I sat down to have a chat with Daniel McCarthy and Jim Higson from KAWALA before their headline show in The Academy Dublin. We discussed their upcoming album ‘Better With You’, live shows and their YouTube sitcom ‘Paradise Heights’
KAWALA’s debut album ‘Better With You’ is set for release on March 4th 2022 pre-order here https://Kawala.lnk.to/BetterWithYouAlbumFP
Watch The Interview Below
Author: Danu
North London band KAWALA made their triumphant return to Dublin last night in The Academy. There was certainly a celebratory atmosphere in the air as excitable fans trickled into the venue to see the genre-blurring band and soak up the sweet party vibe this band radiated.
But first, support act, singer-songwriter Oscar Blue took to the stage. His warm, heartfelt tunes drifted through the venue and oozed an indie-folk undertone. With little effort, he had the audience in the palm of his hand as they sang back the lyrics to his songs; a particularly memorable moment was when the crowd sang the “Ooh oh ooh oh” lyrics of ‘Sober from You’. It was a tight wholesome performance from Oscar Blue that showcased his emotiveness and passion perfectly. Tunes such as ‘Silhouettes’ and ‘NYC’ were stand out moments last night, each tracks poetic lyrics, textures and tones sounded more rich within the live setting enhanced by Oscar Blue’s mesmerising vocals, Rob Kennedy’s sprightly drum rhythms, and Geoff Warner-Clayton’s hearty guitar melodies and ethereal keys. Oscar Blue’s music is quite special. His passionate earworms are a joy to the ears. Check him out live. You won’t be disappointed.
KAWALA spiralled on stage to a mass of cheers. Jim Higson sprang off the drum platform and leapt into the air for what was to become the first of his dramatic high kicks of the night. The band’s performance was a jubilant, fun-filled spectacle as the sugar rush ‘Funky’ kick-started their set. The crowd erupted as they danced and sang along. A sea of heads bopped in time to Ben Batten’s intricate drumming and Dan Lee’s sleek guitar while Reeve Coulson laid down an irresistible groove on bass. Daniel McCarthy and Jim Higson exuded an infectious and bright persona. Their charming banter, strutting dramatic dances and fiery unyielding energy put a smile on everyone’s face instantly.
These guys are not just a charismatic indie band, they possess impressive musical talent that boasts deft lyrics, glorious melody arrangements and wonderful vocal harmonies (Daniel McCarthy’s velvety tone complements the tenderness of Higson’s croons perfectly, it’s a vocal match made in heaven). Glad to be able to experience the bands vibrant sound live again the crowd enjoyed every minute of KAWALA’s set. They shouted “I love you” to McCarthy and Higson or requested songs. It was an all-inclusive party – at one point everyone sang Happy Birthday to a fan called Holly. “My dancing has not improved a single bit, it’s still awful” Higson announced before breaking into a wiggling dance and high kick extravaganza for ‘Pure Desire’. The stage could barely contain his boundless enthusiasm as he spiralled about, his colourful shirt billowing around him while McCarthy ( sporting white sunglasses ) quipped “I can’t see anything at all, I feel cool, can’t see, I have suffered for fashion” before the “KAWALA classic” ‘Animals’ which sparked fans into a deafening sing-along frenzy.
A run of buoyant heart-on-sleeve indie-pop, a sneaky play of unreleased tracks from their upcoming album and a fantastic rendition of Griff and HONNE’s 1000000 x Better is only broken by a time stopping rendition of ‘Heavy In The Morning’ and ‘Back Of My Hand’ which showcased the full spine-tingling majesty of the duo’s harmonies. KAWALA’s set was euphoric, carefree and a whole lot of fun. The crowd lapped up the performance, singing every song, embracing their friends and dancing without a care in the world. They couldn’t get enough; shouting for “one more tune!” and screaming the “Olé, Olé, Olé” chant to summon the band back on stage for that all-important encore. KAWALA gave their all last night and a joyous mass sing-along of Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ at the end of the set showed just how at one the band is with their fans.
Author: Danu
We sat down to have a chat with Rocco Hueting from De Staat before their show in The Academy Dublin. We discussed the bands transformation through their six album long repertoire so far, the ‘Pikachu’ dance and the intricacies of how they form their tracks. Watch out for cameos as Torre Florim and Vedran Mircetic make sneaky appearances.
Watch The Interview Below
Author : Danu
Dutch five piece De Staat took The Academy, Dublin by storm last night. A band renowned for their high energy, intoxicating live shows brought their trademark fun, shredding tunes and dancing to the Irish crowd who went utterly bonkers for the band. It was an incredible sight to behold.
Dublin’s rock ‘n’ roll duo New Valley Wolves took the task of warming up the crowd in their stride. ‘Shake Your Bones’ aptly kick starts their set loosening up the crowds hips. This band are a raw rock duo that produce no nonsense tracks saturated in steamy blues and gritty riffs. Their lusty sound filled the venue with razor sharp guitar lines and pulverising drum progressions that could shake the floor of hell. Their set is a battering assault of crashing rock at its purest. ‘Animal’, ‘Eyes On Me’ and ‘All You Do Is Talk’ wrestle the ears and command you to dance and mosh and the crowd gladly obliged – headbanging and bouncing to the duo’s infectious rock. There is little banter with the crowd – Jonny and Baz are there to rock our socks off and boy! they did. The duo were as tight as ever, musically impeccable and their sound dropped into the venue like a heavy atom bomb. Jonny’s vocals howl out the sharp spitting lyrics while he nimbly maneuvers through slick swagger-filled riffs with ease. There is a coolness to this band that oozes out of everything they play – well, that is until Baz describes them as “dad rockers” to which Jonny replies “ don’t say that we will look un-cool”. The band play their new single which is due for release tomorrow ‘Snake Spit Venom’ – a catchy, acid drizzled slithery number laced in the neck breaking drums and fiery riffs that New Valley Wolves are known for. This band are professionals and are unfazed by the task of warming up the crowd. They sprawl their scorching tunes into the atmosphere consuming all with ears. I’ve seen these guys perform to a packed venue of their devoted fans moshing and jumping in unison a few times now so it’s refreshing to see the band perform to a new fresh-faced audience and see them win them over one by one until the crowd are moshing and wiggling by the final ballsy track ‘Fire In The Blood’. There is never a lagging moment in this duo’s set and they put on a whopping, fantastic show no matter the setting.
De Staat enter, casually taking up their instruments as the crowd cheer in excited anticipation. Torre Florim the ever flamboyant and entertaining frontman dressed in a silver suit begins to wiggle and dance while he spits out the lyrics to ‘Me Time’. The five piece are an increasingly eccentric and energetic band and their show even more so. Last night De Staat’s set traveled between genres. Wobbly, piercing and intricate guitar maneuvers come from Vedran Mircetic, who is perhaps the most calm and collected person in the venue. His stance is simple and his guitar pedals are almost uncountable as he steps and strides his way between different combinations while producing the most exhilarating and unique sounds. ‘Down Town’ creates stomping frenzy among the audience. The rapid gallop of the track is a hyperactive infection that causes limbs to flail in every direction imaginable. Rocco Hueting multi-tasks between synths, percussion and guitar but it’s that ‘Pikachu’ dance he performs with Florim that is the icing on the cake. These guys create fun, dance-able tunes that bend your mind in many delicious ways. From the techno tones, the hip hop R&B elements of ‘Fake It Till You Make It’ and swag of ‘Peptalk’ and the psychedelic brain trampling of ‘Make Way For The Passenger ‘ these guys create an atmosphere for you to let everything go and dance. Tim van Delft on drums creates those infectious grooves with finesse while occasionally standing to encourage the crowd’s frenzy and showcase his chic golden embossed shirt. The set goes from one high point to another as the mass sing along’s and Florim’s dance-filled antics continue. Florim ventures towards the crowd commanding them like his worshiping congregation. I don’t think there is even one person who didn’t know every word of the lyrics. Everyone knows when to clap and when to shout as Florim passes the mic to members of the crowd to sing the “You gotta help yourself” lyric of ‘Help Yourself’. However it is ‘Witch Doctor’ that is the most wonderful sight to behold. I’ve heard of it and always wanted to witness it first hand – anyone who has seen the ‘Best Animation in a Video UK Music Video Awards 2016′ winning video will be aware of the concept of Florim standing in the middle of a mass of people like some wicked circus ring-leader and commanding them into a circle of death. Well, last night when the band performed ‘Witch Doctor’ the crowd began this circle themselves as Florim stood at the front of the stage swirling his hands like a master puppeteer as if he was churning the crowd round while they jumped and moved in a circular motion. It was a whole room filled with a sea of bodies moving in one moshing mush. However, the fun did not end there. No way were the crowd going to let the show end there. The audience shouted for “one more tune” until the band returned for their electrifying encore. Jop van Summeren operates the bass with majesty creating unique and wacky sounds while laying down slinky grooves especially for closing track ‘KITTY KITTY’. ‘KITTY KITTY’ is one outstanding piece of work but I wondered how would it measure up live. Well…. pretty damn fantastic. That bass intro is brilliant live. It has the mystery and luring power that could introduce the main character in a Quentin Tarantino movie while also adding a sweet sleek quality to this adrenaline building track. The crowd erupted – singing, dancing and screaming throughout the song, A fantastic end to a riveting night.
I was aware that De Staat put on a good show but last night it was from a whole other world. The five piece put on a whirlwind show and had the audience eating out of the palm of their hands, drooling for more. Once you see these guys live you will wonder what you have been doing with your life up to now. Maybe it’s the raw ecstasy of their tracks or the hyper rhythms, slinky guitar and psychedelic hues, but once you see them live De Staat become the drug you just can’t quit.
Author : Danu
The floor was moving under my feet from the crowd’s jumping and dancing. When a band turn the floor of a venue into a bouncing castle you know they are doing something right. It was Kawala’s show in The Academy, Dublin on Saturday night and it was an experience for sure, In fact the live show was something special.
Derry multi-instrumentalist and one woman band ROE aka Róisín Donald sets the night in motion. She stands beneath the blue and red hues of the lighting – modest and timid. There is no introduction she just blasts straight into her innovative electronic pop with sublime and raw alternative embellishments. ROE takes her emotive sound and wraps it in pristine dark synths with a drum machine keeping the heavy beats in place. Her clear crisp and passionate vocals caress the melancholic and eerie melodies with a warm rasp and sweet tone. Donald has no problem multi tasking. She plays guitar between slapping the beat on the drum machine. The crowd loved every moment of her breathtaking set. They begin to cheer her from the first song. They hold up their phones with the flashlight on for ‘Room To Breathe’ swaying them back and forth enhancing the magical atmosphere. The crowd sway and bop for ‘Monster’ and ‘Cheek, Boy’ before all out dancing and whooping for the more lively ‘Hey Thomas’. ROE presents her sound with light indie and jangly guitar elements to create music that is refreshing. The crowd adored her – some of them shouting “ I love you” as she shyly giggles, almost overwhelmed with the response. Once she walks off stage she is thronged with a deluge of fans wanting pictures with her and talk to her. Perhaps unknown to Donald, she put on a star quality show and her genuine authentic presence and killer tunes make her one to keep an eye on. A rare diamond in the rough.
The next set was headline act Kawala. They swarmed in and took the Academy by storm not even they were prepared for the crowds mass screams and cheers. Every word Jim Higson or Daniel McCarthy uttered was met by uncontrollable, high pitched screams the likes of which The Beatles would summon on sight. The band are of course immensely energetic on stage especially Higson who flaunts about the stage causing swoons with every dramatic dance gesture and shirt swoosh. These guys are tight live. Their harmonies are crisp and immaculate in the live setting. The sweet guitar melody of ‘Funky’ kicks in and the band spark a mass sing-along. Their rich rhythms, calypso – esque melodies and intricate lush layers cause the crowd to become feverous with dance tendencies. Their dedicated fans hand them sunglasses and posters while shouting “we love you!”.
They play some new unheard songs from their upcoming EP which goes down well with the crowd. ‘Animals’ in particular is a gem. Intricate rhythms rumble between glistening guitar and the perfect vocals of both McCarthy and Higson. The fans show their appreciation by more screaming and shouting “thank you!” Higson tests his theory that the crowd will scream at anything by saying “blueberries!” and of course they prove him right by screaming their loudest on the night so far. Kawala turns things down a notch with McCarthy taking to acoustic guitar for the pristine and sweet ‘Mighty River’. The duo allow the crowd to finish the track for them as they sing every word back. It’s a special moment to see such new talents have a show that some arena artists would be jealous and envious of. The band are very charming on stage. Higson asks the crowd if they are alright and is answered by more screams’ He replies “It would have been really awkward if you were like .. nah “.
New single ‘Heavy In The Morning” has a commanding presence live. The sweet falsetto coos of the crowd sounded pretty good complementing the bands lush tones. The tracks become more edgy and vibrant within the live setting as the addition of their full band of Ben Batten (Drums), Reeve Coulson (Bass) and Dan Lee (Guitar) weave wonderful golden textures into the soundscape. They are just as popular as McCarthy and Higson with the audience. Sparking cheers from the fans upon their introduction, McCarthy gets them chanting “Gorgeous Ben!, Gorgeous Ben!, Gorgeous Ben!” and “Reeve on bass! Reeve on bass! Reeve on bass!”.
Although showmanship and crowd interaction play an important part in a live setting, the fundamental charm and appeal of this band is their sound. The lush harmonies between Higson and McCarthy are pristine and blend effortlessly – it’s as if they were made to mould into each others warm tones. Their musicianship is mature and crisp with folky hues and pop sprinklings. Kawala are the perfect early morning or late evening band. Their gorgeous and vibrant indie is made to be listened to as the sun rises to glory, while their more mellow and melodic moments were crafted for chilled sunsets and a crisp glass of wine. The lads have those voices that could heal even the harshest of hangovers and mournful hearts while lifting you to blissful euphoric heights.
Kawala put on a vivid, rich and delightful show. Not even guitar technical difficulties stalled their stride. They bantered through it effortlessly. The encore is sparked by fans screaming “one more tune!”. “Olé, Olé, Olé!” and stomping. The band oblige with the upbeat and infectious ‘Runaway’. Kawala leave the stage to Neil Diamond’s ‘’Sweet Caroline’’ playing over the speakers as fans sing along refusing to let the party end.
I’d recommend going to see Kawala live. Kawala keep their shows light, fun and thoroughly enjoyable and why not! Their irresistible tunes warm your soul and fill you with joy – making you smile and dance without resistance.I see great things happening for these guys.
Author : Danu
It’s been 6 years since Los Angeles’ Local Natives played Dublin so the crowd that packed into The Academy Dublin were thirsty and long overdue a show from the five piece. The pressure was on for the band to deliver and they didn’t disappoint.
Support came from One True Pairing the alias of former Wild Beasts songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Fleming. Laced in choppy synths with a sticky beat provided by drum machines Fleming lays out his moody passionate tunes as his deep baritone resounds throughout. His stance is simple as his striking jangles on guitar pulsate and jaggedly maneuver throughout. He ventures from wild indie hued electronic with a pinch of country peppering in tracks like ‘I’m not Afraid’ to more beat heavy psychedelic dance – esque tunes like ‘Down At The Factory’ with ease giving the crowd something to dance and mosh to. The shredding guitar solo in ‘Down At The Factory’ is something to be admired and is unforgettable live. He keeps everything simple allowing his tracks talk for themselves. His music is intense and filled with anguish and emotion – intriguing and wholly consuming. An enjoyable start to the night.
Local Natives take to the stage. The crowd cheer as they blast straight into their infectious passionate tunes. These guys are known for their indie rock sound and wonderful harmonies but, on stage they take things to another level. Their tunes become more rich and vibrant as if this is what they were created for – the raw energy of the live scene. The timeless gems from their new album ‘Violet Street’ adorn the set list. The embellishments with vivid beats and blood rushing adrenaline on guitar add to the live experience. Very cool and energetic on stage the band command attention especially Taylor Rice who wiggles and bops continuously. He springs into the crowd for ‘Sun Hands’ jumping among them as they bellow the lyrics “And when I can feel with my sun hands, I promise not to lose her again” while forming a circle around him. The band of multi instrumentalists swap between guitar, bass, keys and vocals regularly keeping the set fresh as they showcase their mesmerising skills and wonderful vocal tones while the crowd cheer for each of them. They don’t waste too much time chatting they try to pack in as much of their tasty luscious tunes as possible. Couples in the crowd sway, embraced in each others arms for ‘You & I’ and twist and mosh through the heavier tunes. The night travels at a fast pace as the time flies with each exhilarating track. It was a smooth and vibrant show with tracks from their back catalog (four album’s long) making a welcome appearance such as ‘Black Balloons’ which Rice explains “ we haven’t played this one in years”.
Rice’s attempt to flatter the crowd with a speech about how much he loves Dublin turns slightly sour as he includes Dublin in “our UK tour” the crowd boo at this statement while, now on guitar Ryan Hahn places his head in his hands. The explanation that he didn’t get to finish his sentence and he was going to say UK and Irish tour didn’t quite sit well with the crowd but a quick save with ‘Megaton Mile‘ won them over. The band play ‘When am I Gonna Lose You’ which calls for celebration as Rice announces his first child is due in one month. The harmonies in this bands tracks are luscious and Kelcey Ayer’s mesmerising vocal range is immaculate as he confidently executes his sweet falsetto on ‘Coins’ and ‘Airplanes’.
Local Natives put on a memorable and fantastic show complete with a stunning and dazzling light display. Their confidence oozed from the stage creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere and their tunes are so groove-filled, crashing, energetic and refined you can’t help but dance along. The band finish their set on a massive high with ‘Who Knows Who Cares’ as the crowd sing the last part for the band. These guys have been around since their debut album ‘Gorilla Manor’ in 2009 yet their sound is so fresh, compelling and enjoyable. I’ll be looking forward to their next show.
Author : Danu
A night of blistering cutthroat alternative punk rock pounded through our ears on Saturday night as Dublin’s Vulpynes headlined The Academy 2 with support from I AM A Car Crash and The Lord Reverend Mongo Joans and the Coat Hanger Solution.
Punk band The Lord Reverend Mongo Joans and the Coat Hanger Solution kick started the night. A comical bunch on stage these guys whack straight into their riotous tunes with crashing guitars, pummeling drums and feisty growlish vocals. Each track travels at neck breaking spreed as they blend their feisty punk with fiery mosh pit ready rock. One particular crowd member was really enthusiastic. He took selfies with the band while they played on stage. Their set was brimming with numerous shredding guitar blasts and rooted bass grooves which set the crowd alight as they bopped along to the “fu*ck you” lyrics of ‘Best Worst Thing’. Their tunes have a bop factor that can coax your hips to wiggle while their gritty ferocious exterior packs some serious punch. A fully entertaining band to watch live.
I AM A Car Crash follow the punk vibe. Taking a darker twist on the genre their distorted guitars, gripping wall of sound and mesmerising drumming has the crowd utterly entranced. The majestic guitar work is impressive and builds their sound perfectly with a sophisticated flurry of finesse over the rambunctious drumming gliding through the air and slapping into our ears with blissful intensity. These guys know how to make an impression. Attitude soaked vocals smoothly drift through the melody while the lyrics are spat out at a brisk expressive pace. The banter is minimal so the band can pack in as many tunes as possible. ‘Eric’ in particular is a blinder. Shrilling guitars pierce and soar elegantly over the fantastic drum rumble as the track builds to its explosive crescendo. Final track ‘Carnival Ride’ a track dedicated to “any would be rapists …. We are coming for you mother f**kers” is absolutely captivating and gripping. The gentle vocal melody seeps and bleeds with tender emotion. It’s a striking and heartbreaking track superbly crafted to extract, display and expose the raw harsh emotion and turmoil within, while icy guitars flicker between the brewing and bubbling drums creating a striking backdrop for the affectionate vocals. The track builds to a shredding dazzling crescendo filled with distortion and expressive guitar whines. It’s a mind blowing end to their exquisite set.
The fiery duo Vulpynes take to the stage to the ominous whistle of the x files theme song. Not ones for banter they belt straight into their vicious battering tunes with relentless stamina and swagger. Vocalist and guitarist Maeve Molly’s stance is cool, composed and fierce as she executes the shredding riffs and gritty licks with effortless panache. She has really grown into her frontwoman role.Though she doesn’t move or prance about the stage often her simple stance commands awe as she bellows out the lyrics. Kaz’s powerful drumming pounds deep through your very soul, ‘2 Cents’ and ‘Silica’ resounds through the Academy. The crowd stand and watch the duo blast through their bloodthirsty tunes as if hypnotised. I was expecting total anarchy and moshing however each member of the crowd stood rooted to their spot soaking up the savage tunes as if in a trance. Maeve Molly calls the crowd to move about “start rocking out now… stop f*cking standing there … that’s an order” snapping them out of their blissful daze. They begin to mosh and dance creating a sea of bopping movement and mania at the front. Vulpynes have created a delicious recipe for a thrilling live show with their catchy tunes, driving adrenaline, whirling scuzzy riffs and alternative punk anthems – this duo are a lean mean force to be reckoned with.
Vulpynes closed their set with the explosive ‘OCD’. However, the crowd demanded more and the duo obliged returning to mass cheers for a vigorous encore. Vulpynes have proven they can create frenzied barbarous tunes that stick in your head for days and Saturday night proved they can deliver one hell of a live show to accompany these savage tunes.
