That’s right folks, ‘it’s all happening’ (boy, did that ever get old!). The good folks over at Hard Working Class Heroes have posted the schedule of live bands playing between the 7th, 8th and 9th of October.
We will off course be doing our preview after we’ve had time to digest everything but here’s the full break down for you to droll over in the mean time (or alternatively, you can Click Here and see it properly on the HWCH.net Website)
They’re back, one of Irelands most hotly tipped bands Ham Sandwich have returned with their sophomore album, White Fox. It officially hits stores in two days but seeing as they’re lovely folks, they’ve allowed State Magazine to post the whole thing online for free streaming. It’s been so long since we reviewed an album here at Tickets There, we’re not even sure whether we know how anymore (or ever did for that matter – Ed.), but over the next few paragraphs we’re going to do our best to tell you exactly how good this album is.
The Naturist was a lovely single in May and now it’s a lovely opening to the album. There’s nothing bad about this song and almost six months after it’s release, it’s as appealing, fresh and loveable as ever. Can’t think of a nicer way to start things off or prepare you for the heavier, faster sounds of the album’s title track, White Fox. It’s upbeat and edgy but broader and more dynamic than Ham Sandwich’s older sound, yet still retaining that energy we love about them.
Ant’s gives of the impression it’ll be a duet folk number like something from the sixties before unveiling its self fully and transforming into one of the most powerful pieces on the record. Niamh Farrell really out does herself vocally, giving the song a very strong performance that really drives this piece home. OH-OH’s dance floor driven poppiness is a welcome boost to the albums energy before the soothing sounds of Models brings us to the half way point. So far, so damn good.
The Fog again gives the album a good belting number, this time coming from the drums. A hard, quick paced beat with picking guitars provides an excellent base for the tracks clap along breaks. Like Ant’s, The Fog grows and develops with each new verse and chorus to become one of the albums standout’s. It’s also one older fans will find comfortable as the sound is similar to previous Sandwich favorites like Click Click Boom and Words.
Long Distance, In December and Animals provide more room for relaxation. Filled with melodic guitars, soft drums and soothing vocals, the songs almost run in to each other but in a very welcome form. They may not be the unquestionable stand outs of this record but their presence would only be missed if they changed. Floors finishes of the record on a very soulful note with Niamh and the band giving a very atmospheric, subtle performance. A nice way to end a very welcome return by Ham Sandwich,
Simply put, White Fox if a lovely album from start to finish. The heavier style from Carry The Meek is all but gone but instead the band can now offer a very personal, mature sound in their writing. An excellent return from one of Ireland’s brightest groups.
Don’t forget, Ham Sandwich will officially launch White Fox on October 30th at The Button factory. Click Here for Detials.
We finally got some of Def Leppard/ Down ‘N’ Outz singer Joe Elliott’s new beer! Four Down ‘N’ Outz (or Frosty Joe’s…we prefer that name) later, we’ve happily succumbed. There’s a lovely vibe around the drink and a nice kick after the first bottle. 5%, well packaged and tasty, so tasty!
Get yer arses down to The Porterhouse and try a few, Tickets There got 8 to take home….there’s six left 🙂
After hearing a lot about them over the last year, Tickets There finally sat down and gave Steel Panther a spin. It didn’t take long, about 1 minute actually before we fell head over heals in love with them.
They’re possibly the best hair metal band to emerge from the states in Christ knows how long. Death to All But Metal, Community Property and Fat Girl (Thar She Blows) are enough to make us pick up their album later on today and their videos give The Foo Fighters competition.
Community Property has to be the greatest ballad ever written with lines like “You’re the only girl that I like to screw, When I’m not on the road” and “I’ll kiss your mouth, Even after you swallow my load” it’s the classic all bands wish they had the balls to write. Even AC/DC show more restraint in their lyrics!
And before you think it, our love isn’t growing just because they reference Def Leppard and Motley Crue in Death To All But Metal and even show pictures of both bands in the video, we love them because it’s about time someone came out with some kick ass metal that calls Hip Hop and Rap stars Eminem, Dr. Dre, Kanye West and 50 Cent the cocks they are.
Just a quick note to say Congratulations to The Riptide Movement for reaching Number 2 in the physical singles chart with their latest release, Hot Tramp(Click to read Drop-D.ie Review).
It’s a serious track that’s still rockin’ the TT stereo’s every chance we get. Buy a copy now and do your part to keep The ‘f**king’ Script off!
Dublin blues rock upstarts, The Cold 100 have announced a date for Abbey Street’s, Twisted Pepper on October 8th.
With classic rock slowly but surely on the rise, it’s a good time to catch one of Dublin’s most promising acts live. Prepare yourself for some really smoky, bluesy atmospheric pieces mixed with a good dose of guitar driven belters. Listen out for Red Headed Woman and Have You Ever (Been So Down).
Pop over to their MySpace to get a taste of what’s to come.
Breaking the current hair metal obsessions for a few minutes, Tickets There decided it was time to review the band that’s been keeping our Irish feet firmly rooted all week. Hailing from the rebel county, My Evil Ex are easily one of the best new bands we’ve found this year. We saw them at Temple House Music Festival in Sligo and now it’s time for our reader (readers on Tuesdays) to hear exactly how good they are…without actually hearing the music, you need to visit their MySpace for that…but read the review first, we need to raise €80,000 or the mob are taking our thumbs.
Only three songs! always disappointing when a great band only has a small handful of tracks to choose from. Guess it means we’ll actually have to get of our arses and pick up their album later on. For now, (Just A Little) Drop of Poison will make do. A lovely mix of bluegrass blues, stompy drums and catchy as hell vocals. Love it! These guys have been on our rotation all week and every listen just brings them closer and closer to our hearts.
Drunk on the Thought of You is similar in ways to Drop of Poison, but the guitar comes to the surface a lot more and the heavy bass is very welcome. Again it’s a sing along number with lots of quirky little moments and a nice soulful flow to the whole track. Short, sweet and the perfect middle ground before the next song turns their entire sound upside down.
Flavuor (title could easily be confused with ‘I’m Not Your Fucking Friend) is a blistering, heavy thumper. Forget the bluegrass, the blues and the soul. This is angry hardcore punk rock. Is it even the same singer? We’re not sure but we’re excited. Ironically, because of this song alone Tickets There wants to be friends with My Evil Ex, but they’re having none of it according to this tune. Brilliant!
Love them, buying the album and checking them out live as soon as we can. My Evil Ex are definitely a name to remember and a band to love! Check out their MySpace by Clicking Here.
It’s that time again folks, today is Arthur’s day, one magical day to celebrate the Irish brewing legend Arthur Guinness and his world famous stout.
Murphy’s fans will have to bite their tongues later as thousands of Guinness lovers will flock to the nearest pub after work to raise a pint in memory of the man, the drink and a trademark that has become synonymous with Ireland over the last 251 years.
Tickets There, being fond lovers of the drink will shake off our now five day hangover to make it to McKenna’s pub in Dun Laoghaire where the proprietor, Arthur McKenna will retire after more than 50 years behind the counter. He is due to officially hand over running of the family pub to his oldest son, Arthur McKenna Junior (Arthur’s day or what!).
The hustle and bustle of today will of course be concentrated around St. James Gate and the various other venues participating in Ireland as Diego, Guinness’ French owners put on a show to rival the St. Patrick’s day parade, hiring help from America, England, Wales and if they’re really stuck, Ireland itself but try not to forget the local pubs if you’re out tonight, the ones who sell you sweet, lovely Guinness everyday and need your business now more than ever.
At 17:59 this evening, we’ll be raising our glasses to Arthur McKenna Senior, Arthur McKenna Jr. and off course, Arthur Guinness.
Tickets There are playing catch up today. With September being full of Guns N’ Roses, shows, a festival and a wedding, we haven’t had a whole pile of time for writing. We’re doing our best to flesh out the site a little but overwhelming tiredness, depression educing lack of funds and an eagerness to do nothing but rock out and drink this month is delaying things a little. (There’s Hope!) The addictive charms of The Danger Is brought us back to reviewing and the rock out talent of this next band may just be enough to keep us sober, awake and a little better off.
Witnessing The Paddy Usher Band’s performance at the recent Temple House Music Festival, Tickets There decided this was another band in need of our much coveted, sought after attention (a-hem..coughs). Their MySpace kicks off with the very catchy, very main stream rock out melter Hot Tub Safari. A tad bloated in places and not able to keep all of its six minutes edge of seat gripping but it’s still a great number. There’s some classic rock in there, some Foo Fighters and several radio friendly key points. If they stripped this one back by about 2 minutes then we’re good to go.
You Are So Much Better Off is a real modern version of the Aerosmith country/rock song. It fills it’s time better than Hot Tub Safari and has a good beat driving it home. Aside from a slight lag towards the end, this track is a nifty little number and again more than radio friendly.
The Whole World Can See is a little too ballady for our tastes. There’s some good meat on the bones in places but the bottom really drops out of the chorus, Pity as well, the verse and bridges are probably the loudest thing on the whole player.
Live, there’s alot more to offer and it may be time to update the MySpace player. At the same time, there’s more than enough here to convince you these guys have something real going on. They’re talented, they sound great on record but the songs here just lack that magical touch by a ruthless producer.
Check out their MySpace by Clicking Here
Finding info on The Danger Is, is one of the toughest things we’ve had to do here at Tickets There. But after an amazing show from the lovely Niamh Danger and her band at last week’s Temple House Music Festival, we just had to write something about them. There’s only one song on their MySpace at the moment but fortunately it’s a little Gem.
All For Gold is a beauty of a song. Fast, energetic, friendly, warm and completely irresistible. Niamh’s voice oozes with soothing character and talent, all nicely wrapped in a very well written basket of heaviness, calm and slight hints of fifties ballad pop. There’s several different landing spots in the songs structure which make the song fill out it’s time extremely well. If we write any more we’ll end waffling.
Excellent song and a band that is shooting higher and higher up the Tickets There Likes list. Check them out for yourself by Clicking Here (The Danger Is MySpace), come back and pat us on the back for giving you a lovely treat today*
* Unless by some small chance you find things for yourself on the internet and heard this song and the band 1,500 times before. Seen them so many times you can play their set on guitar without ever having a lesson and you’re almost engaged to Niamh herself. Then there’s no need to pat us…ah well.
The Danger Is Play The Workman’s Club with Oliver Cole on October 23rd.
Shit cool Dublin rockers, Jaded Sun are coming back to the city centre. The group will be playing The Workman’s Club (Located @ Wellington Quay) on October 28th. Tickets are priced at €10.
For more detials, please Click Here
Up and coming rock Bois, The Riptide Movement have released the official video for their new single, Hot Tramp. Before you ask, no the girl from the singles cover doesn’t make a cameo (big sigh). Fear not, you’re still left with a tune that’ll smack the pants off ya.
Oliver Cole has announced a show at Dublin’s newest venue, The Workman’s Club (located on Wellington Quay) for October 23rd
Joining him will be his band, The Leaks and support is coming from The Danger Is who are lead by the most adorable, talented front-lady in Irish music since Cathy Davey emerged.
Tickets are on sale now priced €12. Click Here for Details.
Legendary Def Leppard front man, Joe Elliott has taken the ultimate rock star plunge and attached his name, or rather his new bands name to his very own beer.
Brewed, bottled and distributed by The Porterhouse, the Down ‘N’ Outz larger was officially launched last week at the Glasnevin premises by the man himself. While taking a year off from Leppard, Joe found time to record a new album with The Down ‘N’ Outz, which pays homage to the lesser known songs by Mott The Hoople front-man, Ian Hunter as well as other bands connected with MTH.
Tomorrow night (Tuesday, Sept 21st) Joe will be in London at the Covent Garden Porterhouse, playing a show with the full band for the official UK launch. Tickets are on sale now priced £20.
If you’re looking for Tickets There this Friday night, you’ll find us on Nassau Street between 7-Saturday ‘downing’ many a bottle. Best of luck to Joe with the new beer, TT will be doing our part to make sure the supplies stay fresh.
Meath rockers Ham Sandwich have confirmed the title of their second album will be White Fox and it’s coming to a record store near you on October 1st.
Track-listing and more details will be confirmed shortly but if the material released so far is anything to go by, White Fox is going to bury Carry The Meek and finally show the public what they’re capable off. To celebrate the release, the band will be holding a Launch Party in Dublin’s Button Factory on October 30th with tickets on sale now from Ticketmaster.ie and Tickets.ie priced €15.
If you’re not in Dublin, you can catch the band playing around the country in a few weeks,
September 21st – Limerick Arts College
September 23rd – GMIT Galway with Delorentos
September 24th – Weavers, Drogehda
September 25th – The Forum, Waterford
OCTOBER 1ST – ALBUM RELEASE!!! INSTORE IN TOWER RECORDS!!
October 8th – Barcode, Tipperary
October 14th – The Spirit Store, Dundalk
October 30th – ALBUM LAUNCH, THE BUTTON FACTORY.
Tickets There would like to wish the guys (and Niamh :)) the best of luck with the tour and release, cannot wait to hear what they’ve got in store for us!
Well folks, the time has pretty much arrived. This evening we’ll be grabbing the train with our glorious Editor to Sligo for showers, Big 4 (and maybe a pint if we’re allowed) and tomorrow it’s off to the Temple House Music Festival In Ballymote, Co. Sligo.
If you want to see updates, head over to Tickets There’s Editors Twitter Page and he’ll let ye know how things are going.
In the meantime, why not check out this Interview with Steve Wall from The Stunning & The Walls over at Goldenplec.com.
Talk to you all on Monday and have a great weekend!! (pray for sun!)
This will brighten you up today and yes, they’re a real band 😀
Road Records may be gone but you didn’t think they’d leave without one final shindig did you? Tomorrow night, the Button factory opens up for a gig that looks better by the minute (off course it had to be held when Tickets There is away at our first festival in 5/6 years and off course it has to include two of our favorite Irish bands of all time!).
Leading proceedings will be Dublin’s much loved, The Redneck Manifesto. The instrumental band will tear the place apart if there’s anything left after legendary post punk, garage rock thrashers Female Hercules reform to kick some serious record buying public ass!
Also set to perform are Legion of Two, Patrick Kelleher and His Cold Dead Hands, Cian Nugent and Road Records gurus Dave & Julie may even take to stage to belt out a few classic tunes to finish things off in proper Road fashion.
If you’re in town and you regret (like us) not getting a chance to pop in before the shutters were officially closed, then head along and show you’re gratitude for their years of excellent service and craic. Tickets are a measly €16 so no excuses! (Rednecks and Female Hercules for god’s sake!!!)
Tickets There would like to wish Dave and Julie the best of luck tomorrow night; I hope ye have a blast!
More detials below and @ Road Records Blogspot
U:mack present
Road Records Farewell Party
Featuring:
The Redneck Manifesto
Female Hercules
Legion Of Two
Patrick Kelleher and his Cold Dead Hands
Cian Nugent
& Road Records DJ’s
The Button Factory
Friday Sept. 10 2010
Doors 8pm till late
Tickets €16 From City Discs, Sound Cellar & online at http://www.tickets.ie/umack
Less than a month to go until Humanzi return to Dublin and tear our capital apart. It’s been aagggesss since the lads last played here and it could be longer before we see them again so be sure to make your way down to Dublin’s newest venue, The Workman’s Club on October 2nd for this guaranteed roof raising show.
To see more details Click Here
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