A review of the album 'For All you ABC-1’s Out There' by Illness Review Snapshot: 'For All You ABC-1’s Out There' captures the chaotic chemistry of two talented musicians searching for their musical path. Admittedly, the mediocre quality of the recording limits the band’s potential to make an impact in the commercial market at this moment in time. As an indication of things to come, there is certainly enough here to suggest that Illness are on their way towards future success.  The Cluas Verdict? 6 out of 10 Full Review: History has shown us that culture is self-referential and reactionary, with new trends developing in response to the dominant art forms of the present day. The sentimentality of Romanticism produced a suitable counterpoint in the Realist movement, while the excessive theatrics of Hair Metal begat the shoegazing philosophy of Grunge. Now in this post-digital age, bands are beginnings to revert to the... [Read on]

A review of the EP 'Yes Way' by School Tour Review Snapshot: One artist’s ethereal exploration of electronic art and its borderless landscape. And while some may dismiss it as self-indulgent, the asking price (free) makes it recommended listening for any open-minded music fan.  The Cluas Verdict? 8 out of 10 Full Review: In the past, an artist would commence his creative journey by relocating to a distant rural landscape, disconnected from the distractions of the modern day. In severing his ties with society, he opened the possibility of an unimpeded exploration of the self, re-emerging finally with a product as yet unrealised by the outside world. Yeats’ finest work arose in Inishfree; Led Zepelin’s III found its feet in a remote Welsh cottage and now Donegal becomes the birthplace of a new breed of Irish Electronica from instrumentalist School Tour.  School Tour - real name Gerald Duffy - is fast becoming a leadi... [Read on]

A review of the album 'Leche' by Gregory and the Hawk Review Snapshot:  Leche is the third studio album from Meredith Godreau or, as she is better known, Gregory and the Hawk. The quirk that can be heard in her previous albums and EPs remains an overwhelming character in her latest release but that could be the problem here; little else has changed either. And instead of leaning on her influences, it sounds like she’s just copied them.  The Cluas Verdict? 4 out of 10 Full Review: The opening song ‘For the Best’ has some really excellent lyrics, something fans of her will be familiar with. One problem with this song is it’s heavy similarity to anything ‘early Tori Amos.’ “I really want to find a bar, and mix some fear up with a friend …and give you skull tattoos in pen”    It goes on to talk of her curiosity about how her lover or hopeful lover might feel.  ... [Read on]

A review of the album 'Rock Dust Light Star' by Jamiroquai Review Snapshot: The seventh album from this popular electro-funk band.  Brimming with jazz, funk, and catchy disco floorfillers,  Jay Kay has a long way to go before hanging up his oversized hat. Cluas Verdict: 7 out of 10 Full Review: It's easy to forget how long Jamiroquai have been going.  ‘Rock Dust Light Star’ is the seventh album from a band that have been knocking out the albums since the early 90s.  Despite the 6 albums already under their belt, a plethora of MTV awards and let's not forget a Grammy, the band clearly have no plans to slow down & are keen to showcase that with this latest offering.  So were the recent tirades against X Factor judges genuine concerns over the way some might deem the music industry to be headed, or just  well orgnised hype to promote a mediocre album? With its subdued melody and uninspir... [Read on]

Lady Gaga (live in The O2, Dublin) Review Snapshot: The Madonna comparisons are obvious. They both write and sing, the choreography is similar in parts, Alejandro is the new La Isla Bonita but I’ve never seen Madonna play the piano the way Gaga can. She’s here for the long haul and I’ve no doubt, on tonight’s performance we’re watching the artist of this decade. The Cluas Verdict? 9.5 out of 10 Full Review: The world’s current most famous pop star returned to Dublin for the first of 3 nights at the o2 for a two-hour show split into four acts culminating with her Monster Ball. Act 1 was set around a New York City backdrop for the opening numbers ‘Dance In The Dark’ and ‘Glitter And Grease’ as her green car breaks down in the Big Apple, but fear not, under the bonnet is a piano which she plays during ‘Just Dance’. There’s a constant changing of costumes throughout ‘Beautiful... [Read on]