Tag Archives: Ireland

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White Line Fever – playing Cork, Galway and Kilkenny this month

Here’s what you may need to know…

01. Named for an apparent lack of focus that afflicts long-distance truck drivers (and the Peckinpah-esque truxploitation flick of the same name), Cork’s White Line Fever trade in a proggy, post-rock-inflected strain of folk rock.

02. 2014’s Anomie EP set the tone for their current live show, a concise, yet polished two-tracker that they’ve used as the foundation for their current live sound, to be heard on their upcoming follow-up.

03. Streaming above is the band’s most recent video, Lordship & Bondage, filmed and recorded live at Youghal’s Claycastle Studios, and mastered by Murdock man Aidan Cunningham.

04. The four-piece is playing the rest of a series of spot-shows with alt-rockers Harbouring Oceans and singer-songwriter Míde Houlihan throughout March, hitting the Crane Lane Theatre in Cork on the 18th, and the Brewery Corner in Kilkenny on the 26th. The band also plays Galway’s Citóg night at the Roisín Dubh on the 23rd.

Verdict: Minimalist, yet somehow massive, the band’s recorded output and confident live excursion so far bode well for the future. Check ’em out.

White Line Fever

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Therapy? – Tides

Here’s what you may need to know…

01. The gatekeepers of the Irish underground are in rude health as always. Twenty-seven years and counting in the game, with their fourteenth album Disquiet hitting shelves last year, Ballyclare/Larne’s Therapy? unleash their best ‘pop’ single in years with Tides.

02. Though many casual observers associate the boys in black with their major-label heyday in the mid-Nineties, they never went away.

03. Sadly unloved belters include 1999’s Suicide Pact – You First and 2004’s Never Apologise Never Explain, but most notably a pair of honest-to-jaysus classics in 2010’s cerebral Crooked Timber and 2012’s groovy A Brief Crack of Light.

04. Disquiet, from which Tides is taken, acts as a sequel of sorts to 1994’s million-selling Troublegum, and sees the band revisiting that album’s teenage protagonist as a middle-aged man in the throes of further tumult.

05. The song itself is inspired singer/guitarist Andy Cairns‘ time living in Dun Laoghaire [Co Dublin], as evidenced by the single’s artwork.

06. Keen punk fans will spot the other reference in the cover art immediately, and it’s intentional: Bob Mould, of hardcore trailblazers/accidental college-rock inventors Hüsker Dü was a major influence on the song’s writing.

Verdict: Though the album itself feels a little retro after the band’s insistence on forward-thinking for the better part of three decades, Tides is one of its highlights. Here’s hoping for more of this somewhat psychey, washed-out pop in the not too dim ‘n’ distant.

Therapy?

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Imlé – Fún Orm

Here’s what you may need to know…

01. Decent Irish(-language) hip-hop brought to you by Imlé, a Gaelgeoir collective of musicians and creatives led by Raidió na Life/Wild Promises man Cian MacCárthaigh, and flanked by numerous guests and collaborators, including, on this track, Gaelgeoir wordsmith MC Muipéad.

02. Part of a resurgence of the mother tongue in Irish independent/contemporary music, it seems: as well as appearing on The Gloaming‘s reconstructed versions of trad standards, an Gaeilge can be heard these days in the works of bands like West Cork black-metallers Corr Mhóna, as well as via various compilation/rearrangement projects over the past few years.

03. Imlé formally kicked off last May at Féile na Bealtaine, and swiftly followed up with the launch of their debut single Pádraig. They’ve since appeared at Electric Picnic’s Puball Gaeilge stage. Not just dealing in hip-hop, either, as you may gather from listening to Pádraig, their work explores the contemporary music landscape.

04. 2016 looks to be a busy year for the boys, as they launch their debut full-length later this year, via Irish-language gatekeepers Gael Linn. Production comes from The Frames/Ham Sandwich desk-man Karl Odlum.

Verdict: Ceol den scoth. More contemporary music as Gaeilge, please (suggestions are more than welcome in the comments), and ways to put it into the curriculum, while we’re at it.

Imlé

The Shaker Hymn

The Shaker Hymn – launching new album Do You Think You’re Clever? on April 1st and gigging around the country throughout April and May.

Here’s what you may need to know…

01. Friends since childhood, and based in the real capital, The Shaker Hymn are a four-piece with indie, pop and psych-rock sensibilities. Formed in 2012, the band came together after a two-month American excursion.

02. Streaming above is the video for Trophy Child, the first single from second album Do You Think You’re Clever?. Follow-up single Sucking It Out features a GoPro-driven video filmed at Cork’s Mother Jones’ Flea Market, which can be seen here.

03. Do You Think You’re Clever? launches on April 1. The whole LP was recorded in nine days, and will be the band’s second album just inside of 24 months, following 2014’s Rascal’s Antique.

04. The accompanying tour kicks off the same night, with a date at the newly-reopened Connolly’s of Leap, before the band spends April and May playing out, heading to Galway, Lahinch, Cork city, Westport, Cavan, Clonakilty, Myrtleville and Ballydehob, winding up at the Bernard Shaw in Dublin. Full date and venue details available here.

Verdict: Plenty here for fans of Britpop’s reverbier excesses, psych’s more accessible corners or those just in search of some good, honest rock ‘n’ roll. Approved.

The Shaker Hymn.

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Brotherlode – Asian Cuisine

Here’s what you may need to know…

01. Brotherlode is a lo-fi ambient outfit led by Dublin DIY denizen Seán Bean.

02. Asian Cuisine is taken from their newly-released album of the same name, out this weekend on cassette, CD and digital via tape specialists Little L Records.

03. Referred to as “under-produced music for an over-produced society”, this record was a completely DIY affair, and uses this to its advantage, roaming between ambient, jazz and psychedelia.

04. This tune, premiering today on #YMLT, is about spice bags. You can get some more over at United Cassettes, who are streaming Anne, Burning now.

05. The best spice bag in Ireland? Suggestions welcome below.

Verdict: A lot to like here in a weird, spacey take on Dublin’s ever-changing and – progressing lo-fi sound. If that floats yer boat, get yerself a tape.

Brotherlode

Ratoath, County Meath this morning.

Thanks James Carr

Stiofán says:

The 1st snow of the Spring today “If spring comes can #winter be far behind?”

Thanks Stiofán

Bonkers writes:

Snow in Finglas [Dublin], cold & wet arses for motorbikers

Blanchardstown [Dublin] this morning.

Thanks Dee

Lucan, County Dublin, this morning.

Thanks John

1 2

John Davis writes

a before and after

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Templeogue, Dublin 6w

Thanks Alan Ball

naas

Jeannie Frampton writes:

Naas, County Kildare 9.15am

blanch

Blanchardstown, Dublin

Thanks Helen

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M7 between Newbridge and Naas [Co Kildare] this morning.

Eamonn Farrell/Rollingnews

Snow in your area to Broadsheet@Broadsheet.ie marked “snow”

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White Boys – Stylin’

Here’s what you may need to know.

01. Cork-based lads Gary Keane and Eoin Walsh comprise the synth/funk/R&B duo White Boys, who are getting ready to release their Stylin’ single on April 15th, ahead of an EP release later this year. You can stream it in the widget above.

02. You may remember these boys from the height of the marriage equality referendum: their fantastic arrangement of Michael O’Leary’s derailed attempt at a homophobic rant was one of the campaign’s highlights.

03. They followed this up with a synth-funk version of Hozier‘s Take Me to Church that got them noticed by the wider Irish musical sphere, including headlining the after-party for disco legends Chic alongside Cork hip-hop veteran Stevie G.

04. Formed after meeting on the set of the Late Late Show, the duo aren’t just blogosphere darlings, having shared recording sessions with Earth, Wind, and Fire, as well as having worked with producer G1 and Death Row Records engineer Tommy D. Daugherty. Bootsy Collins, The Rubberbandits and Panti Bliss are also fans.

Verdict: The boys clearly love what they do, which is half the joy of seeing them in action. They can back the antics up with some serious skills, though, both live and as producers. Get adding ’em to your party playlists.

White Boys

Life

Life Festival
May 27th-29th, Belvedere House & Gardens, Co. Westmeath

Ireland’s leading electronic festival heads into its eleventh year (with requisite hashtag – on point, as the kids say) with an assortment of Irish and international heavyweights, including 2manyDJs, Laurent Garnier, Mano LeTough, Blawan, New Jackson and more. Early bird tix are all sold out, but weekend passes are available at the fest’s website.

Liiiiife, looooove’s greatest rewaaaaard

 

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K-Fest
June 3rd-6th, Killorglin, Co. Kerry

An unabashedly DIY, family-run fest in the Co. Kerry village of Killorglin, K-Fest‘s lineup is still in the confirmation stages for this year. With a mixture of music, visual art, drama, spoken word and family entertainment, the door is wide open for applications across all genres and mediums.

Keep DIY culture going in the Kingdom.

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Forbidden Fruit
June 3rd-5th, Royal Hospital, Kilmainham

Forbidden Fruit leads with an electronic-heavy line-up this year, including bill-toppers Underworld and a Groove Armada DJ set. Aussie psychedelia monolith Tame Impala makes an Irish appearance following his world-conquering Currents LP’s success, while erstwhile math-rockers Battles continue their comeback.

Must… not… make… in-cider references…

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Body & Soul
June 17th-19th, Ballinlough Castle, Co. Westmeath

Possibly the most quietly impressive of this year’s summer lineouts, Body & Soul returns with Santigold, St. Germain, Floating Points, Badbadnotgood, and Mercury Rev at the top of the bill. Meanwhile, just look at the Irish talent: Rusangano Family, Bitch Falcon, Talos and Saint Sister among others. Final-tier tickets are still on sale – get ’em while they’re hot.

Mind yer body & soul.

 

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Castlepalooza
July 1st-3rd, Charleville Castle, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Last week saw Castlepalooza announce its first round of headliners just as the election frenzy descended upon the media, and the job’s a good’un with Caribou, Villagers & Jurassic 5 headlining. The undercard is peppered with rising propositions, too, including Ireland’s finest psychedelic rock band, The Altered Hours, newly-folky troubadour Cian Nugent, and post-rockers Overhead the Albatross. A strong opening salvo.

Hassle in the castle

 

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Townlands Carnival
July 8th-10th, Leades House, Rusheen Farm, Macroom, Co. Cork

A summer weekender addition to Cork’s bustling festival schedule, Townlands Carnival enters its second year with five stages, family activities, camping options, and more. Irish alt-rock man turned crooner Jerry Fish and Natty & the Rebelship headline. Dáithí, Talos, Saint Sister, The Altered Hours and Young Phantom round out an intriguing initial line-up. Tier 2 tickets available now.

Carnival atmosphere

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Longitude
July 15th-17th, Marlay Park, Dublin

Hip-hop’s undisputed king, Kendrick Lamar, and The National headline a heavyweight bill that sees Jamie XX, Father John Misty, Roisín Murphy, Tyler the Creator, Courtney Barnett and Action Bronson appear over the weekend’s proceedings. All Tvvins head up the Irish offering, alongside Otherkin, Pleasure Beach, and Saint Sister.

Aw, yeah, fuck the judge.

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Knockanstockan
July 22nd-24th, Blessington Lakes, Co. Wicklow

Ireland’s most doggedly independent weekender celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, with tickets for the weekend still available alongside a handful of Sunday day passes. Family-friendly shenanigans abide, with art and other activities all over the campsite. The musical line-up is still under wraps for now, but in keeping with Knockstockan tradition, it ought to feature Irish independent music’s best and brightest.

Can anyone think of a music pun that involves the word ‘knockin”?

 

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96/1
26th and 27th of August, Cork City, Cork

Cork city centre’s ridiculously packed annual calendar of festivals continues apace with the announcement of the second annual 96/1 (pronounced ’96 over 1′). Last year saw 96 bands sprawl out into traditional and non-traditional venues and spaces around the island area of the city in one night, with all performances for free. This year sees the idea spread over two nights, with submissions for bands now open at the email address in the banner.

I suppose a ’96 Quite Bitter Beings’ reference would be inappropriate.

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Megacone – Absolute Magnitude

Here’s what you may need to know…

01. Megacone are a Dublin-based five-piece trading in a math-inflected strain of post-rock. Equally atmospheric and technically intricate, their output so far has been very impressive.

02. Absolute magnitude is “the measure of the intrinsic brightness of a celestial object”. It’s also Megacone’s new song, recorded by Rian Trench (of Solar Bears) and Robert Scanlon.

03. This seven-minute opus is Megacone’s step into a much bigger, spacier sound, and the video, directed by Bailey & Blake Productions, plays off this with an elaborate video that contrasts cinematography and production values with drone-shot performance footage.

04. They’re playing the Venture Takeover stage of the BD Festival on Good Friday in the Wicklow Mountains, amid a quality helping of Irish math-rock, post-rock and other awkward/technically-accomplished shenanigans.

Verdict: Accomplished stuff from lads as young as this five-piece. Keep a close eye on them: it’s not for no reason they’re this ambitious this early in the game.

Megacone

Photo credit: AK Photography.

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God Creative & Crimes Against – Godzillah

A YMLT premiere. Here’s what you may need to know…

01. God Creative is Darren Dwyer, a rapper, lyricist and artist from Darndale in Dubland. He met his creative partner after landing on the couch of his studio while out on on a ‘session’.

02. Crimes Against is electronic producer Dan Doherty, formerly of bands Ghost Estates and Sickboy. He also currently runs said studio, Darklands Audio, where the duo’s upcoming release was written and recorded.

03. This is the lead-off to their upcoming album ‘Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost’, released on the duo’s own imprint, Slap in the Face. It releases March 4.

04. As part of the single’s launch, the lads are playing Dublin’s Chocolate Factory on March 26th

Verdict: God’s Dublin-accented holler and Crimes’ skittish noise are good bedfellows, with the lads taking their cues from noise-hop staples like Death Grips and Run the Jewels. It sets a good tone for their upcoming album.