Public Access T.V. kick started their tour with their debut Dublin show in the Academy. “It’s a ballsy move” I was told when I asked an individual before the show what they thought of Public Access T.V. playing their first gig in Dublin. Yes, perhaps a “ballsy move” but isn’t that what we have come to learn about this four piece? They make “ballsy moves”, they do what they want and I suppose you don’t receive a frenzy of press hype, label bidding wars, a critically-acclaimed debut album and sold-out tours without a “ballsy” attitude. I, for one have waited 4 years to see these guys. My expectations were quite high and boy! – they did not disappoint.
Our home-grown Dublin four piece MUNKY were a more-than-adequate warm-up to Tuesday nights main act. The talented bunch who can even play the tune to their tracks on empty beer bottles were in no way fatigued from their back to back weekend shows. Not letting a few stolen pedals get them down they belted straight into their organic disco grunge with all the fire and attitude this band do so well. From the get go the band were keen to get the crowd engaged. Frontman Zachary Stephenson steps off the stage and beckons the shy audience closer while Niall Donnelly bellows “I can see you, come the f*ck up”. It’s a little different performing as a support act but they take it in their stride packing oodles of energy into their set. These guys move around and create an engaging show and are a must see.
Public Access T.V. had no set list, the plan was to wing it and play what they felt like. With a chilled effortless cool stance on stage the four-piece let the tunes do all the talking. Their swagger soaked ‘Evil Disco’ kicks off their set, instantly oozing sunny glowing warmth into the room. Zippy riffs over punchy drums and elastic bass lines give the perfect atmosphere for carefree dancing and wiggling. With their precision sharp instrumentation and infectious choruses, tracks from their first album ‘Never Enough’ go down well as dancer’s groove and bounce to their zealous hooks and fetching delicious melodies. Frontman John Eatherly nonchalantly sways back and forward in a sort of casual almost wiggle as he charms his way through the set, he beckons the crowd closer “Maybe you guys can come a bit closer don’t be shy”. The quartet once again do another “ballsy move”, they play a decent amount of new unheard tracks giving the audience a sneaky preview of what’s to come on the ‘Street Safari’ album. The lights turn blue as they begin their first new track the oh so disco funky flavoured ‘Wait It Out’. With its sublime rumble bass line and melty melody this track is glitter ball disco ready. A brief band meeting on stage decided the next track while bassist Max Peebles tells us about his joy at seeing the Phil Lynott statue “I’m glad they brought it back out of storage or wherever it was… thank you”.
Their tracks take a new dimension live, a little edgier the live scenario lets them take their tunes to a rougher more gritty outfit.’Lost In The Game’ live really allows you to appreciate the sublime jangle guitar lines in all their glory and that solo is just incredible. The new tracks continue with ‘Shell No. 2’ which reintroduces their relaxed slinky sound with its infectious chorus and lush backing vocal injection. While ‘Meltdown’ is the perfect theme tune to freedom with its windows down cruising in the sunshine guitar lines and rumbling drums. This track is the soundtrack for youthful summer bliss. The boys kept our favourite track until last leaving us in suspense as to whether or not it would be played. ‘Patti Peru’ from its guitar whining intro announces itself with such magnificence. Eatherly exasperates over screechy guitars and punchy drums. Xan Aird shakes up the solo adding extra little flickers and whines into a solo I know so well I probably could sing along to, making it refreshing and almost new. With their set finished as the audience call for “one more tune” the band thank the crowd, smile, wave and take their leave.
Public Access T.V. do their thing, its good honest kick ass rock and roll with some funk and disco flavours mixed in. No messing about, no pomp and ceremony just good solid tunes. Their charming laid back stage presence is refreshing and easy to enjoy and their suave, glitter-ball rock and roll is one to be admired.
