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Review: Def Leppard, Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy – Live @ The O2, Dublin (June 8th, 2011)

Posted in Gig Review, Music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 9, 2011 by Tickets There

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.

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Review: Suede – Live @ The Olympia, Dublin (May 24th, 2011)

Posted in Gig Review, Music with tags , , , , , on May 26, 2011 by ticketssteve

Suede kicked of their 3 night residency of reunion gigs in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre by performing their genre defining, seminal, 1993 self-titled debut album Suede in its entirety. Eighteen years later, the songs are still fresh and authentic.  Although this is not the original line-up (with original guitarist turned super-producer Bernard Butler having refused the invitation to play. He instead opted to re-master tonight’s material and follow up album Dog Man Star) their was a certain amount of romance, in the air as the band took to the stage

Dublin quartet Sweet Jane had the unenviable job of support act, on such an emotional occasion for Suede fans. But they steadily won the crowd over, with their dark ephemeral, wall of sound. Lydia Des Dolles voice is a cross between Hope Sandoval and Bilinda Butcher while guitarist Danda Paxton’s voice adds a dark colour to the mist of grime   Their musical influences include The Jesus and Marychain, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Iggy Pop and The Ramones.

The crowd sing lustfully along to a Sex Pistols track, as the lights dim and Suede swagger onto the stage, dressed head-to-toe in black. Led by drummer Simon Gilbert who appears to have been in cryostasis, all these years. In fact most of the band seem to have preserved themselves remarkably well.  Brett Anderson strides onto the stage last, to thunderous applause.  The years have been, especially kind to Anderson, who is just as thin as he was in 1993.

From the first note of “So Young” its obvious that this is no mere, money collecting exercise, by a band riding this years nostalgia wave. Suede, clearly have a point to prove, and prove it they do. Anderson’s voice is impeccable through the entire show, as he prances and pogo’s nonstop. Fan favourite “Animal Nitrate” is the first of many songs to benefit from the addition of Neil Codling on guitar. Though the highlight for many seemed to be, being given “the finger” by Anderson.

However, the man with the most to prove is Richard Oakes, having replaced the architect of Suede’s sound, Bernard Butler. Oakes has often been the fan’s whipping boy for Butler’s departure, rather than the rest of the band. By the time the band play the rousing “Moving” Oakes, has dispelled these misgivings totally, with precise renditions of the guitar parts. He is clearly enjoying himself, especially on songs like “Sleeping Pills“ and “Metal Mickey”.

Anderson’s voice goes Bowie on the outro of “Pantomime Horse” as he goes down on his knees and repeats “have you ever tried in that way…”  Anderson bounds the stage, like a man possessed, on “The Drowners” going into the crowd at one point. The fan’s are also treated to Anderson’s signature claps, on this track.

“Metal Mickey” and “Animal Lover” whip the crowd into a frenzy, before the band depart, leaving Anderson and Codling to deliver the albums closing track “The Next Life” This sparse piano balled perfectly suits the intimate surroundings of the Olympia.

After a short break, Suede return to play some fan-favourite B-sides “My Insatiable One” and “For The Birds” Disappointingly, the band opt to ignore calls to play “Killing of a Flash Boy” Opting instead to give fan’s a taster of whats to come, in their “Coming Op” gig. Firstly with “Thrash” The crowd go manic as Anderson, once again throws himself into the crowd. They finish the night with “Beautiful One’s” where Anderson encourages the crowd to “Sing it!” repeatedly. Once again Anderson bounds into the pit for the final bars, before the band disappear into the night. Just like the characters from their songs.

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Beastmen – EP2 (Review)

Posted in Music with tags , , , , , , , , , on May 23, 2011 by Tickets There

Ah hell yes! Beastmen are back with a new EP, a more spacious sound but! they ain’t forgetting the massive helpings of their guitar laden, riff filled instrumental metal that made us like them in the first place. We’re slightly late getting this review up but better late than never. The lads are hard at work on their 3rd EP so now’s your chance to check out what’s come before.

‘Horsehead Nebula’ kicks things off with fearsome power and energy. Full on galactic-electro dementia with massive helpings of ass kicking riffage! ‘Sunday’ is a little faster once the voice over’s and distant sirens fall off. The drums and guitars really cut a place for themselves and create a solid frame that explodes through the dense wall of noise that precedes their arrival.

‘The Streets of LV42’6 continues the post rock, electro vibes from Horsehead Nebula, but again explodes forth with some high toned guitars that wrap themselves around a sinister melody. Excellent tense/building in the structure and no sings of this EP letting up.

‘Intrö’ drops all the abundant space effects and retreats to the bands always excellent basic guitar, bass and drum formula for two and a half minutes of excellent instrumental rock. Beastmen always avoid the pit falls of knocking out normal tunes minus the vocals and always give the songs a proper playing field and Intrö is just another taste of this. El Maniaco Contra el Monstruo is exactly what you think it’ll be. Full-on Spanish styled desperado / Tarantino ‘situation ‘ music. Great finish to an excellent EP.

As mentioned, the band are working on EP3 and Tickets There cannot wait. Stream EP2 now on their official Bandcamp page and prepare to let a new band into your life.

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The Walls –Bird In A Cage EP (EP Review)

Posted in EP Review, IRISH NOISE!, Music with tags , , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2011 by Tickets There

Last year, Dublin / Clare rockers The Walls promised a new EP in early 2011 with an album to follow later in the year. So far they’ve delivering on queue! After spending most of 2010 perfecting and touring their two man live show, this is the first solid release of new material since 2005’s New Dawn Breaking and it has been worth the wait.

Taking material from their forthcoming album, Stop The Lights and sticking in a couple of EP only bonuses, Bird In A Cage is an excellent introduction to the bands revived , laid back sound with that striking talent for song-writing Joe and Steve Wall have made their backs on. Opening with the EP’s title track, you’re introduced to a very personal, biographical glimpse into Steve’s childhood with an uplifting chorus that’s sure to bring you back for more.

Chrome Heart brings back some early Wall’s styles with paced lead guitars, low tempo vocals and a chucky bass shoulder to lean on. Being the Walls, the song retracts and expands like nothing else but never loses it’s dead straight composure. All A Blur, also taken from the next album highlights the bands incredible talent for simple, catchy music with no frills needed to make their music any more appealing that it already is.

The Big Freeze brings to a close on a down note. Not that it’s bad, but as instrumentals go there’s not much here. Any fan out there knows the Walls are capable of much better, something that is not only obvious from their previous records, but also from the new material they’ve been playing live over the past year. All that means is we get some crackin’ tunes now and an amazing album later in the year. Not too shabby for Tickets There!

The EP can be downloaded now for €3 from The Wall’s Bandcamp page. Title track Bird In A Cage is also available as a free download on the same page.

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Temple House Festival 2011 – First Acts Announced

Posted in Gig Listing, IRISH NOISE!, Music, News with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 31, 2011 by Tickets There

The Temple House Music Festival is coming back. After winning the Best New Festival Award at the European Festival Awards this month, the County Sligo get together have announced this year’s event will take place between June 10th – 12th (meaning it’ll be that little bit warmer this year).

Something Happens, The Saw Doctors, Andrew Strong, The Walls, Interference, DJ Wool aka Glen Brady, Marty Mulligan & Ross O’Snodaighhave are the first acts booked to play the festival with lots more to come.

Early Bird tickets go on sale Friday, Feb 4th from TicketMaster.ie priced €99 until March 6th before moving up to €120 after that. Lots more names and details to come but speaking from experience, the Temple House folks know exactly what they’re doing and this is one Irish festival you don’t want to miss in 2011. Keep an eye on their official website templehousefestival.com for updates.

Read our editor’s review of last years Temple House Music Festival @ Goldenplec.com

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MySpace (Sample) Review – Two Door Cinema Club

Posted in IRISH NOISE!, Music, MySpace Review with tags , , , , on January 24, 2011 by Tickets There

We’re scouring the internet, listening to as many major underground bands from 2010 as possible (yes, yes we are aware we’d be better off looking for the next thing rather than the stuff everyone’s already heard – thanks!) and Two Door Cinema Club’s name kept popping up last year. Yesterday, we finally decided to see why exactly they were one of the most searched bands of last year. Unfortunately, we never did get it and any hope of understanding was dashed by the fact that their MySpace player is full of samples. Defiant as we are, we refused to search for another streaming service and have now decided to do a review of the MySpace samples. Why bother? Cause we’re not listening to the other name on our list.

We’ve never seen them live or heard their album. Let the Review Sample begin!

Sample 1 – Cigarettes In The Theatre: Chongo pop, Silly. Guitars sound good for a moment at the start, lyrics are not our cup of tea.
Sample 2 – Come Back Home: Sounds better, improvement on the vocals. Generic though.
Sample 3 – Do You Want It All: Sounds like it would get very annoying, very quickly.
Sample 4 – This is the life: Hmmm…vocals are disappointing again in this snip
Sample 5 – Something Good Can Work: Vocals and lyrics this time. Don’t like the OhOh (we’ve actually heard this before, must have been a single)
Sample 6 – I Can Talk: This one sounds quite good. Vocals are a better, not annoying and catchy!
FULL SONG – Undercover Martyn: Eh, not our thing at all. Sounds like Snow Patrol except better (anything without Snow Patrol’s direct involvement is always better). Not too bad, nothing to hate but it’s just too plain.
Sample 7  – What You Know: Same again, but a little better thank Undercover Martyn.
Sample 8 – Eat That Up, It’s Good For You: Sounds avoidable.
Sample 9 – You Are Not Stubborn: Don’t think they’re for us folks. Lets call it a review.

Remember, to read more badly written yet highly tasteful reviews, just visit tt. This sample has been brought to you by Tickets There in conjunction with The Def Leppard For Jesus Campaign.

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MySpace Review – O Emperor

Posted in IRISH NOISE!, Music, MySpace Review with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on January 24, 2011 by Tickets There

That’s right, another one of Ireland’s hotly tipped underground acts we’ve never seen or heard before. What do we actually do with our time you ask? Well, we drink a fair bit (although not that much, only 3 times this month including new years eve), watch a lot of TV, work on our paint city and listen to a lot of Megadeth, Def Leppard, Guns N’ Roses and read. Not much time left in that hectic, crazy schedule to be going out and just, *tusks / grunt-laugh/shakes head and frowns* listen to music for the hell of it! Anyways, we’re here now and that’s the important thing and we have some good news! We’re liking O Emperor a lot more than we thought we would. Now for ya!

Never seen them, haven’t heard their album.

Don’t Mind Me reminds us of a song you’d hear in one of those eighties New York films with driving or a small bar. Starts nicely and improves with age. For a gentle, serene mood this is your baby. Po is a liverier wee number. Faster, louder but still nice and relaxed (a word that will be repeated in this review). Sedalia is again ‘relaxed’ (real journalists / bloggers manage to use a little thing called vocabulary guys. Just a hint – Ed), nice on the ears and a very pleasant experience. Recommended so far.

The Fat Lady starts the second half of tunes in an even more sombre, quiet and uneventful (not necessarily a negative use of the word uneventful, just not a whole pile of complexity or action in this case) than the previous three. Very deep reaching piece of music that some have no doubt been captivated and transformed by. Tickets There is in quite a chirpy mood today so no depression here. Still quite enjoyable though and it’ll definitely be on our ‘depressed as hell – need reconciliation and / or companionship from non-in the room human’ list. Heisenberg follows much the same suit except it’s a little too over the top on the dull factor. Quite short which we always see a bonus point to songs we don’t like but just too sad. We need a little piece along the lines of Po now.

To The Sea is last and it’s got life! It’s no Springsteen now, leppin’ about the place or anything but it’s got blood in it’s veins and delivered enough of what we were looking for to finish things on a good note. O Emperor, recommended. If you’re having a nice relaxing Monday, then give them a go,. If you’re stressed out, give them a go. If you’re massively under the weather and ‘bad thoughts’ are spiralling out of control in your warped head, then have a listen to Whitesnake. When you’re all happy and better, then give O Emperor a go. O Emperor MySpace

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MySpace Review – Halves

Posted in IRISH NOISE!, Music, MySpace Review with tags , , , on January 23, 2011 by Tickets There

Still a good few names on the Choice Music short-list we never bothered our arses listening to this year. You take a few months off and all of a sudden the underground is ablaze with names and faces you’ve never heard off. Unfortunately for Tickets There, 90% of the time when we make the effort we’re disappointed. Today’s band now join that 90%, introducing Halves to Tickets There.

Never seen them live, never will either.

Things did not start off well with this one. May Your Enemies Never Find begins like any other ‘play this for your children before they go to bed to really make sure they ain’t getting up again’ style tracks our young, lifeless generation of songwriters indulge in. I’d love to say it massively improves but the echoey, supposedly ‘atmospheric’ vocals, the boring, impotent music and structures remain very placid for the first half. Then out of no where – we get life. It disappears again and low and behold, comes back for a big loud sleek sounding indie ending. Nothing fantastic but better on hindsight. The kind of track that could be used to advertise Eternal Sunshine of A Spotless Mind.

Blood Branches unfortunately doesn’t manage any sort of a turn around. It’s just as boring as it sounds at the beginning right through till the end. I see what the band are aiming for but it’s not hitting home. It’s Sunday, we have headphones on. No distractions or anything but we’re not moved an ounce. Others like it, Tickets There and the majority don’t.

While May Your Enemies Never Find (you?) had the saviour, Blood Branches was short and lacked lyrics, Medals has little to offer. We’re leaving it there folks. Tickets There isn’t meant to do scathing reviews and if we’re going to get back into them, there’s worse out there than Halves. Our final word is simple, this music is boring. Think it’s time the world stopped trying to take itself so seriously and had some fun again with fun people and not be subjected to this moaning, woe is me, life is so miserable and broken hearted ….lalalal. God people. Try to enjoy yourselves.

Now, aren’t we professional?

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IRISH NOISE! – The Danger Is (The Danger Is EP REVIEW)

Posted in EP Review, IRISH NOISE!, Music with tags , , , , , , , , on January 21, 2011 by Tickets There


Their second appearance in the Irish Noise series and there’ll be many more. No sweeter sound to Tickets There’s ears these days than the lovely Niamh Danger and her band The Danger Is. Quirky, fun, excellent, sublime, lovely, talented, well played, well written, emotional and just the bees knees in every respect under the sun. We hate them, obviously!

After accidently witnessing their performance at last years Temple House Music Festival we were captivated (in a non-threatening / no need for a restraining order sort of way). The songs are just bliss and even if it’s not your sort of thing, Niamh’s obvious charm will whip you in line. For those of you who came to Tickets There expecting blog after blog of Megadeth, you’ll just have to be patient because The Danger Is EP has only come to our attention quite recently (thanks Nialler9) and we want to talk about how much we’ve been enjoying it.

Rub Who You Love, agh god. If We could spend the rest of our lives in a room listening to this incredibly sexy, passionate voice we would be happy little touts. The song is just flat out fun with enough drive to make it serious, enough silliness to put a smile on your face but most importantly there’s the ‘holy god, this is what I’ve been looking for’ factor. Love it. Next up is All For Gold which we’ve reviewed before when it was the only recording we could find….it’s still awesome.

Same Face is possibly our favourite track of the whole EP. Lovely harmonies, excellent vocal structures, lyrics are clever and the music is so catchy we’d nearly get up and dance (something those of you familiar with us personally will know we never do. For the rest of you……ye know it now). Ah who cares what we have to say about it?? Just go listen and enjoy it!

…awkward moment as we still have to review the last song. Ok, maybe stay another minute. Funnily enough, Awkward is the title of the next track – We swear we didn’t realize that..ahem. Moving on, Awkward is the darkest song on the EP, but it’s still filled with upbeat loveliness,  fantastic vocals and ever changing music that is just rampant in it’s simple excellence. Kind of like Tickets There.com (NO PLUGS…or at least make them funny! – Ed). The end of the verse, before the building bit is our hook here. A good heavy bass the just delivers on call.

The Danger Is EP  is without a doubt the most splendid thing we’ve heard this year and for anyone looking for a ‘One to Watch’, these are the guys. Go listen to it @ The Danger Is EP – Soundcloud After you fall in love with them, go and visit their website – www.thedangeris.com
The Danger Is – EP by Lefthand Productions

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Sweet Jane – Sugar For My Soul (Album Review)

Posted in Album Review, IRISH NOISE!, Music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on November 2, 2010 by Tickets There

If you haven’t heard of Sweet Jane yet then we here at Tickets There think it’s about time you did. Fronted by former Mainline / The Brothers Movement guitarist Danda and the wonderful fully fledged fashion icon, Lydia Des Dolles the band have been racking up glorying reviews from around the country since the release of their debut album, Sugar For My Soul in July. On top of this, the band seems to be doubling their fan base every time they play a show, release a single or speak in public and word is still spreading. Praising reviews are also beginning to pour in from the States and Europe meaning we may soon lose them to the glamour, sunshine and fine wines so get on it!

Sugar for My Soul has been on heavy rotation in the Tickets There corporate offices for the best part of a month now and we’re still not sure how to describe it properly. Each song has its own individual appeal but all of them still retain the bands excellent echo filled, spacious psychedelic monopolized sound and firm beat driven foundation. Cleverly, the band has managed to deliver an array of different styles such as pop, rock, indie and guitar dance without compromising the records overall tone and impact. The stripped back, jam styled simple splendor of Close Your Eyes, Texas Tears, Don’t Hold Your Head So Low and Something for My Soul sit in perfect harmony with the heavier ‘on your feet’ pieces like Bleed, War Cry and Fade To My Heartbreak.

Without going too in-depth into the albums styles and diversity, it’s important to note that it’s just a very good, very appealing album. The band hasn’t attempted to replicate Pink Floyd style construction and have instead focused on writing very enjoyable pieces of music and made sure there’s something for everyone. Lydia’s softy delivered vocals mixed with Danda’s edgier harmonies and experimental guitar styles deliver the perfect package that can be enjoyed by all music fans. If you’re going to buy one Irish album this year (cheapskate!), make it Sweet Jane.

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Ham Sandwich – White Fox (Album Review)

Posted in Album Review, IRISH NOISE!, Music with tags , , , , , , , , , , on September 29, 2010 by Tickets There

They’re back, one of Irelands most hotly tipped bands Ham Sandwich have returned with their sophomore album, White Fox. It officially hits stores in two days but seeing as they’re lovely folks, they’ve allowed State Magazine to post the whole thing online for free streaming. It’s been so long since we reviewed an album here at Tickets There, we’re not even sure whether we know how anymore (or ever did for that matter – Ed.), but over the next few paragraphs we’re going to do our best to tell you exactly how good this album is.

The Naturist was a lovely single in May and now it’s a lovely opening to the album. There’s nothing bad about this song and almost six months after it’s release, it’s as appealing, fresh and loveable as ever. Can’t think of a nicer way to start things off or prepare you for the heavier, faster sounds of the album’s title track, White Fox. It’s upbeat and edgy but broader and more dynamic than Ham Sandwich’s older sound, yet still retaining that energy we love about them.

Ant’s gives of the impression it’ll be a duet folk number like something from the sixties before unveiling its self fully and transforming into one of the most powerful pieces on the record. Niamh Farrell really out does herself vocally, giving the song a very strong performance that really drives this piece home. OH-OH’s dance floor driven poppiness is a welcome boost to the albums energy before the soothing sounds of Models brings us to the half way point. So far, so damn good.

The Fog again gives the album a good belting number, this time coming from the drums. A hard, quick paced beat with picking guitars provides an excellent base for the tracks clap along breaks. Like Ant’s, The Fog grows and develops with each new verse and chorus to become one of the albums standout’s. It’s also one older fans will find comfortable as the sound is similar to previous Sandwich favorites like Click Click Boom and Words.

Long Distance, In December and Animals provide more room for relaxation. Filled with melodic guitars, soft drums and soothing vocals, the songs almost run in to each other but in a very welcome form. They may not be the unquestionable stand outs of this record but their presence would only be missed if they changed. Floors finishes of the record on a very soulful note with Niamh and the band giving a very atmospheric, subtle performance. A nice way to end a very welcome return by Ham Sandwich,

Simply put, White Fox if a lovely album from start to finish. The heavier style from Carry The Meek is all but gone but instead the band can now offer a very personal, mature sound in their writing. An excellent return from one of Ireland’s brightest groups.  

Don’t forget, Ham Sandwich will officially launch White Fox on October 30th at The Button factory. Click Here for Detials.

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Congratulations to The Riptide Movement

Posted in General Tickets There Blog, Music, News with tags , , , , , on September 26, 2010 by Tickets There

Just a quick note to say Congratulations to The Riptide Movement for reaching Number 2 in the physical singles chart with their latest release, Hot Tramp(Click to read Drop-D.ie Review).

It’s a serious track that’s still rockin’ the TT stereo’s every chance we get. Buy a copy now and do your part to keep The ‘f**king’ Script off!

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IRISH NOISE! My Evil Ex (MySpace Review)

Posted in IRISH NOISE!, Music, MySpace Review with tags , , , , , , on September 26, 2010 by Tickets There

Breaking the current hair metal obsessions for a few minutes, Tickets There decided it was time to review the band that’s been keeping our Irish feet firmly rooted all week. Hailing from the rebel county, My Evil Ex are easily one of the best new bands we’ve found this year. We saw them at Temple House Music Festival in Sligo and now it’s time for our reader (readers on Tuesdays) to hear exactly how good they are…without actually hearing the music, you need to visit their MySpace for that…but read the review first, we need to raise €80,000 or the mob are taking our thumbs.

Only three songs! always disappointing when a great band only has a small handful of tracks to choose from. Guess it means we’ll actually have to get of our arses and pick up their album later on. For now, (Just A Little) Drop of Poison will make do. A lovely mix of bluegrass blues, stompy drums and catchy as hell vocals. Love it! These guys have been on our rotation all week and every listen just brings them closer and closer to our hearts.

Drunk on the Thought of You is similar in ways to Drop of Poison, but the guitar comes to the surface a lot more and the heavy bass is very welcome. Again it’s a sing along number with lots of quirky little moments and a nice soulful flow to the whole track. Short, sweet and the perfect middle ground before the next song turns their entire sound upside down.

Flavuor (title could easily be confused with ‘I’m Not Your Fucking Friend) is a blistering, heavy thumper. Forget the bluegrass, the blues and the soul. This is angry hardcore punk rock. Is it even the same singer? We’re not sure but we’re excited. Ironically, because of this song alone Tickets There wants to be friends with My Evil Ex, but they’re having none of it according to this tune. Brilliant!

Love them, buying the album and checking them out live as soon as we can. My Evil Ex are definitely a name to remember and a band to love! Check out their MySpace by Clicking Here.

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IRISH NOISE! The Paddy Usher Band (MySpace Review)

Posted in IRISH NOISE!, Music, MySpace Review with tags , , , , , on September 21, 2010 by Tickets There

Tickets There are playing catch up today. With September being full of Guns N’ Roses, shows, a festival and a wedding, we haven’t had a whole pile of time for writing. We’re doing our best to flesh out the site a little but overwhelming tiredness, depression educing lack of funds and an eagerness to do nothing but rock out and drink this month is delaying things a little. (There’s Hope!) The addictive charms of The Danger Is brought us back to reviewing and the rock out talent of this next band may just be enough to keep us sober, awake and a little better off.

Witnessing The Paddy Usher Band’s performance at the recent Temple House Music Festival, Tickets There decided this was another band in need of our much coveted, sought after attention (a-hem..coughs). Their MySpace kicks off with the very catchy, very main stream rock out melter Hot Tub Safari. A tad bloated in places and not able to keep all of its six minutes edge of seat gripping but it’s still a great number. There’s some classic rock in there, some Foo Fighters and several radio friendly key points. If they stripped this one back by about 2 minutes then we’re good to go.

You Are So Much Better Off is a real modern version of the Aerosmith country/rock song. It fills it’s time better than Hot Tub Safari and has a good beat driving it home. Aside from a slight lag towards the end, this track is a nifty little number and again more than radio friendly.

The Whole World Can See is a little too ballady for our tastes. There’s some good meat on the bones in places but the bottom really drops out of the chorus, Pity as well, the verse and bridges are probably the loudest thing on the whole player.

Live, there’s alot more to offer and it may be time to update the MySpace player. At the same time, there’s more than enough here to convince you these guys have something real going on. They’re talented, they sound great on record but the songs here just lack that magical touch by a ruthless producer.

Check out their MySpace by Clicking Here

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IRISH NOISE! – Million Dollar Reload (New Demos)

Posted in IRISH NOISE!, Music with tags , , , , on August 25, 2010 by Tickets There

Well, well, well – it seems our old pals in Million Dollar Reload have been keeping very busy over the last few months with almost two albums worth of new material written and waiting to go! To give fans a sneak peak at their efforts, they’ve uploaded two new demos to their MySpace player and believe us; they’re well worth popping over for.

Bullet In The Sky is the lighter of the two with the sound leaning towards softer, American hair rock from the nineties. Not to discredit it though, if you’re looking for a pick me up track with a chorus so catchy you’d swear it’s medical, then this is your baby. Definitely one for the radio, the gals and the good times.

Pretty People follows and this time with more of an edge. Being Million Dollar Reload, they’re not going to drop the catchiness but everything else has been pumped up with dirt, grime, grittiness and sleaze. Vocals hit harder, riffs get heavier and there’s a frickin’ sweet guitar solo!

Tickets There was penned M$R down for ‘albums to buy’ and these shows are shoving their name higher on the list. Check their MySpace by clicking here.

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