elaine Doyle) is the next act to grace the stage. With rich depth in her voice she is mesmerising to hear through the wonderful acoustics of The Olympia. With real heartbreaking emotion conveyed beautifully through her voice there is no denying the power behind every track she performs. The mighty and expressive choruses could break or heal your heart while her more tender tones create a warmth within you. With simple acoustic accompaniment its the outstanding vocals and wonderful melodies that hit you in the chest and confirms Doyle’s firm grip on your ears… potentially forever.

The Riptide Movement take the stage while the crowd cheer and scream. As the harmonica whines the band leap into ‘What About The Tip Jars’. The crowd are set alight. There is not a word, guitar riff or bass rumble that this crowd doesn’t know and the band pack in as much as they can of their exciting five album long back catalog. There are members of this crowd that adore and worship this band. They are on their knees in adoration, head banging to the more animated ‘Reno’ while holding each other and swaying for the slower Americana swing of ‘Skin and Bones’ and jumping, clapping and stomping for all the tracks between. Malachy Tuohy gives shout outs to the many familiar faces they have seen throughout their 13 years as a band.

The lighting was a dazzling display with strip lighting and a disco ball. The band flash lights on the crowd to see them singing along to beloved tracks like ‘Keep On Keepin’ On’. Each song the band plays empowers the audience more, causing mass jumping and singing. Tracks from the new EP ‘Something Special’ are greeted with as much enthusiasm as ‘Changeling’ from the 2016 album ‘Ghosts’ and ‘Getting Through’ from the 2013 album of the same name. The band have oodles of tracks ready for mass sing-along’s – the audience is hooked on their infectious sound. One guy from the crowd on the balcony rushes to the front – dancing and wiggling uncontrollably to ‘Getting Through’ as he shouts the lyrics and points to the band before thumping his chest while others in the balcony and the pit are standing flailing their limbs and dancing. Its manic but good humored fun that only a band as beloved in Dublin as The Riptide Movement could bring.

Guitarist John Dalton appears to go into his own world on stage – his hair streaming over his face while he blazes through shredding guitar lines with finesse and a majestic quality that is to be admired while Gerry McGarry prances about springing from the raised drummers platform where Aaron O’Grady stands in for Gar Byrne. The crowd love and cherish every member of the band as if they are their own kin and that creates such a wonderful and vibrant atmosphere for a live show. The band play ‘Fall A Little More In Love’ taken  from the vinyl version of the new EP ‘Something Special’ and boy is it a spectacular reason to buy the vinyl! That sweet melody is a dairy milk chocolate box on Valentines Day and a lot more. A real treat, the track jangles on warm acoustic guitar and a radiant Americana-hued indie backdrop with a touch of Roy Orbison flickering through the melody.

This audience will not leave without an encore from The Riptide Movement, they shout for the band singing the lyrics to ‘Elephant In The Room’ until they return to play a few more tracks. Tuohy sits by the keyboard under an immaculate spotlight for the Christmas- y  ‘All I Ever Wanted’ and they finish the night with a standing ovation as the crowd sing, jump and dance to ‘All Works Out’ as Gar Byrne triumphantly takes to the drum kit. What a spectacle.

The Riptide Movement have been around for 13 years and their show in The Olympia last night was a blistering first rate experience. They are a fantastic, primed band that are thrillingly raw and vital with their finger on the pulse of musical melody brilliance . 


Author : Danu

Check out some more images from the show below