Tag Archives: A Weekend Away

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

A Weekend Away ‘Irony’

A Weekend Away are a five piece blues/rock band from Limerick, Ireland. Initially formed in 2013, A Weekend Away have become a staple in the regions music scene. Following their win in the UL Battle of the Bands in 2016, They have gone on to record their own self-titled EP. In summer 2017, the band traveled across Ireland touring with their new EP to positive responses from attendees and reviewers alike, playing in such locations as Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Kerry and Waterford. Currently they are focusing on the production of their debut album pegged for release later this year. Starting with their new release ‘Irony’.

‘Irony’ is a striking harsh track delivered in a soaring infectious indie manner. Raspy vocals expel the honest lyrics while jangly guitar melodies and buoyant rhythm sweeten the sourness of the lyrics. Sharp guitar strides inject a refreshing touch of grit and add a rough texture to the song. It’s sublimely layered and intelligently crafted creating a ethereal melodic track that is raw and biting yet packed with glimmers of bright tones with subtle anthemic bursts before the crescendo. It’s a mature savvy track that is sing along ready, hard hitting yet blissfully melodic and refined. I’m liking the direction these guys are taking their sound- sophisticated, honest, animated indie that makes for a great listen. Keep an eye out for A Weekend Away.

Directed by Shane Vaughn (Stanzas) and starring Brian Russo Clancy (The Three Don’ts) the video for ‘Irony’ aims to match the themes of the track by taking advantage of its setting at the popular Limerick heritage centre, King Johns Castle. Bassist Peter Corbett says about the track:“We wrote this song about the conversation we seem to be having everyday about suicide, especially in Limerick. The fact is that our city has a suicide rate twice the national average. Therefore it’s easy to say everyone in this city has a direct or indirect history with mental health, suicide and self-harm”. “I noticed especially that a lot of males refuse to talk about their mental health problems. This seems to be due to the fact that they don’t want to seem ‘soft’ in front of their peers. This is ridiculous social norm considering one in three people have had mental health problems. That’s the equivalent of looking left and right in a lecture. This song explores the mind-set of these males with the hopeful end goal of spreading a small bit of awareness”.

Watch the Video for ‘Irony’ below

 


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock

A Weekend Away Debut EP

Limerick band A Weekend Away have released their debut EP. The band jumped onto the music scene during the Spring of 2013. Initially with six members, they were praised for mixing jaw dropping punk sound with indie and blues influenced rhythm and lead guitar. With the assistance of Music Generation Limerick, they thrived for 2 years regularly playing in venues such as Dolan’s pub, Cobblestone Joes and the Limetree Theatre, creating an impressive portfolio of tracks in the process. Following a line up change in 2016 and the edition of singer/songwriter, Peader Storey the now five piece, started thriving with their newly released single ‘Parseltongue’ being praised for its punchy riffs and catchy chorus. Following a packed out headline show at the Kasbah Social Club, and supporting Blaming Hannah at The Kino, A Weekend Away won the University of Limerick Battle of the Bands and supported ALL TVVINS. The five piece consisting of members Peader Storey (Frontman), Patrick O’Donnell ( Lead guitar), Peter Corbett (Bass), Jacob Woulfe (Rhythm Guitar) and Evan Berry(Drums) have now released their debut self titled EP which contains six tracks recorded by Mike Gavin (Even Audio), Tony Monaghan (Music Gen) and Ciaran Woulfe (Woulfe) and mastered by Richard Dowling of WAV Mastering.

The bluesy soaked ‘Haze’ kicks off the EP. It’s slick and oiled in sensual bass slapping against shredding sharp guitars and punchy drums. Raw, edgy and drenched in attitude this track hits the spot for gritty bluesy rock. It’s vigorous while remaining slick and cool. With passion filled vocals and the thrilling shrill on guitar it’s a dark tinged wallop of their organic sound. ‘Parseltongue’ blends dark eerie tones for the verse with the summer tinged bright vibes of the catchy chorus. With a pop tinted melody blasting out on crashing guitar strides and elastic bounce on bass it’s snappy gritty while smudged in light bright tones. Exuding a youthful vibe with soft mosh elements this track is a catchy radio friendly tune with some sweet guitar moments. ‘Phone Home’ has a The Fray feel, it’s an emotional hard hitting melodic track with a delicate melody packed with passionate vocals and gentle little twinkles on guitar. Vocal harmonies are tight and the track becomes slightly heavier instrumentally for the massive dramatic crescendo. It really packs an emotional mighty blow you can imagine it accompanying a tender or heartbreaking scene in a movie or T.V. series. It’s quite beautiful and tear jerking. If you feel nothing while listening to this song you’re probably dead inside. ‘Going Down’ brings back the dirty gritty heavy rock. With fuzzed guitars heavy moshing is guaranteed, as vigorous guitars blast across a foundation of pounding drums and dynamic vocals. ‘Free of the Land’ brings us a snapping sleazy rapid rock and roll rhythm and  scuzzy stained guitars. With vocals that exude swagger and attitude it’s a finger clicking dark blast of eerie entrapment. It’s a cocky display of brashness but tastefully displayed. ‘Terminal Blues’ closes the EP with the return of the bands bluesy signature sound. With a swing like strut and wiggle tempo once again it’s slick and sharp with thrilling heavy mosh ready elements.

A Weekend Away have produced a raucous raw EP that has all the gritty elements of rock while polishing it up a little and soothing the frenzy with pop tinged melodies and a bit of heartwarming emotion thrown in. A strong debut from the Limerick quintet.

Stream the EP below