This may not really be news – but who cares! Dublin Metal Events have added a poster to the event page for GWAR’s Dublin show which happens January 17th @ The Button Factory. Click on the wee thumbnail image and you’ll get the bigger version (Internet for dummies 101 right there). For all those as excited about this gig as we are, enjoy this little taste 🙂
Tickets for the gig are on sale now through Ticketmaster.ie (other outlets to be confirmed) priced €25 (plus booking fees)
The Pint continues it’s dominating stronghold of the live metal scene in Dublin with this announcement. Dubbed ‘Hail The Gods of Winter’, the one day event being held on January 28th boats 12 bands in one day including well known acts like For Ruin, I’ll Eat Your Face, Sirocco and Waylander (well, we’ve heard of Waylander) not to mention drink promos, stalls and a winter BBQ. All this for a lowly, lowly, lowly, measly, so measly you’d have to ask yourself ‘as a heavy metal fan living in Dublin, how can I justify not going to this?’ measly price of €5 on the door.
The whole thing is being brought to you by Crunch Metal Promotions (who ran Curse The Gods of Summer earlier in the year) and bands are still being confirmed so keep checking C.M.P.’s event page for more details. All confirmed names announced so far can be found below
Celtachor, For Ruin, I’ll Eat Your Face, Sirocco, Shardborne, Syphor, WayLander + 5 More.
January 28th – €5 on the door – 2.30pm – very late.
Since picking up the Choice Award for their 2008 album, Ritual, Jape have seen a massive rise in their popularity both home and abroad. They’ve spent the last three years playing national and international tours as well as several high profile festival spots at Glastonbury, Electric Picnic and many more. Now the band is back with their fourth studio album, Ocean of Frequency and they’re in prime position to make the most of their celebrity as one of Ireland’s leading electro-pioneering pop groups and go all the way.
But do they want to?
Ocean of Frequency is the album Tickets There was anticipating a year ago when the band performed a mini-studio break show in the Button Factory. Sparse, quiet and extremely subdued in almost every way. All in all, a re-design of their classic tranquil sound with little or no attempts made to compete against live classics like ’I Was A Man’, ‘Strike Me Down’ and ‘Floating’ while at the same time it also lacks standout quieter moments like ‘At The Heart of all This Strangeness’, ‘Phil Lynott’ or ‘The Hardest Thing To Do’.
Oddly enough, Jape have chosen not include well received tasters ‘Hands of Fire’ and ‘Lying on a Deathbed’, which surfaced at the start of the summer or ‘The Worry Fades’ that was previewed last year and instead gone all out with a fresh spread for fans to enjoy. The new sound works well on tracks like ‘Please Don’t Turn the Record Off’, ’The Oldest Mind’ and ‘Too Many People’ – the albums opening tracks. However, as the record rolls on it becomes harder and harder to pull real excitement out of it and anyone hoping for a perfect musical assault, like that seen on Ritual, may be in for a let-down. Fans of the older sound will find a lot more to enjoy with songs like ‘You Make The Love’, ‘Scorpio’ and ‘Its Shadow Won’t Make Noise’ adding Jape’s signature writing style to the mix.
Ocean of Frequency is by no means an objectionable record, in fact it perfectly sits in line with the direction Jape initially started off on, but veered away from when Floating became such a hit. Unfortunately though, it lacks a definitive flag ship song to rally around, enjoy and sell it. The band has proven they can go all the way if they want but with Richie Egan’s tendency to keep all eyes focused on the music– maybe this is his way of reverting back to his roots and keep Jape the way he wants it, rather than let fans and popularity dictate the direction his creation should go in. At the end of the day, there’s no arguing with that.
Ocean of Frequency is due release on new label, music/is/for/losers on the 30th September. The official album launch will take place at The Button Factory on Saturday 1 October.
The good folks over at D.M.E. (Dublin Metal Events) have an savage line-up of shows ready to suit the needs of every shot downing, leather wearing, long haired legend in the country. Whether you love rock, hard rock, glam rock, heavy metal, Celtic metal, black metal, death metal or sher, unadulterated gore infestation of the most ancient, alien-enslaving nature – DME got your back ya’ll.
Kicking us off is one of the foundation stones of Irish metal, Primordial. Celebrating two decades together, Primordial will be blowing the walls of the Academy this Saturday after an incredible year that’s seen them finally earn the respect they (and the Irish metal scene) deserve. Since it’s not TT’s cup of tea, we’re not going to bandwagon jump here – but it’s great to see an Irish act get some real recognition. It’s been twenty years, but incredibly enough it might just be the beginning.
Next big one on the TT Calendar (well actually, the first one on our own gig planner) – Norwegian black metal lovelies, 1349. Named after the year the Black Death gripped Norway, 1349 intend on re-igniting the flame of Lucifer in The Pint on October 15th in what will hopefully be a full on corpse-paint blood fest. Wonder how our Def Leppard love will go down with this crowd?
Second on our own planner (all dates listed below – no need to panic), Gorgoroth & Vader @ The Button Factory on November 12th. Now, TT doesn’t know a whole pile about Gotgoroth (aside from folks constantly saying they’re frickin’ amazing!) but we managed to catch Vader’s last Irish show in Whelan’s and that’s enough for us. Without a doubt Poland’s premier metal band and one you should do anything you can to see live.
The Quireboys introduce a little good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll into the line-up when they play Whelan’s on November 27th. Sing along with their classics and you can enjoy Belfast’s Million $ Reload, who’ll be joining them on the night as support. Both bands get a double TT thumbs up which, as you all know, is the highest mark of respect in the world!
Bringing us towards the end of 2011 will be two almost back to back hair metal bonanza nights. First up, The excellent Reckless Love who’ll be hitting Whelan’s on December 2nd for a night of hairspray, spandex and some of the best rock n roll classics ever to emerge out of Finland (Hanoi who now?). Again anyone that was at their Crawdaddy show will agree that this gig promises to be something very special. After that we get some Swedish glam rock from Crashdiet who’ll also be abringing local lads Eazy Tyger along for support. Anyone that hasn’t seen them in a while would do…alright to check out their regular show in Gypsy Rose as there’s a new singer and new sound…well, newish. Both nights promise to make for a great end to 2011 with one final surprise up DME’s sleeve…..
Beasts of the night, enslavers of men and the all-round overlords of the Universe – GWAR will be ringing in the New Year in chaotic fashion when they arrive on stage in Dublin’s Button Factory on Januray 17th to show people how gore metal and stage theatrics should be done. GWAR have always been the pinnacle of on stage extremity with January’s show promising to be one of the highlights of the decade, let alone the year. More details still to be confirmed for this one but D.M.E. are hoping to have this sorted later in the week.
So to sum up, we’re not exactly stuck are we? All tickets are on sale now from Into The Void Records and Ticketmaster.ie (and outlets nationwide) for all events (except GWAR for the moment) and you’ve also got shows from Onslaught, Christ Agony, Evile and Hail of Bullets just in case none of the above appeal to you (although you should ask yourself ‘what sort of person isn’t infatuated by GWAR?’. We say bad people!!). Full list of gigs is available below, keep checking D.M.E.’s official website for more details.
| Band | Venue | Date |
| Primordial | The Academy | 24/09/2011 |
| Onslaught | The Pint | 01/10/2011 |
| Christ Agony | The Pint | 07/10/2011 |
| 1349 | The Pint | 15/10/2011 |
| Evile | The Pint | 23/10/2011 |
| Hail Of Bullets | The Pint | 05/11/2011 |
| Gorgoroth & Vader | The Button factory | 12/11/2011 |
| The Quireboys | Whelans | 27/11/2011 |
| Reckless Love | Whelans | 02/12/2011 |
| Crashdiet | The Village | 04/12/2011 |
| 2012 | ||
| GWAR | The Button factory | 17/01/2012 |
Look what happens, we go quiet for a few months and ye stick The Stunning and The Aftermath on a festival bill together to entice us back! It worked J
The Green Village Music and Arts festival takes place this weekend (Saturday, September 24th ) in Co. Westmeath and promises to be a terrific, recession busting priced event. Major acts on the bill include The Stunning, Ryan Sheridan, The Aftermath, Bipolar Empire and The Riptide Movement (full acts, stage times..etc can be viewed here – http://greenvillage.ie/festival/brochure.pdf)
There’ll also be fun, food, talks, DJ’s – the whole nine yards. Tickets are only €35 per person with cheaper tickets available for OAP’s and Students. Children under 12 go free and camping is also free with the ticket price. Make sure you check this out because quite honestly, this is an event that’ll be hard to miss.
The excellent Le Galaxie round of a great summer of promotion for their incredible Laserdisc Nights II album this week when they play a free show in The Button Factory. This will be the band’s first Dublin show since the album was launched back in June and promises to be a late night of drinking, dancing and major tunage.
Helping the band along on the night will be Three Trapped Tigers, Diamond Dagger, Seams and Nanobot.
It all kicks off at 8pm sharp and again, it’s completely free so get their early!
Another story we’re too far behind on. The excellent JAPE have announced details on their fourth studio album, Ocean of Frequency, with the release date planned for September 30th through music/is/for/losers. Artwork and track listing have been unveiled and you can now get a sneak peak of new track, ‘The Oldest Mind’ by listening below.
Judging by what we’ve heard so far, the album is going to be a fine piece of work and a very worthy follow up to 2008’s Ritual. We’ll keep you posted on any further developments and remember, you can catch Jape on tour across the country throughout September and October. Dates below,
Jape on Tour 2011
Sept 24th – Limerick, Dolans Warehouse
Sept 30th – Cork, Cyprus Avenue
Oct. 1st – Dublin, The Button Factory
Oct. 7th – Mullingar, The Stables
Oct. 8th – Galway, Roisin Dubh
Oct. 11th – Maynooth, N.U.I. Maynooth
Oct. 13th – Belfast, Spring & Airbrake
Oct. 15th – Letterkenny, An Grianan Theatre
Oct. 21st – Tralee, Club Head Bang Bang
Ocean of Frequency track-listing,
Well Tickets There has been very quiet for the past three months, but if anything can bring us out of semi-retirement, it’s the wonderful ASH. How did they do it you ask (unless you have the internet and already know about this story because other, far more reliable steady sites have reported it weeks ago), well it’s simple! ASH, live in Dublin, playing the Free All Angles album in its entirety (plus a few others) with the wonderfully lovely Charlotte Hatherley back in the line-up. Maybe we should start from the beginning, ya haven’t got all day!
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their classic ‘Free All Angles’ album, Ash have announced a series of special IRE/U.K. shows which take place this October and will see the band playing the album in its entirety with former guitarist Charlotte Hatherley re-joining the band to make the shows as special as you can get.
It all takes place at Dublin’s Academy venue on October 18th with tickets priced €20 plus booking fee. They’re on sale now and honestly, unless you have an amazingly valid excuse – Tickets There will think less of you for not attending this show. (thank you MCD and ASH!)
For the last couple of weeks Tickets There has been enjoying a new find, SOnance Hotel. Formed and driven by X-Humanzi sticks man, Brian Gallagher; Sonance Hotel have been writing and recording for over two years and are now ready to release their début album Don’t Look Behind You on July 15th.
Describing the music, you’d have to take influences from urban post rock and brit pop before adding that special something all great song writers throw into the mix to call it their own. As well as arranging and composing the entire album himself, Brian has also performed every instrument and produced the record in the true D.I.Y. spirit all young musicians crave in this day and age.
The Mighty Stef’s label (First Born Is Dead Recordings) are releasing the record and you can catch SOnance Hotel live in Twisted Pepper on the 15th at the album’s launch night. Check out their Facebook for more details. Watch this space for more about SOnance Hotel.
If you read this site when any regularity you’ll no doubt have figured out that we like The Riptide Movement. We like them so much we also think everyone else in the world should like them and this summer the band are continuing their quest to tour 24 hours a day, 7 days a week which should make a dent on humanity and see a few new fans in their pocket. As well as prestigious support slots with Bon Jovi and Bob Dylan, the band have dates lined up in Ireland, England and Belgorod with slots as this years Electric Picnic, Oxegen and Independence Festivals for good measure.
Be sure to catch the lads over the next few months as they embark on one of the longest touring schedules you’re likely to see this side of U2.
The Riptide Movement: On Tour 2011
June 29 – RDS (Dublin, Ireland)
June 30 – The Ivy House (Drumcondra, Ireland)
July 01 – Phantom’s First Friday (The Academy: Dublin, Ireland)
July 08 – OXEGEN FESTIVAL (KIldare, Ireland)
JUly 09 – The Courtyard Hotel (Leixlip, Ireland)
July 19 – The Good Ship (London, United Kingdom)
July 20 – Dublin Castle (Camden: London, United Kingdom)
July 22 – Windmill (Brixton: London, United Kingdom)
July 23 – Mau Mau Bar (London, United Kingdom)
July 23 – Ben & Jerrys Festival (London, United Kingdom)
July 24 – Ben & Jerrys Festival (Manchester, United Kingdom)
July 29 – IndiePendence Festibal (Mitchelstown, Ireland)
July 30 – Spraoi Festival (Waterford, Ireland)
July 30 – IndiePendence Festibal (Mitchelstown, Ireland)
July 31 – CastlePalooza Festival (Co. Offaly, Ireland)
August 01 – Walshes (IDP Fest. After Party: Mitchelstown, Ireland)
August 05 – Whelan’s HEADLINE SHOW (Dublin, Ireland)
August 06 – The Courtyard Hotel (Leixlip, Ireland)
August 13 – Blue Breeze Festival (Co. Offaly, Ireland)
August 26 – KnockStock Festival (Dungarvan, Ireland)
August 27 – Walshes (Mitchelstown, Ireland)
Sept 02 – Electric Picnic (Stradbaly, Ireland)
Sept 02 – Electric Picnic (Stradbaly, Ireland)
Sept 29 – Hamiltons (Belgorod, Russian Federadtion)
October 01 – Hamiltons (Belgorod, Russian Federadtion)
The stage appears small with the array of wires, lights and electronic music equipment that Le Galaxie have brought to the Workman’s Club tonight for the launch of their first album Laserdisc Nights 2. Roars go up as a hooded luminous face painted quartet takes to the stage. From the word go, it’s clear the cinematic element of the album has been slightly sidelined for a heavy indie/dance sound. Not that it’s a bad thing! There’s also a touch of nostalgia in the air as a handful of glowsticks are thrown into the crowd. It feels like acid house all over again and so dance numbers Beyond Transworld and Earth are quite befitting.
Rarely addressing the crowd Le Galaxie plough through their set. By the time they reach Powers of Miami and Solarbabies things really start to heat up. Both numbers are loaded with euphoric synth sounds just perfect for busting some dance moves. How could you not possible move to this music?!
More glowsticks are tossed from the stage to guide our way. When writing gig reviews I often find myself jotting notes blindly in the dark but not tonight. I stick a few into the frames of my glasses and away I go. It’s nice when bands have a kind thought for the reviewers!
What’s so great about this act is their ability to mix things up. During numbers like Police Department and This is Reality Diane I’m bouncing around at a dance gig with pulsating synths and a laser light show. The next moment our sonic electro heads pick up guitars and things go all hard indie and heavy as drums pound and guitars distort. But they also know how to ease off the accelerator a bit with numbers like Orion and Victory.
You could tell this was an album launch. To make it a memorable night they take the last song to the crowd. Vocalist Le Michael Galaxie as he’s called on the band’s Facebook page; jumps from the stage armed with a synth and a cowbell. It’s a nice moment as everyone crowds around and joins in.
I can’t remember the last time I witnessed such a solid performance and I also can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday night. If you have not yet had the pleasure of catching Le Galaxie, treat yourself!
*Stretches fingers, cracks knuckles and so on. It’s good to be back, especially since we’ve accumulated a wealth of bands we think you’re going to thoroughly enjoy. As promised, we’re aiming today’s IRISH NOISE review at Donegal locals, The Plea (as seen supporting Ash in Whelan’s). The four piece have been around for over two years and already have a debut album under belts, an impressive list of production collaborators and a very healthy looking future ahead of them. Good for them, better for us. They claim The Doors, The Beatles and The (R) Stones as influences, their sound has been polished by Cenzo Townsend (other credits include U2, New Order and Blur) and judging by their live performance, they have as impressive a catalogue of material you’re likely to find in these here parts. Ladies and gentlemen, you’re new favourite band – The Plea!
The last statement may be a bit strong from a reviewer who’s only caught one gig and listened to no less than two tracks on their MySpace (Would someone please explain the Facebook player please?) but we’re standing by it! ‘Praise Be’ is first up and it’s also the one we’re most familiar. The band recently included it on a special split E.P. with Ash and LaFarro for their recent Irish shows togeather. An excellent number rooted in psychedelic, dance-pop rock that’s centred around the vocals and a thumping drum beat. The guitar adds nice decoration against the beatin’ bass in the background. Yep, it’ll do!
‘I Am The Miracle’ is up next (very sadly the last song in the player), even better than the real thing. Style, structure and flow are much the same as Praise Be, perhaps not good to have both on the player as it doesn’t show much diversity, but; as a wise Tickets There once said, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Just as enjoyable either way and another push to get more of their material.
Great band, well worth checking out and one (never get tired of saying this) you’ll be hearing more of on Tickets There in the future. Visit their Official MySpace @ myspace.com/thepleamusic
Ash, Ireland’s favourite pop rock trio are back in Dublin tonight for a highly anticipated appearance at local indie haunt, Whelan’s of Wexford St. Excitement’s been building for weeks so it’s no surprise to see queue’s of hungry Ash fans geared up for a night of sweat, pints and tuneage. Entering the packed venue it seems tonight’s sell out crowd don’t seem concerned that they’ve lost the fashionably late edge by piling in just in time for opening act, The Plea. Fortunately it’s one of those nights you’re glad you came early as The Plea rocket through an incredibly well played set of heavy guitar laden alt-rock gems including ‘Praise Be’ from their split, special tour edition E.P. Definitely a band that requires further investigation and a great start to the night.
Belfast indie rockers LaFarro take the stage next and initially drop the quality a little. While The Plea presented themselves as well seasoned, confident performers; LaFarro singer Jonny Black looks uncomfortable, inexperienced and unexciting on stage. He stares at the floor, doesn’t connect with the crowd and lacks any energy as the band kick off their set. This drop is heightened by poor sound on the vocals which trespasses on the rest of the band’s efforts. As the set continues, Herb MaGee (the “only Catholic in the band”) begins some onstage banter that seems to liven LaFarro’s mood as well as the crowds. From there we’re treated to some great tunes as Johny finds his feet and Dave Magee’s head banging can be properly enjoyed. Nice save and another band you’ll be hearing more of soon.
As the lights go dark, the crowd erupts at the site of Ash taking the stage. On the rare occasions you get to see a band of their size take the same stage as your mates on their EP launch night, it’s hard not to feel that special tingling. ‘Lose Control’ opens the set and pounds the audience with its furious intensity. Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and tonight’s stand in drummer Alan Lynn (LaFarro), all sound fantastic as they command the stage, kick ass and deliver some of the finest hits any Irish band has ever produced. Tickets There favourites ‘A Life Less Ordinary’ and ‘Dionysian Urge’ follow, immediately cementing this as a great night. ‘Twilight of Innocents’ makes an early appearance, which Tim passes off as an “experiment” and leads to mass sing-alongs from the crowd before hit after hit pile drive the crowd into submission. ‘Girl From Mars’, ‘Gold Finger’ and ‘Petrol’ bring us back to our youth while ‘Joy Kicks Darkness’ holds up the recent material’s crown for all to see.
‘Walking Barefoot’ has to be one of the highlights and it serves as a reminder of how great Free All Angels is. Again, the band are drowned out by the crowd, leaving them no choice but to rip through ‘Oh Yeah’, ‘Kung Fu’ and ‘The Dead Disciples’ which sends the pit into frenzy mode. ‘Shinning Light’, the mega-powered up ‘Orpheus’ and ‘Return of White Rabbit’ – the A-Z singles flagship dance-floor epic, finish the main set; giving all at the front a well needed chance to breath and mop the brow. Before long Ash return and bring us home with the stunning ‘Arcadia’, the punk fused classics ‘Angel Interceptor’, and ‘Jack Names The Planets‘ before calling it a night with one final blow out; the shredding ‘Burn Baby Burn’.
As surprising as it is to think Ash have been around for nearly twenty years, it’s even more incredible how amazing they are on stage. Their energy, passion and enthusiasm ensure they never lose connection with the audience and their songs sound better than ever. While the crowd leave, ears ringing and looking blown away from tonight’s amazing show, the band brim from the stage at a job well done. Come back soon lads!
The weather hasn’t stopped people from coming out tonight to see Bipolar Empire in Monroe’s in Galway. The Dublin four piece have been busy over the last year what with recording in LA with the legendary producer Pat McCarthy who’s worked with REM and U2 and Lance Hogan who put the finishing touches to their first album Feel That You Own It.
It’s clear from the start that this is a band that believes in the sanctity of the three minute pop song. They kick off with aptly titled Start the Show. It’s short and snappy in the rhythm section and is gently flushed with harmonies that are similar to Teenage Fanclub.
Many will be familiar with Tempomanic from a RTE promo reel. The band recently jammed with a member of Muse in Dublin. Comparisons have been made and they’re particular true of this number. With it rumbling drums and buzz-saw guitar it’s easy to see why it’s getting so much attention. Live it comes across heavier and more intense than on the album.
Bringing some Red Hot Chilli Peppers funk to proceedings is Playing With Fire. Lead singer Shane O’Reilly’s vocals have a soaring quality to them that are only brought back to earth when lead guitarist Mark Maguire, with ease and confidence, throws in a few slick guitars licks.
Their time in the presence of Pat McCarthy is evident in numbers like Trip Around the World and From the son as the harmonies sound like the best of early REM.
With no time to waste they move on to Open our Mind. It’s a pop rock anthemic with jangling guitar and a bouncing rhythm section. They’re pumped up and really enjoying themselves now. Not to over do things they take it all down a notch with the slow acoustic number; Why So Sad? which embodies their best trademark, the three piece harmony.
Their time in LA has infused things with a soft American vibe especially on Human Race. O’Reilly’s voice has a powerful but tender quality that could be mistaken for Jeff Buckley. As he moves through number like Smoking Joe and It’s Only Darkness he appears to grow with an unbridled confidence.
A surprise cover of I Want to be Adored by the Stone Roses brings a great reaction from the crowd who have now taken to the dance floor. At this point the place is heaving and a sweaty crowd are begging for more.
Saving the best for last is Feel That You Own It. Drummer Callum McAdam does a great job of nailing a solid beat and with O’Reilly’s vocals coupled with sublime harmonies this sounds like pre Joshua Tree era U2.
Tonight’s performance was certainly an ostentatious showcase of young Irish talent. Things can only get better for the boys from Tallaght. Watch this space!
Back by popular demand, Def Leppard are in Ireland after a two year absence; once again warming up for another headlining slot at the Download Festival. Two years ago they arrived with Journey and the jaw dropping Whitesnake in tow. Tonight’s line-up is even more astonishing with the legendary Thin Lizzy and Mr. shock-rock / Mr. Rock N’ Roll Hall of famer, the one, the only Alice Cooper, around to beef things up. The crowd in the O2 may not be as impressive as 2009’s show, but that just means a few thousand less Journey fans and I think we can all agree that’s never a bad thing.
Kicking of the proceedings tonight are Thin Lizzy and it has to be said, WOW. Anyone who was at their recent shows around the country can surely agree that the current line up are incredible. Ricky Warwick is definitely a worthy successor to the coveted space left by Phil Lynott. At no point tonight do you feel they’re anything less than the real deal, with original members Scott Gorham (original-ish) and Brian Downey rockin’ as hard as they did forty years ago. New guitarist Richard Fortus; whose last appearance in the O2 ended in near riot last September when he rolled into town with his day band, Guns N’ Roses; is more than capable of replacing John Sykes as he tears away at those rolling dual lead guitar solos with Scott. The only thought about the new line-up is that Scott and Brian will never be afforded the chance to be their age. With Phil in the band, Lizzy would be able to grow older and fans would go with it. Unfortunately, the band need to tear every song to pieces and ram it forcefully down your throat In order to walk away with a satisfied crowd to see them off. Maybe that’s the genius of Lizzy, they were never meant to slow down and this ensures it’ll never happen. Either way, Thin Lizzy have too many incredible songs to just leave idle. They need to be played and this line-up are more than up to the task.
Lizzy finish up their set with a pounding performance of ‘Black Rose’ before the mega Cooper stage show is pieced together. As the giant curtain rises up, fans pack around the stage in eager anticipation for one of rocks finest showmen to begin. The Vincent Price intro booms over the PA as the houselights go black building the spook master’s arrival. As the curtain drops, Alice stands atop a towering pulpit, decked out with spider arms around his waist as the band launches into ‘The Black Widow’; from his most recent album, Along Came A Spider. Discarding the jacket, Alice follows through with ‘Brutal Planet‘ before appeasing the greatest hits fans in attendance with his classic, I’m Eighteen. As canes get flung into the crowd amidst sword waving and exploding gloves, the band carry on with the classic ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (which of course includes the traditional sharing of the Cooper insignia dollars), ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ and the incredible, living snake accompanied ‘Is It My Body’. ‘I’ll Bite Your Face Off’ follows with the crowd being informed the title and the fact that’s it’s a new song via Alice’s jacket and blood soaked shirt.
‘Feed My Frankenstein’ swiftly follows suit and easily stands out as one of the night’s highlights, especially when you factor in the 12 foot Frankenstein donning the Cooper make-up that’s brought to life to sing the last chorus… while walking around the stage Oh God yes, it is that good!. ‘Poison’ and ‘Wicked Young Man’ cause mass hysterics, followed by the classic ‘Killer’, which ends in the traditional guillotine gorge of death. Alice, wrestled into a headlock by sadistic ghouls meets his end by violent execution. With his decapitated head being displayed by the ghouls, fans are united for a sing along to ‘I Love The Dead’ before the master returns with shiny top hat, coat; with his sword and balloons to boot for a blow out version of ‘Schools Out’, appropriate given the week that’s in it (although any JC/LC students may not agree). With a little break, the band return for one last blaze of glory; ‘Elected’, which Alice dedicates to Dublin while waving the tri-colour and dressed in the Irish jersey. Amazing show from start to finish, time to head ho…oh wait (cheeky)
With the crowd gleaming up to the nines from Cooper’s performance, it’s time for the Mighty Leppard to take the stage and show all the naysayers out there why they can headline above any other act in the world. With a striking new stage setup, Leppard emerge triumphantly to rapturous cheering from the now packed O2 arena. Starting with ‘Undefeated’, one of the three news songs that’ll be on their forthcoming live album, Mirrorball, the band are on fire. Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, Vivian Campbell and thunder God himself, Mr.Rick Allen are all at the top of their game, adorned by glittering gloves, mike stands, headphones – the works. ‘Action’ and ‘Let’s Get Rocked’ follow, sending the crowd into a sing-along frenzy before older fans are treated to the incredible ‘Foolin’. ‘Make Love Like A Man’ and the iconic ‘Love Bites’ drive the point home that Leppard can damn well do anything they please because this is a band with more hits per album than most others can achieve over a whole career. Sav’s now standard bass solo/intro for the bands cover of David Essex’s ‘Rock On’ has to be noted as a highlight.
A duelling guitar solo between Vivian and Phil follows; before the pace is slowed down for acoustic renditions of ‘Two Steps Behind’ and ‘Bringing on the Heartbreak’. Steve Clark’s incendiary ‘Switch 625′ launches the band back into hard rock mode before and extended performance of ‘Rocket’ is unleashed in all it’s pounding drum glory. ‘Hysteria’, ‘Armageddon It’ and ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ nail the set down before Leppard brings things near close with the almighty ‘Rock of Ages’. Of course they do return for an obligatory encore, performing one of their biggest Irish hits, ‘When Love and Hate Collide’ which goes down a treat before stunning die-hard fans with a final, hell-raising crack at ‘Wasted’ from On Through The Night.
Easily one of the best shows Ireland will see this year. Three amazing bands in one place, every one of them playing a blinder and not a hint of ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. Value for money in anyone’s books.
One of the problems of living during a recession is that you are bombarded with negativity on a daily basis and so reality is hard to take at times. The news may leave you feeling somewhat empty and apathetic. I find a little dose of pure escapism is just what the doctor ordered. Le Galaxies’s new album Laserdisc Nights 2 might just be the ticket. Building on the success of their Transworld EP and scooping an IMTV Best Dance Music Video Award in 2009 for You Feel The Fire!; the Dublin quartet has done itself proud. Their latest offering is an audacious electro pop rock trip that makes regular influential stops at Blade Runner, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Tron and all things science fiction.
Opener Earth and Beyond Transworld is where it all begins. Starting with simple synths and drum beats, they evolve into straight up dance floor epics.
What is so striking about these songs is that they time travel like a Back to the Future DeLorean car. They’re duly weighted in Kraftwerk, 1980s and 1900s dance and techno influences, but shot through with futurist tones and themes.
The first single to be released Midnight Midnight sounds like Gary Numan in robotic vocal mode. The machines have taken to the streets and are seeking vengeance in the form of simmering synths and signature keyboards. Like many of the songs it’s all held together with pounding drums and a chorus that might lead you to run amok on the nearest dance floor.
Without a doubt one of the strongest tracks on the album, Powers of Miami hears the human race ask ‘how much time has it got left?’ It starts out with tightly packed little beats, but things change gears with euphoric melodies and strong guitar work.
Dividing the album and slowing things for a moment is the floating in space dreamscape, Blood Beach. It is easy to imagine this accompanying those fascinating dystopian skyline images in the 1982 film Blade Runner.
The journey continues with Orion which strips away the dance grooves and turns up the guitar amps to give a more rounded electro pop sound. As it grows into a rock-out jam you might forget you’re listening to Le Galaxie. But not to worry – nobody does anything on this record unless a computer says so first. Computerised vocals are always there to keep things in check.
Similarly Police Department starts with a computerized voice reminiscent of the out of control computer HAL from the aforementioned 2001: A Space Odyssey film. However the results are less eerie as it’s a posh English gentleman computer pleading for clemency from its master. Personally I never thought I’d feel sorry for a computer, but I do! A simple drum beat drowned in a manic frenzy of pulsating synths are what it’s all about.
Victory and Paradising help to bring the magical mystery tour to an end. The former starts slow but ascends in typical Le Galaxie fashion with supernova style choruses and chunky bass lines. Things slow and drift into Paradising which provides the calm after the storm.
Providing good value for money Laserdisc Nights 2 is an album that will make you get off your seat and dance but it may also take you to far off distant places. It should also take Le Galaxie places too as it very well might be one of the best Irish electronica albums of 2011.
Dublin rockers Zombie Cops; one of Ireland’s finest live acts, have released a promotional video for their forthcoming third single “You Do” A twisted lament with splashes of Placebo and Jimmy Eat World. The video was made by Eoin Heaney of Highly Stimulating Productions and continues the eerie feel of previous single “Taking Lives”
Check out the link below for live dates and free music.
(Sorry for the delay getting this updated)
It’s confirmed, Rob Zombie has cancelled his Dublin and Belfast appearances later this month ‘due to personal reasons’. He updated his Twitter account this morning with the following….I wouldn’t call it much of an apology, but there you go.
‘Sorry to all that we had to cancel the shows in Ireland. We will come back and make it up to everyone. Sometimes shit happens. Again sorry.
We Are Losers are fuzzpop superstars in the making. Saturday night’s high-octane 7 song set in Whelan’s was astounding. Such is the quality of the songwriting and the on-stage intensity of the Kildare/Dublin quartet. Elements of Sonic Youth and Buddy Holly combine to produce stylish, uptempo, 2min darts of harmonising happiness.
Gavin Elsted’s quirky voice, light-speed guitar and head movements, are the visual focus. While Bronwyn Murphy-White (bass) and Steve Conlan (lead guitar) slingshot, sunshine harmonies and riffs towards the audience.
A 60’s surf-pop song, fights to emerge from a curtain of fuzztone guitars on “The Narcissist” as We Are Losers kick things off in considerable style. “We Vampires” has an Indie-disco feel. With elements of Flaming Lips and Strokes. The song slowly builds until Gavin Elsted, delivers the excellent chorus of “We let the light in” with great harmonies provided by the rest of the band.
“She Dreams in Spectrals”from the forthcoming Popical Island compilation, is a great song. Continuing in the high-spirits of the previous material. It is slightly reminiscent of “Girl from Mars” era Ash, dripping with fuzzed up harmonies. The only thing that lets We Are Losers down, is the amount of time taken to tune guitars between songs, as this disturbs the momentum of their show.. However, this can be easily rectified.
Forthcoming single “Cheerleader” (July 11th) gets the best reaction from the crowd so far. Its catchy chorus of “let me cheer you on” drawing them in. We are Losers finish off their set with “Empty Head” a track from their 2010 self titled debut EP. It’s a two and a half minute fuzzpop masterpiece, with a great chorus “I wanna live forever” and an “oh oh oh” verse.
It’s great to discover yet another, top quality Irish band exists.
The Walls are kicking off their summer tour this week at Co. Sligo’s Temple House Festival and Tickets There thought you might like a little preview of what to expect from both their two man live shows and the full band show slotted in for The Sea Sessions in Co. Donegal.
Below are few videos of the band’s new material which you can find on their new E.P. ‘Bird In A Cage‘, and their forthcoming album, Stop The Lights. Enjoy!
and for old times sake, the classic Bone Deep,
Catch The Walls on Tour in 2011
JUNE: 2011
Friday 10th : Temple House Festival, Ballmote, Co. Sligo.
Thursday 16th: De Barras,, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.
Friday 17th : McCarthy’s, Dingle Co. Kerry.
Saturday 18th: Cork Midsummer Festival, Cork city.
Sunday 26th : Sea Sessions, Bundoran, Co.Donegal (Full Band Show).
Thursday 30th: Grand Social Lr. Liffey St. Dublin.
JULY: 2011
Friday 15th : Galway Arts Festival, Monroes Live.
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