I was invited to head down to The Strypes ‘Spitting Image’ album launch at The Thomas House, Dublin. The four piece seemed dedicated to include all ages of their fans in the celebrations by performing an under 18s show beforehand giving their younger demographic a chance to enjoy their live show. We sat outside the room listening to The Strypes put on a wild performance for the screaming young fans claustrophobically jammed into the room. I thought surely they can’t maintain this energy and vitality for two shows in a row.
The door opened to the second round of fans as they packed into the room tightly like sardines in a tin I could feel the temperature rise and the oxygen being stolen from me with each breath, it was going to get sticky and warm very fast. David Keenan kicks off the show warming up the crowd with his powerful emotional vocals and lyrics that cut deep.With just his guitar for accompaniment he glides from soft lulls to sharp potent wails while the audience sway gently. Belting out tracks like ‘Cobwebs’ and ‘The Good Old Days’ with a lilting twang
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.
The crowd push forward as they wait restlessly for The Strypes with Miles Kane blasting through the speakers to keep them entertained. A mixed bunch in the audience, The Strypes seem to hold a following of all ages. One man I spoke to who was there with his daughter loved the boys just as much as she did and had seen them many times before. These were hard core fans who knew every detail, every strand of hair on the lads heads.
The four piece take to the stage triumphantly and blast straight into some new tunes from the new album starting with ‘Behind Closed Doors’. Filled with a Californian vibe and exploding with electric energy one thing I noticed from the start, this album is definitely a game changer. The performance is slick punchy and mighty, the crowd erupt jumping,moshing and singing guitar riffs and lyrics – they know every song inside out. The atmosphere in that room was volcanic. Pete O’Hanlon passes out free badges to the 
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.
The Strypes have grown into a band who can put on a monstrous show with outstanding stamina and vitality while showcasing their sophisticated, slick, refined sound and fun swagger-infused showmanship. I highly recommend seeing The Strypes live.
Watch the video for The Strypes new single ‘Great Expectations’ below
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.
Megan-Kate Doolan greeted the crowd with her warm mellow vocals and smooth soothing tracks. The Wexford youngster showcased her flavour of alternative folk, sprinkled with a bit of soul and glazed with gentle creamy vocals and a slight rasp giving a fantastically unique rich texture to her tracks. With beautiful melodies presented simply with just her and her decorated guitar Megan-Kate Doolan looked delicate and elegant but when performing her songs she draws you in and touches your soul.
true Irish manner. With proficient guitar playing that is organic and raw strengthened with powerful vocals that are attention grabbing with the odd lilt almost half yodel at times. Keenan shows the red-blooded gritty side to music reminiscent of the Irish songs of old.
Cahill possesses. Crooning her way into ‘Puppet’ followed by a passionate and soulful ‘Dangerous Woman’ which gets everyone swaying and loosening up their hips. Track after track showcasing her talent effortlessly. Cahill displays she is a born performer. Exuding sass and likeability she holds the entire audience in the palm of her hand while she banters back and forth with them. ‘Blood Diamond’ is a catchy cheeky little dig at the “bitches ” who always get what they want. Portrayed with a characterisation of class and an attitude of high class splendour while also delicately giving the middle finger Cahill once again pulls the crowd into a “girl power” anthem that has everyone shouting out the lyrics as they are reminded of someone they know who fits the description of the lyrics. The famous ‘Black Dahlia’ had everyone singing and swaying. It is obvious that Áine Cahill is set for great things from the roaring for “one more song” and from the massive amount of people bombarding her for autographs and selfies after the show. Watch out for Áine Cahill she has a big career ahead of her.
swirl, driven by punchy drums and dynamic guitars while Doyle’s vocals keep things fresh and edgy. Ghost Robots keep the tracks flowing fluently as they belt out tune after tune oiling up the rusty hips of the crowd as they sway and mosh to each track. Drummer Dael O’Brien is especially enthusiastic and stands out with his energetic mesmerising drumming. They ease us into their insanely catchy ‘Under Fire’ which recently featured as one of our Worth A Listen tracks. This luring song goes down well with the entranced crowd as they move to the beat while the tracks effortless cool tone has a dazed effect while still packing a punch. Ghost Robots finish on ‘Bad Habbit‘ leaving the stunned crowd wanting more.
monstrous frenzy-causing sound that will rock you to your core and persuade even the most timid person to rebel and headbang. New Valley Wolves as promised give us an energetic and memorable show as they dominate Crane Lane with the forceful and staggering ‘This Bad City’ and ‘Shark’. They exude swagger and fiery attitude in ‘Athens’ as they give us a smooth sensual almost funky track that builds into a moshing riot. The rock duo confirm they are a force to be reckoned with, when they pull out the masterstroke that is new soon to be released single ‘Silver Tongue’ knocking us back and demanding the attention that these guys deserve. Lucey coaxes the crowd forward and they begin a frenzy of moshing to the powerful bluesy ‘Eyes On Me’. Members of the crowd shout out the fast passed rap-like swagger-filled lyrics accompanied by the slick fiery riffs teamed with pounding soul shaking drums. They finish strong with ‘Fire In The Blood’ followed by new single ‘Trouble’ two hefty, mean tracks bursting with attitude. While ‘Fire In The Blood’ had a rapid tempo that raced through the crowd causing a chaotic mix of moshing and hopping, ‘Trouble’ took on a destructive persona keeping the crowd headbanging and going crazy in its high energy body pounding sound leaving the crowd thirsty for more.
doesn’t love a saxophone especially when it works well and adds diversity and depth to their tracks. Their witty humour and banter goes down well with the crowd, a brilliant warm up for a great night ahead.
to go to one of their gigs .’Dream’ follows with its bright upbeat bubbly sound which I thought had a slight country twang when i listened to the album, however when performed live they give us punchier drums and a fantastic lustrous guitar that is compelling. The edgy bluesy ‘This Town’ give us a rock and roll feel with swagger. The heavy riff is brawny yet flexible and can coax you to dance without you even realising it. Its an energetic track that the crowd reacts well to and seems to sweet talk the crowd to bopping along. They slow down the tone with the melodic smooth ‘Morning Light’ showcasing their lush harmonies. Its a soft track that has a sway almost soft bop effect on the crowd. The set flows smoothly as they glide into the catchy ‘Diana’ which shows us their funky side. Unfortunately we had to leave at this point but not before we got to hear the smooth sensual ‘New York Is Dangerous’ with its slick darker tone.
is no doubt of their talent.