Over the past year Vulpynes have been making a name for themselves both here and abroad. Only less than a year old the duo have gained a lot of support for their singles ‘Terry Said’ and ‘OCD’ and are developing a name for themselves for their no nonsense ruckus live performances. They have released their new single ‘Silica’ with an accompanying video on the 21st of July and they celebrated the launch with a gig at The Workman’s Club last Saturday. Having seen the girls live earlier in the year supporting Fangclub we were happy to accept an invitation to check out their headline show.
Singer songwriter Jon Dots, the alter ego of the solo music making wizard Darragh McCabe (also the drummer of alt-punk band Alien She) kicks of the night. Opening his set with the bright texture-warping ‘One Fine Day’. McCabe stands on stage humble with a guitar and laptop then unexpectedly this luscious rich sound comes from the stage filling the room with his unique fantastically layered 
indie pop with cinematic bursts, echos and divine melodies. Using distortion shrills,electronic smacks and loops teamed with his powerful vocals he’s completely captivating. His knack for melody and composition is remarkable every fragment of each song is euphoric and intricately rich and McCabe performs with such intensity it’s extremely thrilling, imagine Børns only more raw,edgy and dark. He lets the music speak for itself with little to no speech between the songs.It’s quite the engulfing performance that holds everyone’s attention even the usually awkward guitar retuning is met by absolute silence I’ve never seen a crowd so quiet as they await the treasures McCabe will play next. When you think he surely cannot top that fantastic set… he does beautifully and simply with the sweetest delicate and elegant ‘Always You’. The sway-like candied doo wop gentle track is heartmeltingly tender and emotional. Passionately performed the melty melody and dreamy exterior of this track is just irresistible and softly sweet. Building to an intense expressive heart felt crescendo and ending on a light creamy note it’s a beautiful way to end his set.
The Dynamic Duo Stitch Jones follow. These guys seem to be everywhere at the moment. ‘Nothing War’ blasts us straight into their ruckus causing set. With a touch of technical difficulties they sing and play through the blunder in true rock and roll manner. Since the last time we saw them which was….. the week before, the lads are in top form evil laughs and all, (Tinder date went well I was told) and songs are heavy and skull bashing as always. The tunes, heavy riffs and bruising drums blast through the amps while the vibrations cause our drinks to move along the table. That’s an insane reaction 
to their tracks it’s so good even our drinks want to dance. They bellow out a nice little sample of George Michael’s ‘Outside’ before exploding into ‘Groove Mission’. These guys are packed with energy and fun vibes with humorous banter from a ZZ Top rip off beat to beards while still belting out powerful neck snapping tunes. They close their set with ‘Hold Me Klausly’ their self described “steady stain of manure” truly a blustering mostly instrumental wallop of pulverising drums and crunching bass.The crescendo of the track is the squealing shrilling finale where Watchy drops his bass on the floor before saying “look after each other”. Check them out on “Bebo and Myspace”
Vulpynes take to the stage with a “one two, one two” mic check before a feedback shrill. “ok lets do this” and we are off dirty, gritty riffs play over crowd screams and pummelling drums. The timid duo began with sweet nervous introductions and then kick you in the face with their no nonsense hard core rock. The energy levels from the crowd immediately peak they draw closer to the stage and bop and begin to mosh manically. Maeve keeps movement minimal focusing on delivering a high powered dynamic set while Kaz batters the drums with tireless vitality. The heavy instrumentation vibrates through and compels the crowd to move. For a band barely a year 
old the sound is weighty and overruling. Each track belts out relentless aggressive stamina. Even the “slow song for if your feeling romantic” is a deception thankfully these girls do hefty rock well and for the moment that’s what they stick to. ‘Terry Said’ sparks immediate applause and screams clearly a fan favourite the duo strike out a knocking performance of the fierce track. Launch single ‘Silica’ results in heavy moshing and jumping Maeve’s vocals are harsher and meaner for this track as its feistier and frantic. ‘OCD’ closes their set, accelerated and hard core, it’s an explosive way to end their show. The duo walk of stage to screaming fans for “one more song” while the new video for ‘Silica’ plays on the backdrop behind.
Vulpynes kicked ass. In their first year they have achieved so much with their bloodthirsty ear bleeding tunes and blasting live sets. These girls deserve to go far.
solo artist. ‘Outside Lines’ introduces his soulful passionate sound, it’s simple emotive and raw displaying Paterson’s crisp vocals and sharp falsetto range. There’s something to be said for a solo performer especially when they can grab your attention and draw you into their performance with ease and Paterson does this perfectly. His songs speak for themselves from warm country bouncy tunes to edgy indie folk melodies. He performs a diverse, striking yet beautifully simple set. Bantering through the slightly awkward guitar retuning , he is unfazed and relaxed. A refreshing refined stripped back set that makes Paterson stand out as a performer.
chilled back vibes and narrative lyrics their set is a quirky mixed bag. New single ‘
pedal manoeuvres are effortlessly managed with agility and finesse while Gavin Purcell acutely belts those drums with fierce relentless stamina. From the thrilling ‘Fake News’ to the slick swagger soaked ‘Caged’ the set is brimming with altering grooves, meaty punches and sweet elevator-like jingles thrown into the mix to break up the sticky hot messy mosh. These guys like to keep the crowd on their toes. When the tune is heavy, oh boy, it is skull pounding mania and when it’s light and sweet, its the most blissful toned deliciously honeyed melody you can imagine. All this is mixed and blended meticulously to create the most thrilling live experience possible. Plouzané-Brady plays the role of frontman with ease, keeps banter to a minimum but interacts with the crowd by moshing and playing amongst them. With stage hands at the ready like ninjas (nod to 
little hiccup is swiftly dealt with instantly. ‘Sugar Beats’ brings a clap along feature for the now tightly squished to the front crowd as they mosh manically. Hair everywhere and pints spilling it’s a feverish manic chaos. The crowd lift Plouzané-Brady above their heads like a hero as he plays horizontal in a triumphant wobbly crowd surf. New single ‘T.O.I’ is the final song on the Bicurious set, another staggering powerhouse and floor shaking mosh ready track with gentle melodic interludes. The crowd cheerfully “whoo” in time with this mighty euphoric track while the duo blast us with relentless energy and intensity.
tracks about tinder dates ( hope it went well for you Watchy),voices in their heads and the wise words “smoke weed except on Wednesday”. The gritty ‘Old Public Firearm’ and lengthy robust ‘Hold Me Klausly’ showcases their versatility as musicians. The accelerated ‘Innocent Wilson’ finishes their energetic ear popping set with pounding drums and rowdy basslines, These guys do loud rebellious tunes that scream attitude with bruising punk punches while cracking a smile. They are a really entertaining band to watch.
around with a bottle of liquor in hand Scally embodies everything you can imagine when you think of rock n’ roll – sunglasses, attitude and panache. With catchy tracks and such a tight band behind him it’s an entertaining show brimming with insane energy. I was told before the gig to “watch out for Scally-he’s such a front-man” and for sure he was. I definitely would recommend seeing these guys live.
established themselves as a straight up blood and sweat rock band. ‘Gospel’ has members of the audience bowing in worship, in awe of their magnificence and blood thirsty skull bashing sound. New Valley Wolves deliver a vicious raging set that fills you with a riveting pounding sound that compels you to mosh along in a delirious frenzy. They finish their powerhouse set with the rip-roaring single ‘Trouble’ . These guys never disappoint, always delivering a crushing performance.
members do a wiggle flap flap dance while adding the odd chicken neck forward and back movement in there as well. With clap along friendly tracks and humorous banter from Christy O’Hanlon about 1 channel T.V.’s back in 1978 and Kool Aid drinks these guys go down a treat with the crowd. The audience shout for one more song and the trio oblige giving us one last shredding bluesy soaked rock n roll track to send us on our way.
and traditional Irish influence. His strong weighty lyrics and knack for story telling is perhaps wasted on the eager young faces but never the less undoubtedly striking and in the moment compelling. Keenan calls Harry Hoban on stage to accompany him for his final track to play keys adding an elegant graceful tone to his set. Keenan’s performance seems almost personal, it’s a man on a stage telling you his life story without flashy effects, it’s simple and raw.
crowd, who in turn later hand Ross Farrelly a can shouting “session! session!”. A circle of moshers leap and push for the bouncy ‘(I Need A Break From) Holidays’.They dedicate ‘Grin And Bear It’ to David Keenan. The crowd are wild and in a frenzy thirsty for track after track pushing forward and just jumping manically. Josh McClorey had to ask them to move back a little because they were crushing the people in the front. Not only did The Strypes showcase some slick dexterous playing they made sure everyone was safe at the show regularly checking if everyone was ok and handing out their water to parched fans. It was a sticky stuffy show that got wilder and wilder as the set went on. The band played well past their set with 
old songs like ‘What A Shame’ and ‘Scumbag City’ setting the crowd alight. With Evan Walsh drumming like a speed demon in flashy sun glasses and Pete O’Hanlon (who was reunited with a lost sock) exuding swagger and pizzazz, these guys effortlessly absorb the crowd into their brand of Beatlemania. They included everyone from the back of the room to the front in their party and boy was it insane.
introducing us to his brand of alternative folk. Multitasking and with slick pedal manoeuvres Breen croons out his original tracks with ease. Even a slight fumble with the harmonica change is effortlessly hummed out until the harmonica is in place. Clearly a comfortable performer, his set is smooth to watch and ridiculously chill yet passionate.
villainous magpie. The peppy track ‘Never Been’ introduces the country twang and foot tapping friendly vibe that keeps her entire set fun and exuberant as she displays her multi instrumental skills with instrument changes from guitar to bouzouki. With the full band behind her it’s a blast of rich warm toasty sound. Vocal blends and harmonies on point and the bluesy soaked ‘Who Are Ye Leavin’ it’s diverse enough to keep the audience swaying and intrigued. From passing pints to the band while introducing songs, to pulling Breen on stage for a stunning duet and belting out ‘Sonny’s Dream’ on a whim and managing to get the audience to sing along, it’s a show that is enjoyable for everyone. The new single ‘Coming Up’ is one of the last songs played and is flawless . Here we have an artist that gives a solid performance effortlessly while adding a relaxed fun atmosphere to the show and believe me that is not an easy thing to achieve. I’ve said before folk isn’t my usual cup of tea but good music is good music and Lisa Loughrey put on a sublime show.
psychedelic stained ‘Your Fired’ ( a song about going to work on acid) the duo display their aggressive relentless sound. Teamed with vocal screams and explosive instrumentation these guys are a combustive turbulent force of nature.
delicious sweet guitar. These guys impressively drift between Math-Rock and intensifying ambient soundscapes. Fascinating to watch with unique samples as a lead vocal they lead you into their ever weaving and winding sound without you realising each track is a lengthy 6 minutes or so. Injecting blasts of head-banging beef with an occasional vocal appearance from guests like Donald Trump the duo create a huge sound complete with jazzy chord elements and guitar loops leaving the crowd wanting more as they are encouraged to play extra songs after their set.
their drunken brawl-like sound its not for the faint hearted. If you want to go mad moshing in a manic delusional frenzy these guys are the ones for you. Shredding guitar solos and all, Gavin And Thee Icons gave us a striking display of mighty fun neck snappy punk.
bouncy groovy shimmys to dazed trippy drops effortlessly. From swanky summer soaked ‘Skinny Dipping’ to the heavier punch of ‘Big Wolly’ Crushed Out play a set list made for dancing. Even if you’ve never done them before its time to bust out those 60’s “The Swim’ moves in between moshing and twisting. Treating us to new track ‘Stay Wild Gator Child’ and a sweet guitar change Crushed Out bring a set list oozing suave with splashes of shimmering crisp guitar, passionate drumming and refined musicianship.
Hope’. The nimble razor sharp guitar, elastic bassline and punchy drums sparkle between churning mind bending psychedelia. Its a sticky intense set that has audience members dancing in a mesmeric haze. The crowd can’t get enough of The Revellions as they call for “one more tune” following the final song. Though I don’t think the 6 piece would have minded playing all night the sound guy wasn’t having any of it (you know who you are party pooper). With thrilling shrill on guitars and pounding drums The Revellions know how to put on a good show with enthusiasm and mesmerising stupefying psychedelia.
are not ones to be messed with. This is music for bruised, battered moshing unfortunately a lot of the audience were too timid for the mania however they warmed up as the set progressed. Belting out the single ‘Terry Said’ Vulpynes take the track to a red blooded hair flying all over the place mania. But it was new track ‘Can’t Sit Still’ that showed that this band is destined for big things and are more than capable of holding their own. The track gave me a Jack White ‘Lazaretto’ vibe with an awesome bridge change up. Its one to look out for. Finishing their set with ‘OCD’ Vulpynes rattled the bones off the bashful crowd, warming them up and filling them with dynamic maniacal energy for the acts to come.
band are met with a comical stage invasion as a member of the crowd jumps on stage and wiggles around like a dizzy lone ranger only to fail in attempt to crowd surf but that didn’t stop him from trying again. Long Tail display a slick tight performance and exude a comfortable swagger on stage that draws the crowd in. ‘Our Star’ and ‘Better Way’ displays glossy melodious riffs with Steve’s elastic bass teamed with Ronan’s punchy drums these guys make performing look easy. The crowd reacts well to each track as Ed banters back and forth a little and seems to sweet talk the crowd into bopping along. Even Indie Buddie gets a nice shout out. Their set finished with the single ‘Your Time’ this peppy anthem sums up the radiant glow and vibrant burst of energy all the tracks on their set possess.
boisterous as frontman Steven, croons with raspy gritty intensity giving tracks like ‘Loner’ and ‘Coma Happy’ an eerie spine chilling quality. These guys can put on a show with vigour and roaring enthusiasm getting the crowd jumping and moshing with raging mania. The entire set is professional, slick, fun and compelling to watch as distorted shrill on guitars add a thrilling deafening elation of ear splitting satisfaction. Finishing with an epic crowd surf as Steven jumps into the crowd and they lift him like a heroic champion. What a kick ass performance. Whelan’s was left more than satisfied with the level of enthralling noise created by all three bands. Who said rock n roll is dead?
hand. He struts up and down the stage with dramatic poses and dance bursts. Not only is Fazakerly a fantastic performer combined with his powerful voice Rationale make an impression that will not be forgotten. With funky tracks sprinkled with soul and coated in body shaking sonic waves Rationale make sure that you not only hear the music you feel it through ever fibre of your being. ‘Fast Lane’ revs up the crowd in this delirious energetic yet soulful frenzy. The pulsing snappy beat and sweet luscious tones on guitar that, might I add look really slick played live. The power, punch and multi texture that the synths provide give the tracks luxurious layers making these tracks deluxe and infectious. Fazakerly gets the crowd dancing and engaging so effortlessly with his magnetism and humorous banter. I found myself gushing about how brilliant Rationale was long after the show. I would highly recommend seeing them live!
in a sing along. The quintet made the arena seem like an intimate gig as they held onto their raw fresh energy that too often gets lost at an arena show with over production. Though probably well rehearsed parts seem to be off the cuff and spontaneous which was refreshing and the crowd lapped it up savouring every moment, proud of the lads achievements from busking roots to the 3arena. Despite the constant reminder from Kavanagh, I cant seem to remember where they will be playing next though……..(March 31st The Olympia Theatre)
turnout and the support Smith recalls the last time they were in Dublin in the Academy 2 and once again thanks the crowd. We only receive brief breaks from the intense energy with the slower sweet lull of ‘These Four Walls'(The Ballad Of Perry Smith). ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’ sees Smith rush back into the crowd as he encourages the entire arena to dance with him and we witness a sea of jumping as everyone on the floor joins in. Feeling tired from dancing song after song I decide to rest a bit until they explode into ‘Good Grief’ and although my legs felt like they could buckle under me I jumped and danced anyway (feeling the pain of that decision the next day I still regret nothing).
a fire exit stairwell. Backed by guitarist Will Farquarson they sing ‘Two Evils’ not fazed by the height Smith waves at fans in the balcony. No-one feels left out when Bastille perform, they include and engage with everyone even if it is at dangerous heights. ‘Icarus’ returns Smith and Farquarson to the stage and the crowd bellow out the lyrics while Smith spins about the stage and pirouettes with bliss. This manic and energetic set comes to a close with their biggest hit and much loved ‘Pompeii’. Keywest and Rationale are invited on stage to help them out. An outburst of singing from the crowd and massive sound of all the acts on stage lifts the song into legendary status. The three acts on stage and the audience experience a special moment of euphoria and elation leaving everyone in an ecstatic high as they leave the venue.
