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MYSPACE REVIEW – THE ANSWER

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , , , , on July 1, 2009 by Tickets There

myspacereview_theanswer

I’ve got the horn Ryan. After a successful find in Stillroom I decided to finally go and listen to a band many, many people are talking about. The Answer are being hailed as Irelands best Rock export since Thin Lizzy and Tickets There has been surprisingly lax in it’s efforts to find out more. I just haven’t been in the mood until now. More than likely I overdid things back in the Chinese Democracy days. Anyways, let’s move on.

I’ve never seen the band or heard their album.

Fucking Great. First song On and On is a superb example of how rock bands should sound. Real great mix of blues laden guitars, harmony driven vocals and first-class crashing drums. Lets see what second song, Demon Eye’s has in store. Intro’s a little slower than the first track…until about thirty seconds in and the band comes back (didn’t I just say something similar in the last review?). Good rumbling guitars and brilliant bursting bridge before a full on, over the top- riff fuelled chorus tears the song in half. Title’s a bit silly but pretty savage. The drum beat during the verse stands out much better here than the last song and the bass belts a fantastic line over everything. Another standing ovation guitar solo filled with bends, slides and all sorts of treats brings us to the first tame moment before the chorus comes ripping back in. The singer Cormac Neeson really pulls everything together and the gaps in Stillroom’s sound seem a little larger.

Never Too Late opens with an excellent lead intro before the band kicks into a 70’s style psychedelic prelude. The Answer are actually living up to every inch of the hype associated with them and I’m suddenly very glad I didn’t see them supporting AC/DC or they mightn’t have had the same punch. Just as you settle into the seventies buzz, another spiralling solo tears the whole things to pieces as the band display their talents at writing perfect little rock tracks. Defiantly a must for any Chris Cornell fans out there. Walkin; Mat brings us past the half way mark (god, normally the good bands only have one or two track up and shit ones cant fit enough on their page). For some reason, Walkin’ Mat keeps cutting off on me. This stupid, poxy Irish Broadband piece of shit. Have tried restarting three times but just can’t get it going so let’s hop along to the best named track on their playlist, Highwater or Hell. Good, same tone as the other songs with a much rockier chorus and good heavy guitars. There isn’t much more I can say about this sound, it’s just great. While Tickets There prefers abit more aggression and profanity in its tunes, there’s no flawing this kind of rock n roll craftsmanship. A slowed down bridge supported by a pounding drum leads the way for a brief solo before….the fucking internet kicks out again. Fucking pile of shit.

The final song on the playlist is Memphis Water and it’s a live recording from Japan. Again, the band returns to the 70’s style of Never Too Late but it’s got more a blues feel this time. Surprisingly authentic for a northern Irish band writing a song like this is the new millennium. I was pretty sure it had been done but The Answer do it well, not to mention the fact that the Japanese seem to be enjoying themselves. There’s yet another savage guitar solo just a minute in which send the recorded audience into a frenzy.

Well, one of the best I’ve found since starting the reviews. My only criticism would be the lack of a seal the deal style song here. They haven’t got a Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Child O’Mine or a Paradise City so the albums probably no Appetite. Saying this, it’s important to remember they have everything else. Hopefully things will only improve and The Answer will become the stadium rock

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MYSPACE REVIEW – JADED SUN

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , , on July 1, 2009 by Tickets There

jadedsun_myspacereview

Well, you may have noticed extensive reconstructions on the Tickets There MySpace this weekend. After toying with the notion of moving everything to WordPress, I’ve decided not to bother so I’m staying here instead. Plans are in the making to launch an actual ticketsthere.com website in the coming months but for now we’re staying put. Now, enough shameless self promotions (TURN competition agh, cough), you came here to read about Jaded Sun.

Dublin five piece Jaded Sun seem to be getting a good few mentions in the press these days. When I first heard their name I thought it might be just another indie band but apparently I was wrong. I’d been avoiding listening to them based on this but after I heard they were full on rock n roll, I decided a MySpace review was in order. So, without further filler, let’s get started. As usual, I’ve never seen the band live or heard their album/E.P.

First track Breaking Through starts like a Led Zeppelin set opener. Wow, what ever about the music being spot on, what’s most surprising is this band have a pretty savage singer. Very rare for an Irish rock band to have one these days. This track could have been ripped straight from Aerosmith’s debut with blues laden guitars, smashing drums and a steady building riff. A blues fuelled guitar solo half way through confirms this band definitely have something to offer. A pretty deadly song. What’s next?

Next song Higher has more of an early eighties rock feeling. Solid muted guitars with melodic bursts and soaring vocal harmonies that could stand out well in any arena. God, Irish bands are really starting to play rock well again. Fuck Fight Like Apes, this is the next generation. Third track Can’t Stop reverts back to the Zeppeling bluesy style during the verse, a foot stomping Aerosmith styled chorus and a another blues driven solo drive the song home. The vocals remain like a mix of early Steve Tyler and Chris Cornell (yes I know more bands but I’m not trying to be obscure, just blunt) but they don’t diversify much from the standard style. Still, this doesn’t affect things much. Fourth song Hey You has a good AC/DC kind of riff. Slow beats and alot of little lead moments fill the verse before a Rolling Stones-esque chorus give the song it’s full character. Just having a look through the gig calendar and I have to say I’m a little pissed I haven’t checked this band out before when they might have actually been playing in Dublin. The verse continues to kick on before the second chorus speeds the tempo up before a melodic bridge leaves the gates open for a piercing harmonica piece that goes on to jam with the lead guitar. Very, very, very impressed.

Unfortunately there’s only six songs and we’re at number five. Crave changes the pace completely. It starts like a sappy acoustic song with mediocre, wanna be meaningful lyrics. I’m afraid Tickets There just can’t trust a song that sounds like Nickleback wrote it. Next tune! Do It Again bursts in with all guitars rolling and the band return to what they do best, full frontal, clean sounding rock n roll. I always secretly miss the danger sound that acts like Guns N Roses bring to this sound but there ain’t nothing wrong with what Jaded Sun are doing and I think I’ll have another run through the tracks before jumping to the next review. Defiantly a band worth checking it out if you’re a fan of 70’s rock.

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MYSPACE REVIEW – THE RAPPORT

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , , on July 1, 2009 by Tickets There

therapport_myspacereview

Moving slowly along from the excellent Jaded Sun, I’ve had a look at my online friends and found what sounds like a great act from Louth. I’ve never even heard of The Rapport but a few seconds into their first track, I was sold.

As usual, I’ve never heard their album or seen them live.

First song Solid Gold starts like an early nineties grunge bruiser. Heavy gruelling guitars banging a slow beating riff out while gritty vocals belt out fast straight to the point lyrics. A strangely placed bridge interferes for a few seconds before a bursting sing along anthem style chorus trips in and leads to a short but energetic guitar solo to close things of. Another emptyish moment slows things down again and the song is filled out with another roar of the chorus. Not a bad little track by any means. Second song, A Certain Superficial European Humanbein changes things a little and sounds more like a hardcore moment. The song is lyrically blunt and it has more of those awkward quiet moments that are obviously placed for tension building. There are some funky bass fillers but nothing too special. The build towards the end and proceeding chorus does a good job of rejuvenating a song lacking in structure.

Third song, What Happened to the Independent Women has a little more melody than the others. I can only assume that’s one of those dodgy Zoom pedals accompanying the guitars and I’m sure a good prouder could do wonders for this number. The singer doesn’t really build the verse properly and before you know it the chorus jumps in without giving any time to get comfortable. There’s a little more sleaze in this one but the instruments just aren’t standing out enough this time and the song falls over it’s self a little. It does manage to deliver the best solo of the three tracks and the chorus feels a little more constructed as the song finishes.  

Stars May Fall brings things to an end and this time the band have dropped the gritty guitars for a cleaner intro. It’s a little slow and the first verse seems to drag on for sometime before things start to pick up. The vocals in the bridge sound a little out of tune and another Audioslave sounding chorus makes the bands sound a little less impacting. Overall, it’s probably the best structured song they have and the guitar-less moments are phased out and several complementing riffs are tossed in throughout the track.

Not the worst and much better than my criticisms make them sound. Tickets There would recommend The Rapport as a ‘one to watch’ and we’ll be looking for a live show to see how they sound in real life.

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MYSPACE REVIEW – BURNING SHADES

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , , , on July 1, 2009 by Tickets There

burningshades_mysacereview

After a day spent watching Def Leppard Video’s, series 2 of Yes Minister and writing, I think one more review is in order before I switch the computer off ad relax for a few hours. Today we’ve had Jaded Sun from Dublin, who turned out to be one of the best bands I’ve found since starting these reviews. We’ve also heard The Rapport from Louth who have the potential to be a great grungy rock band if they keep at it and now it’s time to visit Sligo and see what Burning Shades are like. These guys have been picked because they’re online and that’s good enough for Tickets There (remember, low standards).

As usual, I haven’t seen the band live or heard their EP.

First track under the knife is Last Star and there seems to be a problem, it won’t play. OK, moving along to second track, The Soft Hours. Again, it’s not working. Time to refresh and see’s what happens.

This time I’ve had more luck as second last song, Light of the Shadows works…ah shit, its crap. Well I guess this ends my hopes for a trilogy of great bands. Just sounds like a cheap, badly produced, second hand Pumpkin/Alice in Chains number. The vocals are piss poor and the music is so dull it’s hard to believe the band could have any enthusiasm writing or playing something like this. Last but not least in the list of awful things about this song, the lyrics are terrible and the it’s four and a half minutes in length. Awful, Awful, Awful. Next song!. Nightangle is worse than the first one and the band seem to delve further into this Nirvana styled acoustic sound. Out of tune harmonies and a complete and total lack of musical ability or originality. Next fucking song, please because lads,’ I don’t feel like crying’ either.  

Splinter Vision’s intro is a little livelier than the other two. The singers voice is so ripped off and weak there’s seems little point than going further in…but this is Tickets There and we always soldier on. The Chorus is another attempt at deep, meaningful waste of space nonsense that is the defining characteristic of any shit band like this. Lyrically, the song is impotent and it’s filled with pending applications to the international database of cliché’s (much like your reviews Tickets There – Ed). Finally it ends and we can proceed with this massacre of the senses.  

Murder on the High Sea’s suggests that this next track will be a jolly old sea chantey. Instead, it’s yet another slow moving, boring as fuck acoustic number. The vocals are impossibly boring and the music is more depressing than Joy Division, with none of the talent. One credit I will give the band is this. If these guys can be a band who records material, there is hope for everyone out there. Want an extract? Burning Shades are the kind of band that make bad musicians feel better about themselves.

While they may not be the worst of the worst musically, their songs are so riddled with overly mediocre, beats, lifeless lyrics and guitars that have the character of a sock. I’m hoping next song, Anira Ramana is bringing things to an end so I can publish this piece of shit review. What can I say about this one eh? Surprise, surprise it’s awful? I think you might have seeing that coming. I am pretty much reserved to the fact that there won’t be any opinion changing tracks out of the seven they have. Once again I’m annoyed that the worst bands always seem to have an abundance of material while the really savage ones generally have fuck all. Skipping straight along to Sailors Map, Tickets There feels this has to be the end. I don’t care if there’s another song left, I cant hold out I’m afraid. Again it’s crap, review done.

Tickets There advices all readers (that means you, guy who reads these reviews) to have a listen and see what you think. Not sure if I made myself clear but the official TT opinion is this music isn’t fantastic….to say the motherfucking least but if you’re ever thinking of heading to Sligo, this music perfectly captures the ambience in that town.

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MYSPACE REVIEW – ADEBISI SHANK

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , , on July 1, 2009 by Tickets There

myspaceshank_review

After the dreadful nonsense I inflicted on myself with So Cow, I decided to go back and check out another of Ireland’s supposed underground treasures. Now, I’ve seen mentions of Adebisi Shank around but aside from seeing a few photos, I really haven’t a clue about them. According to their MySpace, the band hails from Wexford, which I think is a first for Tickets There’s MySpace Review but don’t quote me on that.

Let’s go, haven’t seem them live or heard their album/E.P

Snakeships may be second on the list but it seems to want to be first so why not indulge. Fast drum intro, guitars kick in after a few seconds, defiantly nothing to hate yet. Nice electric melody that sets a good tone and they don’t seem to be rushing anything. Things break down in a good hard driven riffy break before the guitars explode back with the drums. Not too bad, certainly an improvement on the last few bands. 1.28 in and no lyrics, Tickets There suspects we have an instrumental act on our hands. Rather than sounding a little tired and boring, it’s pretty damn good. Hard, fast n heavy. Lets see how second track Horse holds up. Crunchy, scattered bass lines and some amazing guitar. Tickets sat well back for this one and rather than trying to go into detail, all I say is there is some incredible musicians in this group, really fucking good to be honest. The absence of lyrics is barley noticed as the band plough through different riffs and solo’s with ease, bringing them all together is a tremendously heavy style. Looks like ASIWYFA have some competition.

Third track (fourth on their list) Jump Cut once again stats with the drums but this time the guitars aren’t as heavy. Not the most inspiring start to a track and certainly not as ‘in your face’ as the other two but not too bad. This one sounds more like an indie number rather than metal. The problem with instrumental indie is all too often, it just sounds like a normal, wordless song rather than something that stands out clearly by itself like the previous two tracks. Ah well, could be a hell of alot worse. lets see what we’re missing from the final and first song, You Me. Well, well, well sounds good, but my net crashes once again and it keeps skipping to Snakeships.

That’s all from me then. Certainly a band worth checking out for all rock fans looking for something a little different.

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MYSPACE REVIEW – THE DEAD FLAGS

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , , on July 1, 2009 by Tickets There

deadflags

I’m going to have to be honest with you all, Tickets There is originally from Sligo, Co. Arse Hole of No Where and after reviewing my first ..Sligo.. band, Burning Shades last week, I feel compelled to find an act with a little more talent and a lot less shit from my native home. Hopefully, The Dead Flags will provide me with an opportunity to reflect on Sligo a little more fondly than Burning Shades did.

As usual, I’ve never seen the band line or heard their album/E.P.

Aright, short and sweet for this one. This is my third review today and I’ve other stuff to be getting on with. First song, I Cant be Held Responsible opens with a semi-crunchy bass line before the all too familiar sound of indie guitars..ect comes in. They’ve geared towards a kind of sixties pop sound with a little more noise. The vocals are pretty annoying and sound kind of like a few cats screaming. Not the best, not extremely catchy but a marked improvement from Burning Shades (Jesus I hate that band). The song actually gets a little better three and half minutes in when the vocals start to sound normal and with a bit of rework, you could have a decent track on your hands. Lets move on shall we.

Second song, Gentleman’s Club opens with a very simple guitar riff (would you even call it that?) before the band swank in with a seventies styled rock riff. Not too bad, a little lacking in character but a huge leap forward from the first song. As the song progresses it actually starts to grow on you. Ya there’s nothing new here but what their doing isn’t half bad. It’s good old fashioned poppy rock. Maybe there’s something in these lads. You Will Never Love Again brings us to the half way point. While the song lacks the energy of Gentleman’s Club, it does show the band have a knack for writing semi-catchy tunes. It seems to drag on in places and the music is a tad stale, but I feel so relived there not as bad as Burning Shades (yes, I thought they were that fucking bad) that I’m willing to praise this crowd. I do like the downbeat chorus. Not bad.

O My Love!, O My God!! Starts off like a gospel choice. It’s a poppy little piece about some guy getting some sexy little thing and describing the goings on with such witticisms as ‘doing the no pants dance’..etc. Not great and possible something Tickets There would generally hate. Must have caught me on a good day. Also seems to really drag on even though it’s just three and a half minutes long. Before finishing, the weak, annoying backing vocals manage to kick in one more time. Last song, How Long is a little more melodic than the previous tracks. It’s not too bad, not much you can say. Other people have done it before but others have done it better. Singers voice is defiantly not strong enough to pull of the high notes.

Eh, better than some but fairly boring. One of those reviews you can read the lack of enthusiasm from.

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MYSPACE REVIEW – ASH (RETURN OF WHITE RABBIT)

Posted in IRISH NOISE!, Music, MySpace Review, Single Review with tags , , , , , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

Ash_myspacereview

Not a real MySpace Review but instead a look at Ash’s new single. Have some of their albums but have never had the pleasure of seeing them live.

Well, for anyone thinking the loss of Charlotte Hatherley would hurt Ash you’re about to get a serious wake up call. Return of White Rabbit is basically the promotional single for their novel A-Z Single series which will see the band release 26 singles every two weeks starting this September. The song sees the band return to their perfect pop foundations as they mix unbelievably crunchy bass riffs and samples with one hell of a catchy chorus. If this isn’t a dance floor favourite in the next week then there’s something seriously wrong with people.

I think I may be too hungry to describe this song properly so I’m just going to say this, download it! Download it now and be happy on this sunny Saturday.

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MYSPACE REVIEW SPECIAL – BELL X1

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , , , , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

MySpace_BellX1

I must start by apologizing for this review being so behind the times. I’ve been meaning to write this for a long time and I’m finally going to force myself through it. The Bellies release their fourth album (Blue Lights on the Runway) in January and three songs have been posted on their MySpace. As a special MySpace Review, Tickets There has decided to sit down and give them a go to see if the boys still have it.

The Great Defector starts things off with a strong beat built from techno/organ sounding keyboards and Paul’s typical strong drumming. Nice changes, typical wacky lyrics that always see to work and the always pleasing harmonies make the song a nice little slice of poppy rock. The guitars have a real sunshine and beaches party feel. This may be coming from the lads recent stints over stateside where they’ve been picking up some great press and even managed to make several TV appearances. Not a massive leap from their traditional style but pleasing all the same.

How Your Heart is Wired sounds like a lot of their previous work. A RnB drum and soft vocals backed by a slight piano melody before little guitar segments kick in. Instead of writing while listening, I decided to sit back after the last sentence and give it my full attention and it’s actually a great song. Lovely sounds that make it both atmospheric and tranquil. The lads have really harnessed their strong points and developed them far beyond Neither Am I and Tickets There’s personal favourite, Music in Mouth. From what I’ve heard so far, I think I’ll pop out shortly to get the album.

A Better Band is the last of the new material on MySpace. Different style once again and more in keeping with older tracks. Good use of a cow bell and soothing guitars while still managing to keep a strong presence. Not a fantastic number but certainly not a bad number either. The chorus is a little empty for my tastes and in comparison to the two previous tracks, this doesn’t hold it’s own as well. Also has a bit of a Grand Theft Auto: Vice City eighties feel to it. Emotion FM here we go. Half way through there’s a nice bridge that starts to turn the flow of the song around and eventually erupts in a start stop guitar burst followed by a slow but thumping drum beat before it all falls together and the lads go at it all guns blazing. No lyrics, just mighty, slow, rockin beats. God was I fooled into thinking this would be the weak song.

Overall, incredible stuff, sounds like the boys certainly do still have what it takes. Not sure who this is going down with their old fans but I’m converted.

Fair play!

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MYSPACE REVIEW – HOLY ROMAN ARMY

Posted in IRISH NOISE!, Music, MySpace Review with tags , , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

MySpace_TheHolyRomanArmy

After an extremely long and underproductive break (our vinyl habit took over again, sorry all), we’re back and ready for action. No long intro, lets jump straight into it.

Todays choice is Holy Roman Army, an Irish band based in Dublin but originally from Carlow (according to their MySpace). I’ve never heard their album or seem them live. I picked them because I studied Classics in Uni and I liked the name 🙂 (yes, I keep switching between We and I. Just pretend I’m/We’re a schizophrenic).

Well, it appears I’ve stumbled on one of Irelands best kept secrets. Imagine this, an Irish band playing piss pour chick electronic music. Who’d have thought with this sea of culturally driven artists currently dominating the countries clubs and venues. Wait, sorry, that’s all bullshit. Irish people’s tastes have gone as bad as their dress sense. I’d forgotten just how bad poncy Irish bastards like their music to be. Elegy opens the short set of three tracks. Can’t really say music. A slow beat, very little hint of melody and sounds like they just played for one minute of the four minutes and thirty six seconds and pressed loop. Sounds a little like the cranberries under water. Next (and yeah, am I looking forward to writing yet another fucking bad review of a band. It’s every critics dream to just find shit every single fucking time they try and promote their nations talent).

Dublin in the Deadlight is so boring (and I’m sure to some listeners inspiring, atmospheric and enchanting…retards, try listening to real music and you might cop on a little). Pretty much the same thing again except the cheesy lyrics are more coherent. “Fractured Lights, I do not know her name, I do not know how to get back home“, Basically the sound of a band trying their hardest to be different while still doing their best to connect with all the spa’s you see around this countries towns and cities with blue tooth headsets and take away coffee’s because their too busy to either sit or hold a phone. God save us from the humiliation we lash on ourselves.

Stagger Gently Home is last and probably least. Broken beats with no hint of anything enjoyable. A total mess of nonsensical gibberish and badly placed instrumentals. Basically, this I the kind of thing Jape can do and make it truly special, while The Holy Roman Army just make it so boring you’d rather stare at the wall than stick on their cd.

Avoid, Avoid, Avoid. Roman armies of the past deserve more respect than this shower.

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MYSPACE REVIEW – DARK ROOM NOTES

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

darkroomnotes_Review

Well, it’s been a few weeks which I regret; people were actually reading things last time I was here so I wouldn’t mind keeping that going. Then again, it’s not too bad to take breaks and reassess what you’re doing. Too easy to get caught up in a cliché ideal and I could have been in danger of just becoming another ranting for the sake of it asshole.

However, today’s MySpace Review wont help matters much as I’ve decided to go ahead with the mundane eighties wanna be’s and current culture trend victims, Dark Room Notes. I had hopes that due to the steadily building fan base their acquiring, they might have something to offer the world but nay. Just another bunch of watered down rip off’s with as much imagination on their song writing as Cliff Richard.

As (almost) normal, I haven’t seen the band live or heard their album. Right, lets get started (once again). Lets Light Fires is first up to bat. Very done before intro, drums beats and synths the beg for New Order to sort out. Cant really make much out until the bridge as lead singer Ronan Gaughan wimpers how he and his group “No I wont back down” although it sounds like a stiff breeze would blow him a mile. Kind of hard to take it seriously when an electronic puppy is crying in the background. Lets Light Fires is weak, mostly because of the lead singers voice. The music does mange to get stronger as the song progresses but the chorus is a little annoying. New singer, new lyrics and redo the chorus, could be a decent tune.

The Same City Awaits Me is next. Another watered down mellow electronic intro. Kind of song that would have appeared on the beach f a good band got hold of it. Lead singers feeble voice slugs in again leaving a gaping hole of emptiness between good playing and his ‘contribution’. If it wasn’t for the moments of just music, this would be a terrible piece but if they ditched the singer, this band could pass themselves off as a poor mans Le Galaxie.

Elm’s next. God, I’m finding it hard to concentrate with the voice, it’s so useless and badly produced in comparison to the rest of the music. Then again, synths keeping butting in with little annoying moments. Imagine Joe Strummer with a vocal problem fronting Moby! That’s kind of it. Very boring, none of the songs stand out. Usually you can tell the difference between the mundane shitty songs and the flagship shitty songs but not this time. .

Each and Every One of Us finishes this mornings proceedings. Intro’s a little more interesting than the others, while still being done with exactly the same formula. Vocals kick in and sounds like Trent Reznor with problems. Whole thing is a little eighties again. What more can I say? It’s pretty much the same as the others except a little darker. Is possibly the contender for best song here but would need a new singer to be sure. .

Not Tickets There’s kind of thing and not good for what it is. I hate these kind of reviews because I keep tuning out and writing waffle. A reputable site would deem it unsuitable for publication, Tickets There has no such standards. .

AVOID!!…

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MYSPACE REVIEW – MASS EXTINCTION

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

MySpace_massextinction

Tickets There is sick. Sick of Indie, sick of singer / songwriter, sick of all the heap of shit poncy, waste of space bands out there. Have I done anyone thing to stop these bands getting attention? No!, the four people that read my blog may never have known about some of the bands I detest if I hadn’t written about them. The MySpace review isn’t meant to be dedicated to tearing suspected shit bands apart (or about saying shit four hundred and sixty times in every review). It’s meant to be about finding a good band and a few months ago I did…

Mass Extinction came to my attention when I was in the grips of a Slayer / Megadeth buzz and being the internet nerd I am, I decided to see if Ireland has a thrash metal scene. Turns out it does and some of the acts aren’t half bad. Raging Conflict has a good bit of strength behind them, Gama Bomb have the odd good one but Mass Extinction take the cake. Real thrash aggression, powerfully played by a great band. Fuck Indie and read on.

As usual, I haven’t seen the band live and because I’ve been so dedicated to building up friends, listening to Judas Priest and going drinking, I haven’t had a chance to listen to the EP I bought about a month ago. Don’t believe me? Couldn’t care less, Tickets There doesn’t lie.

Global Assign tumbles along with a great little riff. Hard, fast thrash that assaults through the speakers. Volume has to go up for this one because the drums are the only thing lacking here and I want them pumping. There isn’t anything new in terms of sound or structure. I mean, Thrash metal is Thrash metal. If it sounded different it wouldn’t be Thrash, but these guys know how to fucking rock the boat. The only thing missing is the catch which generally isn’t captured by a band until they have some serious stage time under their belts. The singer isn’t trying to sound like any of the big four which makes a welcoming change and the band are tight as fuck. Wicked, what’s next!

Kill on Command thunders through the speakers now as the metal buzz grows. All the instruments come pounding together and lead singer Tom’s vocals roar through the verse likes there’s no tomorrow (a classic cliché if ever there was one). A common trait among new metal bands is half assed, rip off solos and thankfully, Mass Extinction has neither. Sure they probably sound like someone else’s but that’s just an unfortunate downside to playing music that’s been around for almost thirty years (for Indie fans, think of U2 and the Killers). Something I’ve noticed on these first two tracks is a refusal to explode into a dominating chorus, something that led to bands like Metallica and many others leaving their thrash roots. This makes it clear that ME have no desires on breaking Top of the Pop’s any time soon.

Nuclear Dawn wastes no time getting straight down to business with one of those awe inspiring intro’s of aggressive drums and solo’s. More powerful, darker and in your face than the previous songs. Did I actually complain about the drum sound earlier? Jesus, this thing would have your neck in pieces if you saw it live. The only flaw in this song is you have to wait for almost three minutes before Brian (or Adam’s) lead guitar comes tearing back, looking for vengeance. Obviously these lads were raised on a  diet of Ride the Lightening and Master of Puppets. The influence ooze’s out but here’s where their different from all the Killers / Joy Division / Smiths Indie rip off bands, Mass Extinction can fucking do it well and make it sound fresh rather than sounding like BLATANT FUCKING SHITE!

Bound in Flesh sadly brings the most enjoyable MySpace Review I’ve ever done, to an end. Rather than opening with a tearing guitar solo, the band return to formula as pounding drums and a duel lead riff bounce back and forth before muting down into a brooding background behind Tom’s vocals. More reserved than the previous tracks but just as powerful. The bridge solo around two minutes in  has a touch of Megadeth flat lining about it. Powerful, aggressive and totally fucking downplayed (in a good way). No showing off, no attempt to make the listener feel joy, just a hard, fast assault on the system. Not the strongest song of the bunch but pretty severe. The solo towards the end once again displays the lead guitars talent for perfectly placed solos without going into overkill.

Tickets There says…go and buy their E.P. right (might as well swear one last time) FUCKING now!

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MYSPACE REVIEW – WE SHOULD BE DEAD

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

WSBD_MySpace_Review2

Sunday, very hung over, tired and a little grumpy. Time for a review me thinks! Not in the mood for a big intro so here the basic spiel.

Limerick locals, We Should Be Dead are today’s choice for a MySpace review. I don’t know much about them but I saw their album today in Golden Discs and decided to give them a go. I haven’t seen them live or heard the album.

Forget Romance, Lets Dance is first. Intro’s not bad, good strong drum beat and heavy guitars that are a little eighties-ish (Can people of the 21st century not do something fucking new for a change, STOP RE-HASHING the Fucking past people, move on). But it works well here. Unlike other bands at the moment, WSBD keep it simple and this song doesn’t carry any of the wackiness nonsense others seem to be lapping up at the moment. Not a fantastic song by any means, very plain but strong. Whats next?

I Feel In Love With You pop’s along and wastes no time getting straight into the action. Basic guitars again and designed for sher fun. Sounds like A LOT of other music but I’m so happy there’s no lyrics about Ballet Shoes or Snore Bore Whore’s that I refuse to criticise a band who keep it simple and fun, how else could I justify being a Def Leppard fan? (Although, we’ll get into that another day). I Feel In Love With You in alright, but I find my focus slipping easily.

Playback introduces synths to the bands sound. Sounds a little like a song Weezer threw away. The singers voice lets the sound down a little, she doesn’t really cut loose and seems to concentrate on maintaining her ‘cool’ sound. Personally, I need my music to have a bit more strength behind it but what can you do. The more I listen to this song, I realize I cat tell it apart from the other two and it’s very possible the lead singer is using the exact same lyrics every time. OK, enough of that, next song.

Zero Point Five brings their MySpace selection to a close. So far, only the first one is holding any merits in my book. The songs just sound like average eighties, pop/rock tunes. Not much substance and nothing to distinguish them, leaving them to just kind of limp on and on. Couple of nice changes in the last one but my interest has left the building.

Tickets There’s opinion, not bad, would probably watch them live but wouldn’t pay for the privilege and wouldn’t buy the album.

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MYSPACE REVIEW – THE BROTHERS MOVEMENT

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

TheBrothersMovement

After reminiscing with A Lazarus Soul earlier, I decided to check out fellow 80’s/early 90’s Madchester / Brit pop sound-alike’s, The Brothers Movement. Like ALS, I saw TBM by accident during the IMRO showcase week. They had only been a band a few months when they played the show but their set was tight and boosted incredible visuals. Not incredible enough to suck Tickets There in but good enough to pop back into my mind from time to time.
I don’t think they have an album and I was drunk when I saw them live.

Opening song Blind is nice. It’s late, it’s Saturday, I’m sitting on my couch chillaxing and this song is perfect. I’ll use one of my ‘imagine’ lines to sum it up. Liam Gallagher singing a song written by Noel and being preformed by The Stone Roses. Vocals are confident, music is perfect, harmonies are lovely. Deadly!

Nothing Means Anything comes along sounding a little like an opening to a Jape song. Before the classic Brit sound comes back with a slicing but slow guitar build. There seems to be a little U2 thrown in, but it’s more stonney than them. The song could be best described as gentle. Not as strong as Blind but okish.

A live recording of Leave Your Body Behind is up next and instantly packs more of a punch than the previous songs. Beating drums and guitars build and build as other instruments start to tap in. The song breaks into a lunging 60’s-esque electric guitar driven jam for over a minute before Neil Paxton’s vocals tear in. Similar to Joy Division’s Digital or Turn’s Never Needed. Excellent song, has my head sinning anyways.

Sometimes brigs an enthralling selection of songs to a close. Hippyish, acoustic bluesy song that doesn’t really do a whole pile, especially after the mad driven rock of Leaving Your Body Behind. Gets stronger as it goes on though and turns into a good candidate for a live favourite…. and I suddenly have an urge to listen to The Doors.

Great band, looking forward to seeing them again soon, but this time on purpose.

Check out their MySpace Below

–http://www.myspace.com/thebrothersmovement

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MYSPACE REVIEW – A LAZARUS SOUL

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

MySpace_Review2_ALS

Dublin locals, A Lazarus Soul are definitely not getting the attention they deserve. I remember thinking that after seeing them by accident last year, when they supported Ham Sandwich in the Village. Made up of lead singer / songwriter Brian Brannigan and drummer Fin O’ Leary and completed by Joey, Bryan and Tony from The Future Kings of Spain. Several months on and I still haven’t heard much from them so I decided it was time to do a MySpace Review and see why people weren’t taking about them.

As usual, I haven’t heard their album but I have seen them live (which is fine by the rules).

Try to imagine Morrissey singing for Joy Division. Now imagine a Dublin band doing it, and doing it pretty well. While the sound of first song Icon may not be the most unique or original, it is good. We’ve seen the horror’s of bands trying to sound retro and ‘push the boundaries’ by mixing old styles together and insisting on recording their (and I use this term loosely) songs. So why not excuse one of the bands that take an old style and make it fresh again? Icon’s dark lyrics and musical styles paint a bleak picture. Musically, the song jumps between quiet and composed beating versus before the trade mark Joey Wilson guitar jumps in to turn the songs direction around. Not a bad start.

The Day Harry Left changes the tone with more of a sombre arrangement. Quiet guitar melodies and a beating bass keep a less imposing track going. Lyrically, the song is harking back to better times before the so called ‘Harry’ left for England, ending up with the narrator finding a new happiness without Harry. Nice, different, what’s next.

Srk starts off a little slowly and brings to mind a lot of previous songs. This time it’s more along the lines of New Order. The bridges and verses follow a similar tone to the previous tracks but don’t carry the same weight. It also moves very slowly and doesn’t boost any majorly interesting characteristics or changes.

Only Say The Word is last, and while it may not be as good as Icon or The Day Harry Left, it does bring an interest back to the group. Quiet and composed as always, the song opens with echoey snths’s before Brian’s vocals and the rest of the band kick in. Once again, the Verse lacks much f a kick but more prominent guitars and drums keep a steady beat going. Lyrically the song is one of the best. A Lazarus Soul may have more high notes thrown in than the previous tracks but its as dark as anything they have here.

I’m sorry for the lack of enthusiasm in today’s review, Tickets There is still pretty hung-over from the last two nights, but I can recommend A Lazarus Soul if your in a quiet, semi-morbid mood. Not sure they have the gist in them to take over the world but they have enough to keep you listening.

Check out their MySpace below,..

–  www.myspace.com/alazarussoul

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MYSPACE REVIEW – ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

oNEdAYiNTERNATIONAL

After the joys of finally being able to write something good about a band in the previous MySpace Review, I’m filled with an actual want to do another. Picking an act is a little more complex that filtering bands and choosing randomly. If you come across a band playing dance when you’ve a headache, your not going to enjoy them and that’s not fair on the band. Fortunately, I’m in the perfect mood for what’s on offer over at One Day International’s MySpace. As usual, I haven’t seen the band live and haven’t heard their album (if they have one). This review is simply based on their MySpace.

I wont pretend to know anything about One Day International. I’d heard of them before writing this review but only their name. Once again, I’m pleasantly surprised by the strength of their songs and feeling behind them.

Little Death starts things off. Nice, un-interfering song that would sit perfectly in any little dark club. Piano’s and a soft drum beat. Singer Matt Lunson (I presume he’s the singer) manages to avoid lyrical cliché’s for such an emotional song that most Irish bands dive head first into. The music changes perfectly compliment each other and the vocal bridge that closes the song resembles Bell X1 at their finest.

Sleeping on Trains is next and doesn’t pull you in as quickly as the first song. More emotional and the lyrics about the trains are a little…ya know. About a minute into the song the music really kicks in with a sad kind of circus feeling around it. Lovely little track that really comes together in the second half.

When Miss Your Mouth comes on, it becomes very clear this band are not here to sing songs like Start Me Up or YMCA. One Day International are all about the heart on sleeve loss of life. Fortunately, the music is so strong, with such awe-lovely changes that you cant help but let it grab you. The quiet, powerful drums, violins and piano’s add real depth and fantasy to the singers deep, soft voice. This is the kind of music Radiohead have to make poncy and pretentious and ruined it for everyone. Miss Your Mouth continues the trend of this band getting better and better and has to have the best sing along chorus yet.

Not over Yet is another beautiful song. The vocals are incredible. I don’t think there’s enough respect for true, simple talent these days. There’s no gimmicks here, no illusions of grandeur. Just simple, perfect music. I’m almost fed up writing this because it’s interfering with one of the nicest songs I’ve heard from an Irish act in a long time.

Is it fair to say Tickets There is a fan? Fuck yeah. Its also fair to say I’ve rushed through writing this review so I can finish and properly appreciate their songs. I just saw their still recording their début and it’s defiantly going to be in Tickets There’s collection when it does come out.

Check out their myspace…NOW!
www.myspace.com/onedayinternational

And (god help us), try and catch them (in the worst possible environment), The Odessa Club on Feb 26th. Great bands on the bill, terrible, terrible place for shows… and only because the poncy ass members who insist on being there.

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MYSPACE REVIEW – LE GALAXIE

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

LEGALAXIE

Always a sceptic of favourite Irish acts these day, I’ve decided to pick yet another of Ireland’s hotly tipped underground acts for the fourth Tickets There MySpace Review. Le Galaxie are making quite the name for them selves these days. Their dance beats are finding friends with indie heads, metal heads and pop fanatics, not easy boundaries to break. As usual, I haven’t seen the band live or heard their album, the following review is based on solely on their MySpace tracks.

As I Feel The Fire loads up, I decide to take a sneak peak to get an idea of their style. After a few seconds I had to turn it off. Sunday mornings are not the best times to stick on instrumental dance. I can never understand those guys with dance beats blaring in their cars at nine in the morning. Then again, I can’t understand metal fan drivers who go around with Slayer on during the day either, well, not unless they plan of having some good old fashioned road rage and their driving monster trucks. I went straight to The Script’s MySpace to give them ago and about eight seconds in, I realized the very bad mistake I had just made. I heard they were poppy but sitting through music like that is on par with Nazi torture, except more drawn out and self inflicted.

LeGalxie it is and opening song, I Feel The Fire isn’t too bad, not too bad at all.  It has a kind of THX Sound intro that you hear in cinemas with overdubs of a Resident Evil disaster warning. Good beats, nice synths that build steadily. At the end of the day, it’s a dance song. You cant write too much other than this is a pretty great song. About a minute in and there’s a burst of guitars, drum beats and vocals. Impressed and surprised to say the least. Theirs a true air of grandeur and an appreciation for the bodies connection with the sound. (in non-bullshit/waffle words, this is sweet!)

I have to stop I Feel the Fire on the third listen because it’s Sunday morning and I want to go back to watching the telly. LA Takedown’s up next. Kind of a soppy opening. Not as hard hitting as IFTF but nice. More based around guitars bass ad drums rather than dance beats and synth’s. Song bursts open again and displays some Arcade Fire traits. Eh, not really Tickets Theres thing. Sounds like a lot of indie stuff out there but without the lyrics. Probably nice in the middle of a live set though and has enough going on to keep you interested.

We Bleed the Blood of Androids brings the vibe back on par with the first song…but then doesn’t. I don’t know if it’s the floating, echoey beats or the drifting guitars but this is another brilliant song. Just as I was getting worried they might only have one. Riveting, powerful, uplifting. If I took pills, this would be on my play list for the first time.

The forth and self titled track, Le Galaxie sounds like a U2 remix. Worse then LA Takedown, not as good as the other too. Follows a similar formula to the previous songs but it’s a little more bland. Nice opening, kind of choppy but again, not my cup of tea.

3061 is the final song of the day and for the first time doing on of these review (yeah, like it’s been a million), I’m a little disappointed. Le Galaxie are a very, very good band. I’m not a major dance fan. I like The Prodigy, The Happy Mondays, New Order, Marshall Jefferson and some garage but not a whole lot else and sadly, 3061 is more of a phase out song rather than an actual track. Still after two brilliant songs, one okish one and one that I wont be rushing out to buy, Tickets There is finally happy to say we (as in I) fully recommend Le Galaxie. They may not be the most novel or unique act (Chemical brothers anyone?) but their good at what they do and that’s even becoming rare these days.

Catch them in Whelan’s on February 25th.

And visit them on MySpace: www.myspace.com/lemusicgalaxie

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MYSPACE REVIEW – BATS

Posted in Music, MySpace Review with tags , on June 3, 2009 by Tickets There

MySpaceReview_Bats

Bats are currently building up a nice little fan base around Dublin. They’re listed a favourites on several notable music blogs, E-Zines, stores and magazines. To Tickets There, they sound like a mix of Chop, chop, stop! Indie with a tea spoon of metal. Once again, I haven’t heard their EP or seen them live. This review is based on the tracks they have on their official MySpace.

Opening song, Atom and Eve isn’t really a song. It’s more a mix of several styles, none of them their own, all thrown together into a blender. More than likely they mastered the song by cutting up a load of demo’s tapes and sticking them together randomly. It kind of starts, then the bottom falls out, then they add something to keep it going (like the blatant Metallica, Creeping Death rip of riff that pop’s up occasionally) but then it all stops again. The song never gets a chance to breath and find it’s feet leaving it a boneless little nuisance. The lyrics follow the same geeky, superhero rubbish so many other bands insist on spuing out these days.  If you want to hear a real singer growl, listen to Joey Wilson from the Future Kings of Spain instead.

Next up is These Only Lay Egg’s. The opening bass/guitar n drums intro sounds like the first song you ever wrote when you picked up a guitar. Kind of annoying, like slow punk, without the anger. Once again the song lacks any sort of character and doesn’t pull you in, in the slightest. It’s a real shame that Irish singers feel such a desperate need to sing like all those California bands. That annoying little emo twinge in their voice drives me up the wall. A nice crunchy bass solo brings hope three minutes into the song and the ‘danger’ set’s in…..only to disappear again. The minute they start the build its gone, which would be fine, but they never deliver, not on these tracks anyway. Think they asked Wham to finish the last minute of the track.

Before I get into the third song, I’d love if someone could message me and explain why Geek’s have managed to take over the underground? It’s not just Bats (and believe me, they’re no where near the worst out there. At least Bats can play…just not formulate songs is all). I know Weezer were cool, but that doesn’t mean everyone has to drop their balls and whine all the time. Start thinking for yourselves people! You aint gonna write a good song, that means something to you, when all you do is rip off anything you can from the past. Has anyone ever heard 80’s Hardcore bands? They did all this better and they weren’t geeks about it.

Last song of the review, Death to Kent Hovind, is pretty much what it says, an attack of controversial conspiracy theorist, Kent E. Hovind. Nothing to praise, noting to slag. Possibly their best song on MySpace though, Not as long, or as thought out as the other two but more structured at least. It manages to sound like a real song.

Tickets There says – Try to catch them live, there are a few moments that sound like they’d be mental with a PA behind them. Definitely not a favourite though (I’m sure they care )

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MURPHY’S LIVE SEMI-FINALS 2008 – BRAVADO Vs Stagger Lee + CATHY DAVEY

Posted in Gig Review, IRISH NOISE!, Music with tags , , , , , , on April 5, 2008 by Tickets There

Whelan’s was packed to the rafters as it hosted the ’Murphy’s Live 2008’ semi finals. Even after the doors had been opened there was still a queue of people stretching back to the front of the pub. The heat inside the venue was so heavy you could barely move without breaking sweat. The tickets hadn’t lied about having to be inside early.

Two bands were on hand to compete against each other for a place in the final round of the competition. ’Stagger Lee’ an incredibly talented and professional quartet with a sound that fuses ’PJ Harvey, Garbage and Sonic Youth’ and ’Bravado’ a fresh young band who are proving themselves with every performance they give. On first sight it’s easy to be pessimistic due to their age but once they play you can hear great potential in their future. Also on the bill, as special guest headliner, is the Award winning and extremely talented and energetic ’Cathy Davey’ who won the award for ’Best Irish Female’ and was nominated in the ’Best Irish Album’ category for her second studio output ’Tales of Silversleeve’ at last years Meteor’s.

First up was ’Stagger Lee’ who did everything in their power to get the crowd energetic from the word go. They had already upped their promotion by providing free badges at the door for all in attendance and were also selling promotional T-shirts. Everything about Stagger’s performance was tight, despite a couple of instances involving high heels and microphone cables; they had their set down to a T, delivering a nice mixture of punk esque rock songs and slower relaxed material. Donna McCabe (vocals) voice gave the songs a ’PJ Harvey, Siouxsie Sioux, Shirley Mason’ feel and the music had an overall 90’s grunge sound about it with some crunchy Bass lines. Tracks such as ’Between Control Confusion, Misery River and their debut single ’Bad shoes’ serve as a taste of thing’s to come when they release their next EP.

’Bravado’ came on second and so did their fans. One thing about being in one of these competitions, ensure your friends, family and fans are there on the night to cheer you on. The lads were a little slower to relax into their set, which I’m sure was on account of the massive crowd in front of them and their inexperience with shows this size, however lead singer Brian Whittington didn’t seem phased in the slightest as he belted into tracks from their first EP including Running, Artificial AngelsOne Day and more recent material like ’Any Other Way, Take your Pick and Too Tired to Sleep’ and

This was the second time I have seen Bravado and they have grown enormously since the quarter finals. On first sight of Stager Lee the thought passed my mind that Bravado were now out of their depth, however they once again surprised me and I’m sure many others. The judges have a very tough decision in front of them and no matter who gets through to the finals; both bands have proven they’ve got what it takes.

As the judges reconvened on the balcony to discuss Bravado and Stager Lee’s performances, Cathy Davey came on stage to a rapturous cheer. Cathy’s recent residency shows around the country, awards and recent singles are really paying off and this could be one of the last chances to see her, not only for free, but in a venue as intimate as Whelan’s. She is set to play the Olympia in June and hopefully, she will follow in the footsteps of Damien Rice, Bell X1, Glen Hansard and Paddy Casey to international acclaim and stardom.

Although this wasn’t Cathy’s night, she preformed with the same grace, power and energy she always does. Opening with ’Mr Kill’ from her new album, she played a fantastic set which included old favorites such as Swing It, Yak Yak’ and new material from ’Tales of Silversleeve’ such as ’Reuben, Sing for your Supper, Collector’ and ’Moving’ which blended perfectly with her debut album material.

Mouth pressed firmly into the microphone, covered in sweat (like every one else in the venue), Cathy closed the night with a single encore and proceeded straight to the fresh cold air awaiting us all outside. Another hugely enjoyable Murphy’s Live evening of music and certainly a reason to start applying for tickets to the final as your guaranteed at least one incredible talent to go through from tonight.


Cathy Davey


Stagger Lee


Bravado


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Concerto for Constantine – Fibber Magee’s AGAIN – March 17th 2008

Posted in Gig Review, IRISH NOISE!, Music with tags , , , , on March 18, 2008 by Tickets There

St. Patrick’s Day in the capital always seemed like too much of a nightmare to get involved in. For years I have avoided going near the town on ‘Ireland’s biggest drinking day’. So being forced to choose between another Paddy’s day on the couch or Concerto for Constantine live in Fibber Magee’s was …..not that difficult J

Entering the capital was a little strange. Talbot street was packed with people walking towards Connolly station. Little green hats and American accents filled the eye’s and the ears for the 10 minute walk, St. Patrick had arrived. Once on O’Connell street, it was very clear that most people had already left the northside. The pubs were half full, the streets were as busy as a normal Friday night (possibly quieter).

Concerto were scheduled to go on stage at 7.30. Whoever, the site of two dozen people, some of them young children, caused the management and the lads to agree on 10:00 o’clock instead.

Across the road I settled down in an amazing pub called ‘The Shakespeare’. Possibly the funniest pub in Dublin. I advise everyone to check this place out because you’ll never see anything else like it. Just think of Father Ted’.

By 9:45 it was time to head back to Fibbers. The crowd had certainly changed by them. The kids and families were gone (thank god) and the second support band were just finishing up. The crowds were nothing like those at Concerto’s last headlining show in Fibbers three weeks previously. Although, for a show with no advertising, no official announcements and changing stage times, there was enough of an attendance to show Concerto have already established a dedicated fan base.

Concerto eventually got to the stage at 10:30. Forthcoming single ‘Minsk’ once again opened their set. A song that only gets better everything you hear it. Unfortunately, Paddy’s day drinking got the better of me and I can’t remember the exact set list. I can remember ‘Gap’s, Cat’s Cradle, WASP’s’, and new song ‘Knife’ all being played to the high standards Concerto have set for themselves. Even Gavin’s Bass head shorting out didn’t manage to kill the mood of the night.

The set was short, although packed with nothing but incredibility savage rock songs. For a band with no release’s and only a handful of shows under their belt it’s a lot more than you would normally expect. ‘Killing Fields’ closed the show. Afterwards the band jumped of the stage and put their bumpiest show yet behind them.

Despite the changing stage times, no advertising, faulty equipment and missing members, Concerto pulled off another fantastic show. Afterwards, the members left early enough as the band were heading to London the next day for their first English dates. Hopefully they will come back to our shores with AnR interest.

 Be sure to catch Concerto at Whelan’s on the 15th of April and (not or) the IMRO showcase gig at the Suagar Club on the 11th April.

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Concerto For Constantine – Fibber Magees – Feb 22nd 08

Posted in Gig Review, IRISH NOISE!, Music with tags , , , , on March 14, 2008 by Tickets There

Concerto for Constantine’s first headlining show in Fibber Magee’s last Friday was certainly an experience I hope to cherish for some time. Fresh from supporting the Smashing Pumpkins at their recent Irish dates, this three piece have managed to form, rehearse and write some ridiculously great ‘in your face’ rock songs all in the last 5 months. How do they do it? well, when you have of Mark Greaney (former JJ72 voice box and axe man), Gavin Fox (formally of Irish indie legends ‘Turn’ and Scottish favourites ‘Idelwild”) and off course, Paul ‘Binzer’ Brennan (who has played with The Frames, Bell X and Mundy, just to name but a few) together, it’s going to be special…or more to the point, it’s Concerto for Constantine and on Friday they ‘ROCKED!’

Support of the night was provided by ‘Power, Jazz trio’ Simon and the Ghost. The group manage to distance themselves from the over ego’d Irish scene they seem to dislike but unfortunately they don’t seem to have the songs to make a real go off it yet. I will say that Jazz to me is like a heater in an igloo, just doesn’t make sense but they are very good at what they do, so for any fans out there, check em out and make your own mind up.

Concerto hit the stage at 10.30 and wasted no time in getting down to business. They opened with ‘Minsk’, a hard, fast, adrenaline fuelled rock n roll anthem that is destined to becoming a fast radio favourite. ‘Minsk’ set the tone for the night as there was no let up in the set. ‘Wasps, Cat’s Cradle, Knife’ and a host of other newly written songs were belted out by the band and sounded like they had been playing them for years. While watching the set, it became very hard to remember they had only formed so recently. It was also hard not to notice the band enjoying them selves so much which can be very rare on our cold, motionless scene these days. Concerto are enjoying what they are doing. Three guys who have played for long enough to understand the importance of having fun.
After an hour and some change they were finished leaving ‘Killing Fields’ to close the set as there was no encore, explained by Mark as being a result of having “no more songs left to play”.

It may have been a short gig by a very new group but it was a certainly the first of many for one of Ireland’s brightest hope’s for a great Hard Rock Band.

Wasps
Cats Cradle
Silver
Falling
Every Thing
Knife
Gaps
Killing Fields

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