https://www.cluas.com/indie-music RSS feeds for CLUAS Irish Indie Music 60 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/251/My-Jerusalem-Gone-for-Good#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=251 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=251&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/251/My-Jerusalem-Gone-for-Good A review of the album 'Gone for Good' by My Jerusalem Review Snapshot: The critic in me has heard it all before but the music fan doesn't care making Gone for Good a rather perplexing beast. The Cluas Verdict? 8 out of 10 Full Review: This review is brought to you by the thesis I've spent most of my summer working on.  It will come in three parts, the reasoning for which will become clear as you read. It should, if the people I've interviewed are correct, cover the three key roles of the music reviewer and, therefore, provide the perfect music review. The Critic: In this role, it is important for the reviewer to go beyond the pleasure of the ears and express judgement and argue the reasons for what he hears. The problem with this approach is that we are all limited by knowledge. There are those of you reading that may well have a vastly inferior/superior mental database from which to compare and contrast music. As a critic, it's my job to find common familiar group that can appease both fanboys and those of you who buy 3 CDs a year in Tesco. So, as a critic, there is one glaring problem with Gone for Good, it sounds like every intelligent alt-folk album you've heard before. Elbow-esque strings? Check. Arcade Fire style layered vocals? Check. Bright Eyes like clever lyrical twists? Check. This doesn't mean that My Jerusalem lack originality, it's just not the reason you'd part with your money.  The Cheerleader: In this role, and with so much music out there for people to choose from, it falls to the writer to look beyond the imperfections and, instead, dwell upon the excellencies and hidden beauties of the album. That's easy. From album opener Valley of the Casualties, through to closer Farewell and via all ten tracks in between, Jeff Klein and company have delivered one of those rare albums where every song could be a single; as likely to be heard on Phantom as they are to appear on Today FM's playlist. That's not to say, of course, that we're bordering on White Ladder territory. Instead, with Gone for Good, My Jerusalem have delivered this year's Seldom Seen Kid which, considering they have only been together a wet week, is no mean feat. The Archivist: The third and final role of the reviewer. It's a role you've probably taken on too. Every time you've recorded a gig with your iPhone you've added to the archive. We don't experience, we record. Likewise, I wasn't listening to Gone for Good I was making mental notes of its place in history. There's no doubting that, despite its obvious flaws, Gone for Good is a very good album. It's by no means a great album though and, if I'm honest, it will fade from memory long before the likes of Becoming a Jackal, Waltz #2 (XO), Deserter's Songs or The Soft Bulletin. It should still go down as one of the best releases of 2010 though. Steven O'Rourke Gone for Good is released on September 6 through One Little Indian. My Jerusalem - Sweet Chariot by One Little Indian Records More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:251 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/258/Villagers-Becoming-A-Jackal#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=258 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=258&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/258/Villagers-Becoming-A-Jackal A review of the album Becoming A Jackal by Villagers Review Snapshot: Despite the huge weight of expectation, Conor O'Brien delivers possibly the finest Irish record you'll hear this year in the shape of Becoming A Jackal. The Cluas Verdict? 9 out of 10 Full Review: It's difficult not to feel sorry for Conor O'Brien. Dude's only a slip of a thing and yet he has to deal with me putting the entire weight of my musical expectations for 2010 on his shoulders.  That said, with Becoming A Jackal, O'Brien has set himself apart from the pack. There's a tenderness and a craftsmanship at play here that is as rare as it is beautiful and for that reason alone O'Brien and his Villagers should be considered a national treasure. Opening with 'I Saw the Dead', Villagers set the scene for an album whose veins are coursing with isolation and fear and yet whose mind is set on hope and regeneration.  Such is the epic nature of 'I Saw the Dead', a song that calls to mind everything from 'A Day In The Life' to Elliott Smith's 'Whatever (Some Folk Song in C)', it almost deserves a review of its own. My only warning is that the end can be quite terrifying if you're listening to it alone late at night. It is quickly followed by 'Becoming A Jackal', a song that captures the raw emotive energy that O'Brien taps into better than any of his contemporaries.  Themes of loneliness and falling apart are evident on tracks like 'Home' - the song Roy Orbison should have written when he sat down to pen 'I Drove All Night', 'The Meaning of the Ritual' - more orchestral and moving than its version on the Hollow Kind EP and 'Pieces' - a song that should bring considerable comfort to anyone who has ever felt like they were about to fall apart. It's difficult to have complaints about an album that feels as satisfying as Becoming A Jackal.  However, I can imagine that O'Brien's constant use of rhyming couplets could grate on repeated listen and the inclusion of 'The Pact (I'll be your Fever)' - a song that could well be the theme tune to a new reality show that sees a Irish family stranded on a desert island, calypso indie pop anyone? - is odd, especially at the expense of songs like 'The Sun is Hanging from a String' or 'Down, Under the Sea'. Overall though, this is a work of real beauty and understated genius. The influences of Neil Young and Elliott Smith - especially in the multi-layered vocals that are used in a number of songs - are not ones that I'd heard in any of Villagers' live performances. This is, for me, the most beautiful collection of songs you're likely to hear this year. Free from the constraints of the 'too many cooks' nature of The Immediate, O'Brien is allowed to soar. In his own words: 'When I grew bolder/out onto the streets I flew/released from your shackles/I danced with the jackals/and learned a new way to move.' And what an accomplished way that is. Steven O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 13 May 2010 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:258 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/102/C-O-D-E-S-live-in-the-Academy-Dublin#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=102 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=102&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/102/C-O-D-E-S-live-in-the-Academy-Dublin C O D E S (live in the Academy, Dublin) Review Snapshot:  C O D E S show once again why they are one of Ireland's best, if not best, live acts. The Cluas Verdict? 9 out of 10 Full Review:  Hearing that one of your favourite bands have split is a lot like being told by the vet that your dog has to be put down.  You realise that there must be a very good reason behind it, but you still don't want to accept it.  On hearing late last year that the Future Kings of Spain had abdicated their right to ascend the throne, I was devastated.  Never again would I be able to shout 'Play Meanest Sound!' during a set.  However, the blow was softened somewhat with the emergence of The Black Triangle, a band consisting of ex-members of the Future Kings of Spain (Karl Hussey and Bryan McMahon) and Bambi (Dan Barry). Now, while I'm still not sure whether their name refers to a particularly vehement branch of lesbian feminism or not (I doubt it), I am sure, from tonight's performance, that the three-piece are capable of producing a blend of angular rock consisting of the sharp, jagged guitar work and low-down-dirty drum and bass rhythms that define the scene. Songs such as You Know It's Wrong, The Black Triangle and Daybreak show a maturity and cohesiveness beyond their two gigs as a three-piece.  The Kings may be dead, but long live The Black Triangle. It says quite a bit about the upward trajectory of C O D E S that they could get a band like Delays to merely play support.  However, it becomes clear pretty quickly that, unlike the opening act, the Southampton band are very much an act whose best days are behind them. It's not for the want of trying mind.  The band, particularly lead singer Greg Gilbert, give it their all. Unfortunately, it is only bus journey favourite Long Time Coming that generates more than a polite response. The same can't be said for the audience reaction to C O D E S.  After being treated to a light show that, while undoubtedly spectacular, will do nothing to cease those dogged MUSE comparisons, the band surprise everybody by launching in to a new song rather than their traditional set openers Malfunctions and This is Goodbye.  As a live act, C O D E S adopt the form of a multi-limbed, multi-dimensional, multi-sensory behemoth, capable of transporting its audience light years from the Abbey Street building they entered just a few hours previously.  Tracks like Cities, Trees Dream in Algebra and You are Here are particularly well received but for me, I could die a happy man after hearing tonight's rendition of Starry Eyed. There is no denying that C O D E S have their detractors, indier than thou types who consider their sound 'too mainstream'.  There are none of those here tonight though, probably at home listening to an obscure Icelandic folk band whose Mahican language debut album contains one song consisting entirely of the sound of three sheep relaxing in a sauna. That might be me being facetious but it becomes very tiresome hearing/reading people trying to out indie each other and so when a band like C O D E S comes along and produce songs and a live show as powerful and as fun - yeah, I used the f-word - as this one, it's great to be a part of it. I've said it before and I'll say it again, C O D E S are a band destined to fill stadiums.  Tonight they took one step closer.   Steve O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:102 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/274/Pilotlight-The-Post-War-Musical#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=274 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=274&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/274/Pilotlight-The-Post-War-Musical A review of the album The Post War Musical by Pilotlight Review Snapshot: The Post War Musical is a beautiful debut record from an Irish band who have aren't afraid to explore old themes with a new perspective. The Cluas Verdict? 8 out of 10 Full Review: The French philosopher Alain Badiou coined the phrase inaesthetic to refer to the creation of art.  In his Handbook of Inaesthetics, Badiou opined that artistic endeavours were both immanent and singular. They are immanent in the sense that their truth is given in their immediacy and singular in that their truth is found in the work of art and the work of art alone.  To Badiou, the critic and his/her analysis doesn't particularly matter.  The truth, the beauty and the merit of a piece of music exists not in my words, or the words of my kin, but in the work itself. That's not to say you shouldn't read what I'm about to say about Pilotlight's debut long player, The Post War Musical.  Indeed, I rather hope you do.  However, of more concern to me is that, having read the review, you take the time to purchase your own copy of the album, and judge for yourself.  Find your own beauty, see your own truth. For me, The Post War Musical offers a great deal of both.  Named after the British government's attempt to cheer up a populace recovering from the loss of a whole generation of young men; this record provides the soundtrack to those fleeting moments of escapism we feel during the mundane nature of our daily - wake, consume, sleep - lifestyle.  Songs like the powerful Pulling on Doors that say Push and Health & Safety speak to the same part of your conscience that occasionally views the world in raw impressionist brush strokes.  This is a record packed full of unexpected colour and where the lines between objects and their shadows become increasingly blurred. Lyrically, Pilotlight (formerly Polar) explore various themes of love, loss and the fleetingness of existence while managing to find new paths to take in those well walked yellow woods.  The inevitability of death is beautifully portrayed in Letting Balloons Go, while the sheer heart-stopping, jaw-dropping effects of falling in love are wonderfully sketched on South, without every straying into sentimentality.  However, it is the album closing The Shortest Route to Happiness is a Straight Line that steals this particular Post War Musical.  Displaying all Pilotlight's musical prowess, as well as the deft touch of super producer Karl Odlum, it is a remarkably fragile composition, best described as beautiful. If, as Keats would have us believe, "beauty is truth, truth beauty";  The Post War Musical is, indeed, "all ye need to know." Steven O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:274 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4282/Key-Notes-Final-Blog#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4282 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4282&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4282/Key-Notes-Final-Blog As you've probably guessed from the blog title and, indeed, the summary, this will be the final ever edition of Key Notes.  It might not be a huge surprise to those of you who follow this blog on a regular basis as the silence emanating from Key Note Towers over the past few weeks has been deafening.  Unfortunately, I totally underestimated how much time and effort a Masters would require and, while it would have been an easy decision to hold on to this blog and only update it once or twice per month, I think you, the Key Notes reader, deserves better.  This blog set out to entertain and inform in equal measure and on a regular basis.  I hope that I have achieved that over the past two and a half years.  However, now that I can no longer provide you with a regular update, I feel the time is right to step aside and pave the way for a fresh voice from the CLUAS stable to provide you with their take on Ireland's indie music scene.  I can't reveal who that person is just now, but I hope that regular readers of Key Notes will support his replacement. Before I go, I would like to thank Eoghan, who provided me with this excellent opportunity.  Sir, your guidance was one of the main reasons I took the plunge and decided to do my journalism Masters.  I would also like the thank my fellow CLUAS writers, especially those of you who took gig passes on short notice and were willing and able to publish reviews within 24 hours.  Unfortunately, my decision to step back from the site means that I will no longer be in charge of the distribution of gig passes but I'm sure Eoghan will direct you in the right direction soon. I would also like to thank all the promoters, bands, managers and fans who I've had the pleasure of being in contact with over the past few years and who have pointed me in the direction of some excellent new Irish music.  I would especially like to thank (and wish them the best of luck in the future) all those involved with C O D E S, Dark Room Notes, Escape Act and the sadly departed Future Kings of Spain. I'd better thank Mrs. Key Notes too.  Although, like Eoghan, it is partly Amy's fault that I can't continue with Key Notes as I doubt I'd be doing this Masters if it wasn't for her support.  Finally, I would like to you, the Key Notes reader, especially those of you on the Key Notes' mailing list.  I hope I have succeeded in my goal of entertaining and informing you over the past few years and that you appreciate difficult it was to come up with a new email title every time! This won't be the last you hear from me on CLUAS.  I still hope to provide gig and album reviews as and when I can and I stand 100% behind this site and what it aims to achieve. It's been emotional people. C O D E S: This is Goodbye More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4282 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4283/Key-Notes-Marathon-Adventure#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4283 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4283&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4283/Key-Notes-Marathon-Adventure Yesterday, Monday 26 October 2009, this blog ran (and completed) its very first Marathon. It was a day of extreme highs and lows and one that I'll probably never forget.  I know for sure that my right knee won't let me forget anytime soon. As I reached the start line at 8.30, the air was heavy with the smell of fear and deep heat.  Nervous pleasantries were exchanged between competitors amidst final stretches and photographs.  Everyone wanted to know what time everyone else wanted to achieve.  If I could do it in less that 4 hours, 30 minutes, I'd be very happy.  If I could somehow find the adrenalin to do it in less than four then I'd be ecstatic!  As the 9.00 start time approached, my emotions began to get the better of me, not because of the 26 miles, 385 yards ahead of me, but because of the hundreds of miles I'd put in beforehand and, of course, the very reason I was doing this in the first place, in memory of my Father-in-law, Alan Smyth.   However, once the starting gun went all nerves quickly disappeared and I settled in to a nice pace of 9.30-9.45 minute miles for the first 5 miles.  It was hard not to think about the difference between the first time I attempted 5 miles, when I was sure I'd have to call some sort of cardiac ambulance, and today.  Indeed, miles 4-8, through the Phoenix Park, are perhaps the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on.  The colours of the trees, the enthusiastic crowds, the fact that I was, without very much effort, on course for possibly a 4 hour marathon added a spring to my step that made me feel like the greatest distance runner in the world.   That being said, as good as I felt exiting the Chapelizod Gate, I realised that I wasn't sweating very much and so I took some time to load up on water and energy drinks at the next water station.  Mile 8 to 9, which included the impossibly steep St. Laurence Road, was by far the toughest of the race so far but as I made my way through miles 9-13 I seemed to get a second wind.  I was now running a pretty good pace and still had the 4 hour pace balloons in sight. However, as I crossed the half way mark in 2 hours, 1 minute and 14 seconds, and began to dream of upping the pace and overtaking the pacemakers between miles 13-18 (and before I hit the dreaded wall), I heard what can only be described as a loud snap in my head and almost immediately came to a shuddering halt given the pain that was now emanating from my right knee. I couldn't believe it.  This was the same knee I suffered a grade 2 ACL tear in during training (causing me to miss 8 weeks in total) but which hadn't caused me any real trouble for over 6 weeks.   I made my way as quickly as I could to the nearest first aid area where I was strongly advised to call it a day.  That was NEVER going to happen, not after coming this far.  The first aid guys applied as much deep freeze as they could before advising me one more time to consider leaving the race.  Stubbornly, I still refused, saying that I'd give it another couple of miles and see where it took me.  All in all, I spent over 21 minutes getting treatment and stretching and so any hope of a sub four hour marathon were well any truly gone. Indeed, after about a mile of very light jogging I relalised that time was no longer an issue.  It was now all about ignoring the pain in my right knee (akin to replacing your knee joint with a testicle and running on it for 12 or so miles), and just finishing the race.  To be honest, I wasn't sure I could but as mile after mile passed by I could sense the finish line and that, plus a brilliantly supportive crowd, kept me going, even through miles 18-24 when I seemed to spend most of the time trying not to cry, both from the pain and the feeling that I'd let myself and others down because of this injury. Somehow, and from somewhere, I picked up the courage to run, as fast as I could, the last 2 miles, 285 yards in the hope of finishing in less than 5 & a half hours.  Seeing Mrs Key Notes, her mum and my own Mum and Dad, as I struggled through the last mile, gave me a huge emotional and physical boost and as I crossed the line I was so overcome with the emotion of the whole experience that I almost, almost, forgot about the pain for a moment.  Officially, my time was 5.46.14 but, as I took 21 minutes out for treatment, I'm giving myself an unofficial time of 5.25.14.   Not that it matters, of course, I finished a marathon, essentially on one leg, and that, as everyone has since told me, is all that really matters.  That and getting to the doctor today! Should you wish to sponsor me, there is still time so please check out my MyCharity Page.More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4283 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/110/Day-Two-Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-2009#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=110 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=110&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/110/Day-Two-Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-2009 Oliver Cole, Escape Act & Others (live in Temple Bar, Dublin) Review Snapshot:  Day two of Hard Working Class Heroes involved quite a bit of venue shifting but was all the better for it.  The Cluas Verdict? 8.5 out of 10 Full Review: Thankfully, my leg felt a great deal better and so venue-hopping was not going to be as much of a problem as it was on Day One of Hard Working Class Heroes 2009.   Oliver Cole - The Button Factory Oliver Cole certainly knows how to write a tune.  Tonight, Cole's set consists of songs taken from his yet to be released debut solo LP such as Little Bad Dream, A Drug Song and, the title track, We Albatri.  His ear for melody is second to none and it would be impossible to watch an Oliver Cole gig without wanting to sing-a-long and tap your foot.  That being said,  it was such a shame that Cole was on so early as his stage presence and interaction with the crowd is much more suited to later in the night.  Indeed, it's almost worth checking out Cole the next time you can just to hear the story behind We Albatri. Escape Act - 4 Dame Lane 2009 has been a bit of a revelation for me in terms of bands from Northern Ireland.  And So I Watch You From Afar and General Fiasco both blew me away at Oxegen but it was Belfast's Escape Act that started the trend earlier in the year with their excellent debut album, Loosely Based on Fiction.  Tonight's set, in the gorgeous surroundings of 4 Dame Lane (why aren't more gigs held here?), consists of a mixture of tracks from that record and the band's sophomore LP, to be released in 2010.  Of the newer tracks, Salt in Your Eye is my favourite but it's interesting to hear how the band have grown organically into their new sound without losing the qualities that caught my attention in the first place. C!ties - Twister Pepper There was a lot of firsts involved in this particular set.  My first time venturing to the Northside during HWCH 2009, my first time in Twisted Pepper and my first time to see/hear C!ties.  The instrumental 3 piece, from Ennis, look about 12 but don't let that fool you.  Despite the number of gigs I go to, I've always thought that people who wear ear plugs to gigs just don't have the aural fortitude that I do.  Tonight, I wish I had ear plugs.  Perhaps it is the venue's small size, but C!ties are possibly the loudest band I've heard live.  I could literally feel the sound waves emanating from the speakers.  Behind the wall of sound and veil of chaos; C!ties are a band fully in possession of any number of finely crafted songs.  Definitely a band to watch out for. The Poormouth - Think Tank I had intended on waiting around Twisted Pepper for The Holy Roman Army, but it took them so long to set up that, when they finally started, I couldn't forgive them for how poor they sounded.  Maybe soundcheck the mic in future, yeah? Anyway, as luck would have it, I was told that The Poormouth in Think Tank might be worth checking out.  They certainly were; the band's blend of lo-fi melodic rock was the perfect way to counter the sonic onslaught of C!ties.  There's more than a hint of Bright Eyes, Neil Young and Smog about what The Poormouth do but, as influences go, they're not bad reference points by which to chart your musical journey.  Indeed, The Poormouth prove to be the perfect way to end the evening.  Steve O'Rourke It should be noted that I also saw Cutaways and Fionn Regan this evening but not enough of either to give a fair review. More ... Steven O'Rourke Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:110 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/111/Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-2009-Day-1#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=111 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=111&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/111/Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-2009-Day-1 Villagers, The Ambience Affair & Others (HWCH, live in Temple Bar, Dublin) Review Snapshot:   The Cluas Verdict? 8.5 out of 10 Full Review: While my intention had been to make my way between various venues during the first day of Hard Working Class Heroes 2009, a strained muscle (one week before my first marathon) meant that I was restricted in my endeavours.  It was clear early on that the place to be was Andrew's Lane which featured three of the four bands I really wanted to see tonight anyway.  While it was disappointing not to be able to see Dark Room Notes' set in The Button Factory, the intensity of Subplots and the raw talent of both The Ambience Affair and Villagers more than made up for it. Subplots There was quite a chatty crowd in place as Subplots took to the stage in Andrew's Lane.  The band's record, Nightcycles, is one of my favourites this year.  However, I was worried that their carefully crafted songs might struggle to make an impact in a live arena.  Not for the first time, I was wrong.  Indeed, such was the level of intensity in their performance that those same songs I described earlier this year as being not 'instantly accessible' stood tall and screamed for both your attention and adulation.  Despite this, there was a nagging sense that the band would have benefited from a later time-slot, when the audience might not have been more interested in discussing making blind dates through Facebook, but that is hardly their fault. Dead Flags I can appreciate pop music as much as the next person.  I also appreciate comedy.  Why then, did I find this band so objectionable?  Perhaps it was because every song, from Too Much Love to Give through to Let's Start A Fire seemed to contain nothing but thinly veiled sexual innuendo; single entendres were the order of the day.  One song, the aforementioned Let's Start A Fire was actually irritatingly catchy but so too is Take That's (a band probably never mentioned on CLUAS before now) Patience, that doesn't mean I'd be rushing out to see them live either.  If Dead Flags want lessons on being a comedy band, they could do worse than check out the new(ish) Flight of the Conchord's DVD. The Ambience Affair Ever since I saw this two-piece playing Road Records at the launch of HWCH 2009, I was desperate to see them live again.  I wasn't disappointed.  Jamie Clarke and Marc Gallagher build sonic walls on stage that bands three times their size could only dream of.  For those of you not familiar with The Ambience Affair, Clarke builds songs with endless looping of both his acoustic guitar and vocals while Gallagher (a contender for Ireland's best drummer) provides the heartbeat for their musical behemoth.  Songs such as Fragile Things and the newly written Lost at the Start could not fail but to absorb the audience who, by this stage, seemed much more appreciative of the fact that there was a band on stage. Villagers It was pretty clear from 20 minutes before they came on stage that Villagers were the band to see at this year's Hard Working Class Heroes.  If the pressure of being hotly tipped by almost every musical publication in the country is weighing on Conor O'Brien and his band mate's shoulders, they're doing a very good job of hiding it.  Indeed, the former Immediate frontman appears to be completely at home in front of his enraptured audience; wielding his guitar like some emotional shotgun, taking musical pot shots at the souls of his faithful. Given the contrasting power and delicacy of O'Brien's voice, it can be all too easy to overlook the important contribution of his fellow Villagers.  Their role is crucial here, providing the flesh to O'Brien's lyrical bones.  Stand-out for me tonight is Home with its multi-part vocal harmonies and red raw lyrics.  For once, believe the hype. Steve O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:111 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4284/Festival-Guide-Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-2009#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4284 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4284&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4284/Festival-Guide-Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-2009 And so Dublin's most hectic, fun-filled, music weekend is finally upon us!  The full schedule for Hard Working Class Heroes 2009, details of which you can find below or on the HWCH website, has been announced.   There are obviously a lot of great bands that one could see over the weekend but Key Notes will more than likely be found at the following: Friday Midatlantic - The Button Factory - 7.15-7.45 Theme Tune Boy - 4 Dame Lane - 8.15-8.45 Subplots - Andrew's Lane - 8.50-9.20 Here Come The Landed Gentry - Academy 2 - 9.30-10.00 The Ambience Affair - Andrew's Lane - 10.10-10.40 Villagers - Andrew's Lane - 11.00-12.00 Saturday Oliver Cole - The Button Factory - 7.10-7.40 Escape Act - 4 Dame Lane - 8.00-8.30 Cities - Twisted Pepper - 8.55-9.25 Holy Roman Army - Twisted Pepper - 9.35-10.05 Fionn Regan - Button Factory - 10.00-11.00 Sunday Pearse McLoughlin - The Button Factory - 7.30-8.00 Biggles Flies Again - Academy 2 - 8.10-8.40 Robotnik - Andrew's Lane - 9.00-9.30 Tidal District - Academy 2 - 9.30-10.00 The Angel Pier - Button Factory - 10.15-11.00 202's - Andrew's Lane - 11.05-11.35 Super Extra Bonus Party - Andrew's Lane - 11.50 - 12.30 Full Hard Working Class Heroes 2009 Line-up: FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER ________________________________ ANDREWS LANE  7.30 - 8.00 - MIRACLE BELL 8.10 - 8.40 - WE CUT CORNERS 8.50 - 9.20 - SUBPLOTS 9.30 - 10.00 - THE DEAD FLAGS 10.10 - 10.40 - THE AMBIENCE AFFAIR 11.00 - 12.00 - VILLAGERS (12:00 - 2.00AM HWCH CLUB) IRATE SOUND SYSTEM & CHEWY BUTTON FACTORY  7.15 - 7.45 - MIDATLANTIC 8.00 - 8.30 - ALRIGHT CHIEF 8.40 - 9.10 - THE BROTHERS MOVEMENT 9.20 - 9.50 - A PLASTIC ROSE 10.00 - 10.35 - DARK ROOM NOTES THE ACADEMY 2  7.30 - 8.00 - I ♥ THE MONSTER HERO 8.10 - 8.40 - NO LADY 8.50 - 9.20 - DEAF ANIMAL ORCHESTRA 9.30 - 10.00 - HERE COMES THE LANDED GENTRY  10.10 - 10.40 - NOT SQUARES 10.55 - 11.30 - HERITAGE CENTRE TWISTED PEPPER  7.45 - 8.15 - ALBERT PENGUIN 8.30 - 9.00 - CITY OF ANGELS 9.15 - 9.45 - BITCHES WITH WOLVES 10-00 - 10.30 - SERGEANT MEGAPHONE 10.45 - 11.15 - TALULAH DOES THE HULA 11.30 - 12.00 - NEOSUPERVITAL 4 DAME LANE  7.30 - 8.00 - LADYDOLL 8.15 - 8.45 - THEME TUNE BOY 9.00 - 9.30 - BLACK ROBOTS 9.45 - 10.15 - ZEALOTS 10.30 - 11.00 - IDENTITY PARADE THINK TANK 7.30 - 8.00 - GIRAFFES 8.15 - 8.45 - IAN WHITTY & THE EXCHANGE 900 - 9.30 - HEATHERS 9.45 - 10.15 - THE STAR DEPARTMENT 10.25 - 11.00 - MORE TINY GIANTS   SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER _______________________________ ANDREWS LANE 7.45-8.15 – HIRED HANDS 8.30 - 9.00 - O EMPEROR 9.10 - 9.40 - ALI & THE DTS 9.50 - 10.20 - GRAN CASINO 10.30 - 11.00 - SWEET JANE 11.15 - 12.00 - ADEBISI SHANK (12:00 - 2.00AM HWCH CLUB) STEVE REDDY & DJ TUKI  BUTTON FACTORY 7.10 - 7.40 - OLLIE COLE 7.50 - 8.20 - LAND LOVERS 8.30 - 9.00 - BRIANA CORRIGAN 9.10 - 9.40 - DEAF JOE 10.00 - 11.00 - FIONN REGAN THE ACADEMY 2 7.30 - 8.00 - FINGERSMITH 8.15 - 8.45 - KILL KRINKLE CLUB 9.00 - 9.30 - CUTAWAYS 9.45 - 10.15 - DISTRACTORS 10.30 - 11.00 - CHEAP FREAKS TWISTED PEPPER  (ON THE RECORD AT HWCH) 7.30 - 8.00 - KYON 8.15 - 8.45 - YES CADETS 8.55 - 9.25 - C!TIES 9.35 - 10.05 - THE HOLY ROMAN ARMY 10.15 - 10.45 - VALERIE FRANCIS 10.45 - 12.15 - DJ SETS FROM: UNA ROCKS, NIALLER9 12.30 - 01.00 - THE SPOOK OF THE 13TH LOCK 01.15 - 01.45 - THE DYING SECONDS 02.00 - 02.45 - HUNTER GATHERER 4 DAME LANE 8.00 - 8.30 - ESCAPE ACT 8.45 - 9.15 - P.DOG 9.30 - 10.00 - BLOOD BOTTLER 10.15 - 10.45 - COLLIE THINK TANK 7.30 - 8.00 - RORY GRUBB 8.15 - 8.45 - MAIL ORDER MESSIAHS 9.00 - 9.30 - GOATBOY 9.45 - 10.15 - THE POORMOUTH 10.30 - 11.00 - LIZ IS EVIL    SUNDAY 18TH OCTOBER ________________________________ ANDREWS LANE 8.15 - 8.45 - DISCONNECT 4 9.00 - 9.30 - ROBOTNIK 9.45 - 10.15 - ONLY FUMES & CORPSES 10.25 - 10.55 - FUNERAL SUITS  11.05 - 11.35 - 202S 11.50 - 12.30 - SUPER EXTRA BONUS PARTY  BUTTON FACTORY 7.30 - 8.00 - PEARSE MCGLOUGHLIN 8.10 - 8.40 - ULTAN CONLON 8.50 - 9.20 - FIONA MELADY 9.30 - 10.00 - THE BRAD PITT LIGHT ORCHESTRA 10.15 - 11.00 - THE ANGEL PIER THE ACADEMY 2 7.30 - 8.00 - ARMOURED BEAR 8.10 - 8.40 - BIGGLES FLYS AGAIN 8.50 - 9.20 - AUTUMN OWLS 9.30 - 10.00 - TIDAL DISTRICT 10.10 - 10.40 - VERONA RIOTS TWISTED PEPPER 7.30 - 8.00 - GO PANDA GO 8.10 - 8.40 - HASSLE MERCHANTS 8.50 - 9.20 - JOGGING 9.30 - 10.00 - TINY MAGNETIC PETS 10.10 - 10.40 - SOUNDS OF SYSTEM BREAKDOWN 10.55 - 11.30 - HAM SANDWICH 4 DAME LANE 7.30 - 8.00 - PRIMO 8.15 - 8.45 - VOX POPULI 9.00 - 9.30 - CARPOOL CONVERSATION 9.45 - 10.15 - REMMA 10.30 - 11.00 - AIRSTRIP ONE 11.15 - 11.45 - KILLER CHLOE THINK TANK 8.10 - 8.40 - THE VALS 8.50 - 9.20 - PLANET PARADE 9.30 - 10.00 - EXIT THE STREET 10.10 - 10.40 - POCKET PROMISE   So who will you being going to see? More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4284 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4285/Dark-Room-Notes-Sign-with-BBE#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4285 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4285&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4285/Dark-Room-Notes-Sign-with-BBE Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of lads if you ask Key Notes.  Long time favourites of this particular blog, Dark Room Notes, announced on their MySpace this morning that they had just inked a deal with Berlin/London based BBE. According to the band: We Love You Dark Matter will (now) receive a worldwise release in 2010. It seems an initial single release in January 2010 will feature remixes from other artists on the BBE roster such as Dimitri from Paris and John Morales.  Next year will also see the band tour the UK, Europe, the US and Japan in support of the record. Dark Room Notes will be playing The Button Factory on Friday, October 16 at 10pm as part of the 2009 Hard Working Class Heroes Festival.  More details on the rest of the line up for HWCH 2009 later this week. Dark Room Notes:  Let's Light Fires More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4285 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4286/Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-09-Industry-Guide#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4286 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4286&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4286/Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-09-Industry-Guide One of Hard Working Class Heroes' unique selling points (along with not having to buy a tent!) is the involvement of the industry in the event.  This year, Culture Ireland and IMRO have teamed up with HWCH to facilitate the presence of key speakers over the course of the weekend. Mentor Speed Sessions Mentor Speed Sessions, where Irish and International industry and media professionals will be available for one-on-one questioning to help you navigate the potential pitfalls in the music industry, will take place between 10.30 and 13.00 in The Button Factory on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18.  These sessions must be signed up for in advance on the HWCH website and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Industry Panels A number of discussions will take place over the course of the HWCH weekend, chaired by Jim Carroll and featuring the following topics: Media: Why The First, Last & Middle Words are Online The Button Factory, 14.00, Saturday October 17. What will it mean to bands to have more and more music journalism move online? Music Placement: TV on the Radio The Button Factory, 15.30, Saturday October 17. A look at what music placement means to bands and how to go about it. Labels: Meet Your new Best Friend The Button Factory, 14.00, Sunday October 18. A number of label types argue why they are still relevant as we approach the end of the Noughties. Touring: The Music Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy The Button Factory, 15.30, Sunday October 18. A chance to learn how to move from playing your home town, to somebody else's home town. These industry panels are free to those in possession of a valid weekend or one day ticket.  Tickets are still available for HWCH 2009 from usual outlets.  Keep an eye on Key Notes next week as he will bring you the full line-up for the event, as well as listing which bands he thinks you should be checking out.More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4286 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4287/Key-Notes-Random-Notes#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4287 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4287&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4287/Key-Notes-Random-Notes Key Notes Returns To College Key Notes has had an interesting couple of weeks.  For a start, I'm now a full time student again.  I started my Masters in Journalism last week and, so far, it's pretty much everything I was hoping it would be.  Shorthand is tough, especially for someone who doesn't write in a cursive script to start with, but aside from that, Key Notes is sure he's made the right decision career/life wise. Marathon Preparations Those of you who follow this blog will know that I am currently training for the Adidas Dublin City Marathon on October 26.  In preparation for this I recently ran the Adidas Dublin Half Marathon with my mother (aw bless).  While my time was nothing to write home about, she managed to finish 111 out of over 1,000 in her category and raise lots of funds for charity at the same time so kudos where it is due.  I will be blogging about my marathon exploits closer to the date, and looking for sponsorship, so watch out. Hot Press Music Show Key Notes attended this weekend's Hot Press Music Show in the RDS (thanks Greeny!) and was pleased to see the amount of young people there.  When I was growing up in Kildare, music shops were at a premium and access to musical instruments and teachers usually came through school.  With an event like the Music Show, kids of all ages can fall in love with real instruments (as opposed to Guitar Hero, which, while having some entertainment value, has the potential to kill music).  The Music Show also exposes kids of all ages to some of the topics currently being debated in the world of music.  Illegal downloading was, once again, the hot potato, but there was also a particularly interesting debate on songwriting as a business, a subject that gets Key Notes wound up in all sorts of ways.  In my world, music should be considered art, not a business.  Why is that such a lofty ideal? Two Bands Key Notes Would Recommend At the Music Show, Key Notes heard two bands whose music he hadn't really paid much attention to before.  The first band, OnOff, won a competition to open the gig section of the event.  I saw this band once before and, quite frankly, didn't think very much.  However, they are now one member lighter and sound a great deal better for it.  There is an edge to this band that a lot of established bands would kill for.  Their music (balls out rock) might not be to everyone's taste but, if they could tone down on the swagger just a little, they is a great deal of potential. The second band, and one that Key Notes is now very excited by, is Bipolar Empire.  One reason why this band caught my attention is that it would be difficult to pin a specific sound or genre on this band.  It was at times melodic, rock, soul and even blues and all played around songs of a very high standard.  Even more impressive was their vocalist, whose range was amazing considering it was only lunchtime.  Well worth checking out. Villagers Sign To Domino Congratulations to Villagers who have recently signed to Domino (Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, The Kills).  Couldn't happen to a better band.  Make sure you check them out at Hard Working Class Heroes 2009 (more on this later in the week).  For now though, any excuse to play this: Villagers: The Meaning of the Ritual More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4287 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4288/The-Kings-Are-Dead-Long-Live-the-Kings#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4288 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4288&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4288/The-Kings-Are-Dead-Long-Live-the-Kings 'We weren't Spanish. We just liked crowns!' That's the message greeting visitors to the Future Kings of Spain Myspace page this morning.  In fairness, I've heard rumours of the band's demise for more than a month now but, to see it become official, makes Key Notes feel very sad.  For years they were, by a long way, my favourite Irish band and, while my musical tastes have changed over the years, they remained a band whose records would always be on my mp3 player and whose gigs I would always keep an eye out for. I still have very fond memories of my first time seeing the Kings.  They were supporting Biffy Clyro in the Temple Bar Music Centre and, aside from my future wife and brother-in-law, the only other people there were members of Snow Patrol and JJ72.  It was one of those nights where you know you're witnessing something special and you just wish that there were more people there to see it too.  That night, the Kings blew Biffy off the stage and I was hooked. They were also some of the nicest blokes you could meet in music.  Key Notes interviewed lead singer Joey Wilson and drummer Bryan McMahon in advance of reviewing their sophomore album, Nervousystem.  What was supposed to be a 20 minute interview turned in to a two hour discussion about everything including table tennis, diabetic chocolate and fictional TV detectives and continued into the night when this blog and Joe O'Shea (of Seoige & O'Shea) ended up discussing the appearance of sea monkeys on his wikipedia page.  It was, to quote the youth of today, random.  As far as interview material went, most of it was unusable and would result in this site being sued for several million Euro, but it did give me a much better insight into what the album was really all about and helped to colour (though, of course, not influence) my review. It's always sad when your favourite bands call it a day but, I suppose, you always have their music to remember them by.  The Future Kings of Spain leave behind two great albums and a fantastic EP, Les Debemos.  My favourite Kings' song will always be Meanest Sound but the best thing they ever wrote was surely Syndicate which also had a pretty cool video. Future Kings of Spain: Syndicate The Kings are Dead, Long Live The Kings. Adios.More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4288 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4289/VillagersFionn-Regan-to-Headline-Hard-Working-Class-2009#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4289 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4289&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4289/VillagersFionn-Regan-to-Headline-Hard-Working-Class-2009 The Friday and Saturday night headliners for Hard Working Class Heroes 2009 have been announced.  Conor O'Brien and his Villagers will headline Andrew's Lane Theatre on Friday October 16 while Fionn Regan will conclude proceedings on Saturday October 17 in The Button Factory. Those of you who haven't managed to get your hands on Villagers' stunning Hollow Kind EP are really missing out.  O'Brien, formerly of The Immediate, is a songwriter of extraordinary talent, capable of inducing the entire spectrum of emotions in his listeners.  His appearance at this years HWCH will coincide with the launch of Villagers' new single, On a Sunlit Stage.  If the man can sound this good in a bathroom, you should hear him live, with a full band! Villagers: On a Sunlit Stage Also announced for this year's HWCH is former Mercury nominee, Fionn Regan.  There will be those amongst Key Notes' readers who will be wondering what Regan has been up to since the release of 2007's critically acclaimed The End of History.  Well, the good news is that the follow up, The Shadow of an Empire, is due for release in 2010, through Universal. Fionn Regan: Be Good or Be Gone As mentioned already, Hard Working Class Heroes 2009 takes place over the course of October 16,17 & 18.  Featuring 99 Irish bands, tickets are available from Tickets.ie and usual outlets for €40 (weekend) or €18.50 (daily).  Key Notes will be running a feature on the bands he is looking forward to seeing, closer to the event so keep and eye out for that.More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4289 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4290/Key-Notes-Joins-The-27-Club#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4290 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4290&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4290/Key-Notes-Joins-The-27-Club It will probably come as no surprise, but I don't remember much about my birth.  I know I was a reluctant child; if my Mam is to be believed she was in labour longer than Pat Rabbitte.  I do remember most of my birthdays though, even the one that everyone else forgot. Unfortunately, John Hughes didn't make a movie about me (probably because I wasn't a 16 year old American girl).  My most memorable birthday was probably my 21st, which I spent in hospital waiting for an operation to remove metal pins from my arm.  That was fun! That's enough about me though, this blog is supposed to be about the statistical anomaly that has seen so many influential musicians who happen to die at my new age.  The 27 Club or the Forever 27 Club contains the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain.  Even Charles Cross, who has written two excellent biographies on Hendrix and Kurt Cobain, has stated that 'The number of musicians who died at 27 is truly remarkable by any standard. [Although] humans die regularly at all ages, there is a statistical spike for musicians who die at 27.'  As many as 37 notable musicians have died at that age. Cobain's entry to the 27 club had, perhaps, the most influence on me growing up and was, indeed, the first I heard of the 27 club.  There is a huge volume of text available on Cobain's death with many saying he timed his suicide so he good join the club.  Cobain of course was a student of rock history and this, it seems, is the main reason why many bloggers claim he killed himself.  What most don't tell you is that more than 30,000 Americans took their own lives in 1994, the year Cobain died, so it's not entirely surprising that someone, who had as many problems as Cobain did, joined them. One aspect of the 27 club that, perhaps, has the greatest appeal (and you'd be surprised by the amount of people who actually want to join this club!) is that it is difficult to imagine any of its more prominent members reaching old age.  The idea of a 50 year old Jim Morrison fronting a Door's reunion tour doesn't sit comfortably.  Likewise, it is difficult to picture Jimi Hendrix or Brian Jones as old men.  On the other hand, how great would it be to hear that a new Nirvana album was coming out at the end of 2009? Either way, we'll never know. Thankfully, Key Notes doesn't have either an outstanding body of work behind him or a face that might adorn a thousand t-shirts surrounding the central bank so he doesn't have to worry about joining the 27 club, even if he wanted to.  Really, this blog was just an excuse to let everyone know it was my birthday and to play this video: Nirvana: Heart Shaped Box Now I just have to reach Jesus' age to have an excuse to play that video again!More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4290 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4291/Speech-Debelle-Wins-The-Mercury-Prize#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4291 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4291&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4291/Speech-Debelle-Wins-The-Mercury-Prize Speech Debelle has just been announced as the winner of the 2009 Mercury Prize.  Unfortunately, this means that Ireland's Lisa Hannigan didn't win, keeping Ireland's 100% record of not winning the competition in tact.  Hopefully it didn't lose because, as one of the guests interviewed by Lauren Laverne on tonight's show stated, it was 'too sweet' and 'just nice to listen to when making a vegetable curry' and not suitable for winning the Mercury Prize.  What a terrible indictment of a record and one that is, in this blogs' opinion, totally undeserved.  Sea Sew is, in places, perhaps a little twee, but it is beautiful in parts and contains some very interesting arrangements.  It was, in short, very deserving of its nomination. Key Notes would like to congratulate Speech Debelle on winning this year's prize.  To be honest though, I have managed to listen to approx. 75% of this year's albums, and Speech Therapy was one of two records I thought didn't deserve to win (the other being Glasvegas) but might.  For me, it's very much hip hop for people who aren't really that keen on hip hop but who like having a diverse record collection.  For those of you not familiar with the record, Speech Therapy has quite a jazz tinge to it, relying less on artificial production and more on a natural LoFi feel. Key Notes' own personal favourite was Bat For Lashes' Two Suns and, while it is sad to see this record overlooked, that's the way these competitions work.  People have different opinons than I do.  This is probably a good thing most of the time! To be honest, there are no real losers when it comes to the Mercury Prize (most bands see a massive increase in sales) but some acts win more than others.  This year's winningest (it's a word!) winner was Speech Debelle and so here's a video to celebrate: Speech Debelle: The Key More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4291 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/304/C-O-D-E-S-Trees-Dream-in-Algebra#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=304 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=304&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/304/C-O-D-E-S-Trees-Dream-in-Algebra A review of the album Trees Dream in Algebra by C O D E S Review Snapshot:  A flawless debut for Dublin 4 piece C O D E S; Trees Dream in Algebra is one of those rare albums where the realisation matches the vision.   With its dreamy arrangements, soaring vocal harmonies and often heart stopping lyrics, Trees Dream in Algebra is the best Irish record in years.   The Cluas Verdict? 9.5 out of 10 Full Review: When I was given access to Trees Dream in Algebra for the first time, I must admit, I was a little nervous.  As anyone who knows me or who reads CLUAS will know, I've been raving about C O D E S for a long time now.  Could their debut record possibly live up to my expectations; would it match the energy and magic of their live shows?  I shouldn't have worried.  Trees Dream in Algebra is simply breathtaking.  Indeed, the only element of this record that is more impressive than the scale and scope of its vision is its execution.  Then again, Trees Dream in Algebra was recorded in the UK and mixed in New Zealand with Manic Street Preachers producer Greg Haver and mastered in New York by Greg Calbi (U2, Interpol, Kings of Leon) so you wouldn't expect the production quality to be anything flawless.  However, this record blends so seamlessly that it is impossible to imagine the track listing being in any other order.  Those of you who have seen C O D E S live will be very familiar with the opening two tracks, Malfunctions and recent single This is Goodbye, as they are also used to open the band's live set. This is Goodbye, with its mix of soaring vocals, powerful melody and delicate lyrics, sets the tone for the rest of the album.  Trees Dream in Algebra is an album drenched in themes of love, of heartbreak, and laced with those moments where the lines between reality and dreams become blurred. I once described C O D E S' music as 'grandiose sonic landscapes painted in painstakingly minute detail' and this is very evident throughout the album but especially on title track In Algebra and the stunning instrumental Telos.  I've never been one think about such things but Telos is so captivating, so beautiful, so, well, appropriate (being the Greek for end), that I can't think of a better song to have played at my funeral.  Failing that, it could always soundtrack the end of the world, whichever comes first.  It is almost impossible to pick a stand-out track from this record.  There are so many potential singles, Memorial, Starry Eyed, In Algebra, Our Mysteries and Cities, not to mention previous singles such as This is Goodbye, Guided by Ghosts and current single You Are Here.  Indeed, the only fault that I can find with this record is that it doesn't contain C O D E S first single Edith.  It would appear she has died, which is a pity, but there are more than enough quality songs on Trees Dream in Algebra to recover from the loss very quickly. There are times in this business when you can have really high expectations of a band and, more often than not, they find it impossible to live up to those lofty ambitions.  With Trees Dream in Algebra, C O D E S have broken the mould.  It is a stunning debut; full of intimacy and energy and places C O D E S firmly at the top of Ireland's most exciting and interesting bands.  It is not just likely to be the best record you will hear this year (and that's saying something given the quality of Irish music released this year) but, in 10 years time, when CLUAS is putting together its list of best Irish albums from its second decade in existence, I can't see any reason why Trees Dream in Algebra won't be close to the top.   Steve O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:304 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4292/Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-Line-Up-Announced#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4292 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4292&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4292/Hard-Working-Class-Heroes-Line-Up-Announced As followers of Key Notes will know, Hard Working Class Heroes (HWCH) returns for the seventh consecutive year in October (Friday October 16 to Sunday October 18 2009).  Taking place, once more, in Dublin's Temple Bar, HWCH is a great opportunity for bands and music fans alike to experience festival-like conditions without any fear of someone setting fire to your tent. Yesterday, the first 99 Irish bands were announced and, well, it's a pretty impressive list.  Stand-out acts for me are The Ambience Affair, Dark Room Notes and R.S.A.G.  That being said, there are a huge number of acts on the list that I've heard a great deal about but have yet to see live and that, if previous years are anything to go by, will provide the greatest enjoyment. Ticket prices for Hard Working Class Heroes 2009 remain the same as last year, costing €40 (that's 49 cent per band!- Recessiontastic) for a weekend pass while nightly tickets are €18.50.  Tickets are available from Tickets.ie. The 99 Irish bands announced yesterday were as follows: 202s A Plastic Rose Adebisi Shank Airstrip One Albert Penguin Ali & the DTs Alright Chief Armoured Bear Autumn Owls Biggles Flys Again Black Robots Blood Bottler Briana Corrigan Carpool Conversation C!ties Cheap Freaks City of Angels Collie Cutaways Dark Room Notes Deaf Animal Orchestra Deaf Joe Disconnect 4 Distractors Doug Sheridan Escape Act Exit the Street Fingersmith Fiona Melady Funeral Suits Giraffes Go Panda Go Goatboy Gran Casino Ham Sandwich Hassle Merchants Heathers Heritage Centre Here Comes The Landed Gentry Hired Hands Hunter-Gatherer I Love Monster Hero Ian Whitty And The Exchange Identity Parade Jogging Killer Chloe Kill Krinkle Club Kowalski Kyon Ladydoll Land Lovers Liz Is Evil Mail Order Messiahs Midatlantic Miracle Bell More Tiny Giants Neosupervital NoLady Not Squares O Emperor Oliver Cole Only Fumes & Corpses P-Dog Pearse McGloughlin Planet Parade Pocket Promise Primo Remma Robotnik Rory Grubb RSAG Sergeant Megaphone Sounds of System Breakdown Subplots Super Extra Bonus Party Sweet Jane Talulah Does The Hula The Ambience Affair The Angel Pier The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra The Brothers Movement The Dead Flags The Dying Seconds The Holy Roman Army The Kinetiks The Poormouth The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock The Star Department The Vals Theme Tune Boy Tidal District Tiny Magnetic Pets Ultan Conlon Valerie Francis Verona Riots Vox Populi We Cut Corners Yes Cadets Zealots So, who are you looking forward to seeing?More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4292 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/306/Pearse-McGloughlin-Busy-Whisper#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=306 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=306&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/306/Pearse-McGloughlin-Busy-Whisper A review of the album Busy Whisper by Pearse McGloughlin Review Snapshot: Busy Whisper is a haunting collection of ten songs that reflect on those moments of longing that appear to happen in the peripheral.  Sparse without being bleak, Busy Whisper sees McGloughlin emerge as one of Ireland's finest song writing talents. The Cluas Verdict? 9 out of 10 Full Review: The name Pearse McGloughlin might not mean anything to you now, but I don't doubt that it will become a great deal more familiar when Busy Whisper makes its way on to many end of year 'best of' lists.  Full of ghostly compositions and tender melodies, it is hard to believe that Busy Whisper is a debut album and yet it is, perhaps, the finest Irish solo record I've heard since Damien Rice released O. I've always found that one of the most disappointing aspects of real life is that it doesn't come with its own soundtrack, unlike movies and TV.  If real life did have a soundtrack then Busy Whisper would provide the perfect accompaniment to those moments when memories that have stood quietly in the shadows for so long finally take centre stage. Opening with the wonderfully arranged L'espoir des Revenants, the first thing that strikes you about McGloughlin is how powerful his voice is. McGloughlin's vocals are without a doubt his most effective instrument and serves as the perfect foil to the sparse layers upon microscopic layers of multi-instrumentation that colour the majority of tracks on Busy Whisper.  Indeed, McGloughlin's voice is so good; it takes a number of listens to fully appreciate his talent as a lyricist and musician.  Ways to Kill a Werewolf and Passion Song deal with the surreal and the (relatively) mundane respectively and yet, such is McGloughlin's ability as a songwriter, you can't help but be drawn into the both worlds.   Busy Whisper is exactly the sort of album that should see the LP survive as a format.  There is no filler here and stand-out tracks are plentiful.  Consume, Changeling and Long Day are exceptionally good but my own personal favourite is Saul (oh, you foolish Alice!) if only for the lyric: Met Saul last night/In a brawl/Still talking like he's in Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas/Says his job makes his skin crawl/Gotta get away/Soon as he gets some of that overtime pay. Overall, Busy Whisper is a stunningly good debut album that showcases Pearse McGloughlin as one of Ireland's brightest musical prospects. Steve O'Rourke DOI: Busy Whisper was produced, in the main, by my fellow CLUAS writer Andy Knightley.  This had no effect on my review but I felt it was worth declaring. More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:306 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4293/Why-We-Must-Save-The-Album#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4293 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4293&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4293/Why-We-Must-Save-The-Album The way people listen to music has changed, with the advent of the download the emphasis has reverted to single tracks. It hasn't helped that most people have forgotten how to make a decent album. I'm constantly disappointed with records I buy. - Tim Wheeler - Ash None of us want to go into that creative hoo-ha of a long-play record again - Thom Yorke - Radiohead I think a lot. It comes with the territory when you spend the majority of your days with just a dog with a personality disorder for company.  Recently I've been thinking a lot about the album as a format and, inspired by Aidan's thread on the subject earlier this week, I decided it was about time I blogged about it.  To understand why I feel the way I do about the album it is important to understand that I see music the same way I see art or literature and it is my contention that the realisation of an idea - as opposed to greed or, worse still, a hunger for fame - should be the main driving force behind the creation of art. It is for this reason that I would hate to see the death of the album as a format.  Singles might well be the lifeblood of music, but long players are its soul.  Maybe it's just me but you build relationships with an album in a way you can't with singles.  To put it in very earthy terms, singles might well be worth a quickie every now and then on her mates couch but something in the back of your mind tells you that an album is probably worth getting to know a little better first.  As I write this blog I'm listening to one of my favourite ever albums, Elliot Smith's eponymous sophomore album.  It took me many listens to fall in love with this record, it certainly wasn't love at first listen, but there were enough individual songs on it that I liked to keep me coming back for more and now there isn't a song on it I don't like or, more importantly, feel the album would be better off without.  Elliott Smith is just one of many albums that I feel this way about. It's not just about the music of course.  I love the feeling of buying a new album.  I love getting it home and struggling to take it out of its plastic packaging.  I love trying to peel off the price sticker without leaving any residue on the case.  I love checking out the artwork and reading the lyrics.  I love studying the sleeve notes and discovering that someone I know 'in real life' was involved in someway or was thanked by the band.  I love reorganising my entire CD/Record collection to some new filing system I've thought of in the pub (alpha-geographical is still my favourite).  I love the whole multi-sensory experience you get from owning an album on CD or Vinyl Record.  Compare that to 'right click, play'.  It's just not the same. Of course, not every album makes me feel this way, but that's a matter of taste isn't it? I'm absolutely sure that there isn't an album on the market today that someone, somewhere, doesn't feel the same way as I do about Elliott Smith, Clouds Taste Metallic or Deserter's Songs.  I know I'm being terribly idealistic, but shouldn't great music, like all great art, be idealistic.  Is it too much to ask for bands to put more emphasis on making music than making profit?  Don't kill the album for the sake of keeping Steve Jobs in black polo necks.  There is a place for singles, there always has been and there always will be.  The prominence of downloads has altered our perspective but, as blogs haven't killed novels or Banksy hasn't stopped people attending art galleries, their place should be alongside the physical album, not instead of it.More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4293 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4294/2009-Festival-Guide-Cois-Fharraige#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4294 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4294&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4294/2009-Festival-Guide-Cois-Fharraige Cois Fharraige, Ireland's number one music and water sports festival, returns to Kilkee, Co. Clare this September.  The 3 day event will take place between Friday September 11 and Sunday September 13. Previous incarnations of the festival has seen performances from the likes of Seasick Steve, Supergrass, Travis and The Futureheads.  So far only a few acts for the 2009 edition have been announced but include the likes of Noah & The Whale, Doves, The Hold Steady and The Zutons. Tickets went on sale this morning (Tuesday August 11) from the usual outlets and are available at an early bird price of 89euro (inc. booking fee) until September 1.  After that, the price becomes 99euro (also inc. booking fee). Unlike other festivals, there is no on-site camping available but punters can check out the Discover Ireland website to see what accommodation is available in the surrounding areas.  Doves: Kingdom of Rust More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4294 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4295/A-Tribute-to-John-Hughes#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4295 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4295&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4295/A-Tribute-to-John-Hughes An excerpt from the Kevin Smith movie, Dogma: Bethany:  What exactly brought you to Illinois? Jay:  Some fuck called John Hughes. Bethany:  Sixteen Candles John Hughes? Jay: You know that guy, too? See, all these movies take place in a small town called Shermer, in Illinois, where all the honies are top-shelf, but all the dudes are whiny pussies - except for Judd Nelson, he was fuckin' harsh - but best of all, there was no one dealin', man; then, it hits me: we could live like phat rats if we were the blunt connection in Shermer, Illinois. So we collected some money we were owed, and we caught a bus. You know what the fuck we found out when we got there? There is no Shermer in Illinois. Movies are fuckin' bullshit. Outside of my family and friends, there are few people whose death would stop me in my tracks and make me reflect upon their life and work.  John Hughes was one such person though.  It was with a mixture of shock and sadness that I heard of his passing this morning.  You see, as a child of the eighties, Key Notes grew up with movies like Breakfast Club, Weird Science and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.  Of course, this blog was a bit too young to see them first time around but, as a teenager in the early '90's the movies seemed to fit perfectly with my own teenage angst. Hughes was great at writing outsiders and showing, ultimately, that they're not so different from the rest of us.  There was a Ferris Bueller, Wyatt Donnelly or Samantha Baker in all of us during our teenage years.  It's not often as a teenager that you feel that someone 'gets' you, but when watching a Hughes movie you really felt like he did.  Such a pity then that he moved away from teen movies so as not to be considered a one trick pony.  Pop songs always played a huge part in a John Hughes movie. Sixteen Candles had Paul Young's Love of the Common People and True by Spandau Ballet, Ferris Bueller had Twist & Shout and an instrumental cover of The Smiths' Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want and The Breakfast Club had, of course, Simple Minds' Don't You. However, my own personal favourite was Tesla Girls by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark from Weird Science and that's the song I'm going to finish this blog off with today.  Life moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it - Ferris Bueller.  I, for one, will be having a John Hughes marathon this weekend.More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4295 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4296/Irish-Indie-Gig-Goers-Scenesters#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4296 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4296&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4296/Irish-Indie-Gig-Goers-Scenesters This is supposed to be a series of blogs that look at the individuals who populate Irish indie gigs and yet, in this particular entry, Key Notes will be profiling the type of person who would never be seen alone. Introduction: scenesters are far too cool for capital letters.  The time you and I waste searching for the shift key (or, worse still, caps lock) is time they can spend getting their fringe just right.  Indeed, such is their dedication to this, they only purchase products beginning with lower case letters, such as iPhones, iPods and, well, you get the idea.  It is one of nature's great mysteries that scenesters are very self-aware and yet, almost always unaware of their status as scenesters.  As such, they are amongst the most deluded of the Irish indie gig goers. How to spot one: For a start, you won't spot just one as scenesters are the cattle of the Irish indie scene, roaming, as they do, in herds.  The male of the species tend to speak at a higher pitch than the average Irish male.  This may have something to do with the fact he appears to be wearing his 15 year old sister's jeans.  Beneath these ill-fitting jeans you're likely to find pointy shoes or white canvas trainers, depending on the scenesters mood before he left home.  The torso tends to be covered with an equally tight fitting t-shirt adorned with the logo of a band the scenester may never have actually listened to.   The very worst scenester ends up looking like a Jonas Brother! The female of the species loves Urban Outfitters, indeed, in a survey carried out by this blog recently, 82% of female scenesters listed Urban Outfitters as their favourite shop.  The remaining 18% pretended I didn't exist.  The female scenester will, therefore, often be seen without a drink in hand, having spent 85 euro on leggings that look exactly like those her older sister threw away before the start of Italia '90.  Female scenesters often bald quicker than non-scenesters due, in part, to their penchant for wearing hats indoors. Behavioural Characteristics: scenesters will spend 90% of every gig talking amongst themselves, about themselves.  They will spend the remaining 10% attempting to cheer and 'whoop' louder than anyone else at the end of songs while shouting for the band to play the one song they know from that album the NME said was the best thing since last week's album of the week. It should also be noted that almost every scenester appears to be in a band though, strangely, you won't have heard of them as they've never actually played a gig or recorded any material.  They do have a 'really cool' name though, probably beginning with 'the.' What they are likely to say: 'What was that support band wearing; it should have been my band up there.' What you are likely to say: 'Look love, they have a set-list that they're going to stick to, no matter how much you shout.'More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4296 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4297/Summer-Festival-Guide-Castlepalooza#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4297 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4297&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4297/Summer-Festival-Guide-Castlepalooza Normal 0 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} Having been nominated for 'Best European Festival' in the UK Festival Awards 2008; Castlepalooza is back and will take place over the course of the August Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday August 1 & Sunday August 2) in the gorgeous surroundings of Charleville Castle, Tullamore. The line up is as follows: Were it not for a stupid knee injury picked up while training for the Marathon (Grade II MCL and Medial Meniscus tear, if you're asking) Key Notes would be going himself.  However, this blog would still recommend that those of you going do your very best to check out the following 5 bands; Dark Room Notes, Le Galaxie, Rarely Seen Above Ground, Angel Pier and The Ambience Affair. Of course, as with all the best boutique festivals, there is much more than just music going on at Castlepalooza.  Normal 0 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} This year the festival will also include lots of other entertainment, from the live Rocky Horror Picture show to Crafternoon Tea and dance workshops to the infamous Party Bus.  Castlepalooza also has hot showers and flushing loos which differentiates it from most festivals Key Notes has ever attended. A limited number of tickets are still available from the Castlepalooza website and from usual outlets.  Also, be sure to check out Anna Murray's reviews of Castlepalooza 2009 over the weekend. More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4297 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4298/KNS-Vol-10--Charm-Offensive#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4298 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4298&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4298/KNS-Vol-10--Charm-Offensive In this, the 10th edition of Key Note Speaker, Key Notes' speaks to Anna, Pearse, and Jamie of Charm Offensive, the Kildare based band who take their influences from many bands but who manage to sound distinctly unlike anyone else (including themselves).  Charm Offensive play Upstairs in Whelan's today (July 22) at 8pm.  Declaration of interest: The Anna involved is Anna Murray of CLUAS fame, proving what a multi-talented writing team we've assembled here! Favourite Songs from the Past Year Anna Is it too late to count Portishead’s Threads? Also, Grand Pocket Orchestra’s Little Messy Pearse  Dog Days by Florence and the Machine and 22 by Lily Allen Jamie  Call It A Ritual, Wolf Parade but I’m not actually sure it was in the last year Favourite Song Ever Anna  No idea. I tend to remember albums not songs Pearse Glosoli by Sigur Ros is up there, with some Radiohead, maybe Reckoner, and a lot of Blondie Jamie  Everything In It’s Right Place - Radiohead, He Poos Clouds - Final Fantasy, I Want You [She’s So Heavy] - The Beatles but it’ll change by next week Favourite Charm Offensive Song Anna  Sugar Rush, it's very moody, and wild, but very controlled. It's top Pearse Futureproof. We haven’t played it live yet, but it should be satisfyingly loud Jamie  July’s Child. The most complete thing I think we’ve done Favourite New Band/Artist Anna Sounds of System Breakdown, The Stoney Brokes, Grand Pocket Orchestra Pearse I'm loving Florence right now. Are Nirvana new? Jamie  Wolf Parade but, again, not really new Favourite Band/Artist Ever Anna  Tujiko Noriko or Final Fantasy Pearse & Jamie Radiohead Favourite Gig This Year Anna & Jamie  Final Fantasy in Whelan's Pearse Lilly Allen at wherever it was Favourite Gig Ever Anna  Final Fantasy in Whelan's, but two years ago Pearse Definitely Arcade Fire on Oct 23rd last year. Blew my socks off Jamie  Radiohead in wherever they played in Dublin in 2003 Favourite Charm Offensive Gig Ever Anna  Today's! Pearse Definitely today's! Best gig ever! Jamie  We had a very nice gig at Eamonn Doran's last year, it was the first time we'd played live for a while, so it was great to get back on stage Favourite Venue Anna  I’d love to do a silent gig in Crawdaddy – everything through headphones Pearse Well it's always been my dream to play on the roof of the tennis club in Castlebar, maybe some day I can make that happen Jamie  Vicar Street Favourite Piece of Musical/Recording Equipment Anna  Macbook, with Logic Pro, Cubase, Soundforge, Soundhack… Pearse My lovely pedal, a Boss GT8 Jamie  A Korg, but only because I’ve never used one and can’t afford one Download or CD/Cassette/Record Anna, Pearse & Jamie  CD Favourite TV Show at the Moment Anna  Bones! And Green Wing Pearse Pushing Daises Jamie  Rome Favourite Movie Anna  The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Pearse Pan's Labyrinth Jamie  Back To The Future I & II Favourite Book Anna & Jamie  Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell Pearse  The His Dark Materials trilogy   Most Listened to Radio Show Anna, Pearse & Jamie  Um....Radio? What's in Store for Charm Offensive Next Pearse  Well we're playing Upstairs at Whelan's this Wednesday at 8pm, with the talented Defex Anna Some recording, which should be on our MySpace soon Jamie  Wembley, drug shame, triumphant comebackMore ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4298 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4299/Key-Notes-Runs-The-Marathon#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4299 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4299&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4299/Key-Notes-Runs-The-Marathon On April 8 2008, not only did I lose my father-in-law to cancer but I also lost one of my best friends.  Alan Smyth was in the prime of his life when he first got sick and during his illness often joked that he would be 'the healthiest man in the graveyard.'  The dignity with which he fought his cancer and the strength and sense of humour he showed even when he knew it was a fight he could not win shows just what type of person he was.  During Alan's illness I saw first hand how tragically under funded cancer care is in Ireland.  The Irish Cancer Society is dedicated to changing this and so I swore when Alan died that I would do my bit to try and raise funds for them.  Therefore, on October 26 I will be running the Lifestyle Sports/Adidas Dublin City Marathon to raise funds for The Irish Cancer Society.  In the build up to the Marathon I will be running the Adidas Race Series, starting tomorrow (Saturday July 18) with the Irish Runner 5 Mile Challenge in The Phoenix Park.  This race series will also include The Frank Duffy 10 Mile Challenge (August 15) and The Dublin City Half Marathon (September 26). Now, this is where you come in!  I have set up a charity page called Steve's Year of Running Dangerously.  Initially, I had hoped to raise 500 euro for the Irish Cancer Society but as I have already raised that amount I have raised my fundraising total to 750 euro.  Should I exceed that amount I will raise the amount to 1,000 euro and so on.  Ideally, I will raise as much money as possible.  Any donation, no matter how big or small, will be equally appreciated by me and, more importantly, by The Irish Cancer Society.  It will also be possible to sponsor me for up to one month after the Marathon is finished (for the cynical amongst you who don't believe I can complete it!) so, as Alan would say, let there be no panic. I can't think of a better way to finish this blog than with a song that always reminds me of Alan and one that I will definitely be listening to as I make my way around The Phoenix Park tomorrow for the first of the Adidas Races Series. Prefab Sprout: Cars & Girls More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4299 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4300/Oxegen-2009-The-Good-The-Bad-The-Ugg-Boots#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4300 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4300&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4300/Oxegen-2009-The-Good-The-Bad-The-Ugg-Boots The Good Magnetic North The type of Northern Irish music that usually makes headlines around the 12th of July is not the sort we would typically report on here at CLUAS.  However, over the course of last weekend's Oxegen festival there were four Northern acts that stood head and shoulders above most of their Southern peers.  While both Duke Special and Iain Archer reaffirmed their undoubted talent, General Fiasco and, especially, And So I Watch You From Afar blasted their way on to my musical radar.  Seeing General Fiasco was a happy accident but, after their performance at the launch of Hard Working Class Heroes, And So I Watch Your From Afar were a band I was never going to miss. Both were beyond brilliant and (with a little help from my Belfast born friend) I will be paying much more attention to the Northern Irish indie scene in future. Stage Managed I know from experience that musicians are not the most punctual of people.  Indeed, I can count on one hand the amount of times a band/musician has turned up for an interview on time.  However, over the course of Oxegen 2009 almost every single performance started on time. There were one or two notable exceptions (there always is) but kudos must go to the Stage Managers for harassing the bands into punctuality.  It certainly made my job as a reviewer much easier. The Gig's The Thing Say what you want about the quality of their music but there are certain bands that sound 100 times better in the live arena than they do on record.  In this case I'm thinking specifically of Republic of Loose.  I've never been convinced about their songs and yet, every time I see them live I find myself singing/dancing along.  They are the great showmen (and women) of the Irish indie scene and, indeed, only Roisin Murphy's stage show comes anywhere close to matching The Loose in terms of entertainment value.  I wish someone would upload their cover of Wanna Be Startin' Somthin' to YouTube soon though! Ride On I've reviewed Oxegen for CLUAS for the past two years and generally make use of the VIP parking that us 'media types' (snigger) get to avail of.  However, given the weather conditions on Saturday I decided to make use of the free 'Park 'n' Ride' facilities at Goff's on the Sunday of Oxegen 2009.  Should I get to review it again for CLUAS next year this is the only way I'll be travelling.  It's quick, it's free and it's much more convenient than trying to make your way out of a muddy field in the middle of Naas.  Why anyone would drive when this facility is available is beyond me. The Bad Rain, Rain, Go Away Of course, there is nothing that MCD can do about the weather but it's such a shame that Oxegen always seems to take place in the rain.  It would be a much nicer festival if it took place during the summer! Muddy Waters Whilst MCD can't control the weather; they could certainly expect it and have planned slightly better for it.  The conditions on Sunday, in the IMRO tent especially, were little short of shocking.  This tent is located at the bottom of two slopes and so suffers more than most of the tents in bad weather.  However, it's nothing that some of the sawdust that was laid out on the entrances to the festival site could have fixed.  As funny as it was seeing people lose their wellies in mud, it felt as if it could be easily stopped. This Must Be, Pop As bizarre as it is that I've used an N'Sync lyric in the heading, it's even more unusual how, erm, popular, pop music was at this year's Oxegen.  Lady Gaga, The Blizzards, The Script, Katy Perry; all pop, all popular.  As Jim Carroll pointed out in his blog on Oxegen, perhaps this is the direction the festival is going.  It's certainly what the kids seem to want from their music festival experience.  While I can see the attraction for MCD in doing this, I wouldn't like to see Oxegen lose all its indie bands. The Ugg Boots (VIP) Very Important (I Get) Pissed There is nothing more frustrating, when you're covered in mud and soaked through by rain, than wandering back to the media area to find people in the VIP bar looking spotlessly clean and bone dry, doing their best to be noticed by anyone with a media pass and a camera.  It's a music festival, get out and see some bands!  You probably didn't pay for your tickets so at least support the bands by standing out in the rain for a few minutes.More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4300 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/127/Oxegen-2009-Day-Three-live-in-Punchestown-Kildare#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=127 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=127&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/127/Oxegen-2009-Day-Three-live-in-Punchestown-Kildare Day Three of Oxegen 2009   Review Snapshot: While I didn't get to see as many bands as I would have liked to on Day Three of Oxegen 2009, those that I did see continued to impress.  From a purely musical point of view, Oxegen 2009 ended on a high with one performance in particular standing out. The CLUAS Verdict? 8.5 out of 10   Full Review: Rarely Seen Above Ground (Red Bull Music Academy) On paper, going to see a drummer play along to a backing track doesn't sound too appealing.  It certainly doesn't help when that drummer arrives on stage over 20 minutes late.  However, when the drummer in question is Jeremy Hickey, better known as Choice Music Prize nominee Rarely Seen Above Ground, you know it's well worth the wait.  Hickey is a very talented multi-instrumentalist and his performance is accompanied by a screen showing a virtual band who are, in reality, all Hickey.  What is rarely mentioned about RSAG is the quality of Hickey's vocals.  All in all, it shouldn't work as well as it does, but fans of Organic Sampler really have to see RSAG live to appreciate the level of talent here.    White Lies (The O2 Stage) White Lies are not a band I'd generally pay much attention to but, seeing as I was hovering around The O2 Stage, I thought I might as well stay and have a listen.  Opening with A Place to Hide, what surprised me most was the quality of Harry McVeigh's vocals, comparable with Paul Banks of Interpol.  As expected, To Lose my Life and Farewell to the Fairground provoked the best reception from a sizeable crowd.  While there is nothing particularly exciting about White Lies, their performance was more than competent and I can think of worse ways of spending 30 minutes on a wet Sunday afternoon.   Foals (Heineken Green Spheres) There are probably few things more fun in music than seeing a musician, who is clearly off his face, putting in an incredible performance when all the time you're wondering how he's even able to stand.  Such was the case with Yannis Philippakis whose foray into the crowd, and the vacant look on his face as he walked by me, was one of the highlights of my weekend.  Unsurprisingly, Foal's set consisted almost exclusively of tracks from Antidotes but the band's lack of a meaningful discography didn't stop them putting in a great performance.  The crowd responded in kind and really got into the set in a way that only Republic of Loose had managed (of the bands I'd seen) at Oxegen 2009.   Jason Mraz (Heineken Green Spheres) After Foals' set finished, I had intended to go and watch The Specials but a massive downpour meant that I stayed in the relative dryness of the Green Spheres tent.  However, two songs in (one of which was an instrumental cover of Andy Williams' Music to Watch Girls By) and I'd had enough.  This is, I'm afraid, music that teenage girls (and, in fairness, my friend Joanna, who really should know better) probably consider to be 'fab' and Mraz himself is probably 'like, OMG, so good' but, no, it's not for me.  As I made my way to the IMRO tent (easier said than done considering the mud) I heard Ghost Town, which sounded great and made me wish I had braved the rain earlier.   Wintersleep (IMRO New Sound Stage) If I'm honest, the only reason I went to see Wintersleep is because I wanted to secure a good spot for Villagers who would follow them on the IMRO Stage.  However, I was surprised by how good the band actually were.  Fair enough, the lyrics to The Archaeologist, might be a bit odd (Belly of a whale???) but they are a very tight unit and, as word of their performance spread, they got the IMRO tent dancing.  The highlight of a relatively short set (only 2 minutes longer than their soundcheck) was the exceptional Weighty Ghost, a song whose chorus is still running around my head this morning.   Villagers (IMRO New Sound Stage) Some time ago, in perhaps my first opinion piece for CLUAS, I wrote that I believed The Immediate were more than the sum of their parts and that their break-up could lead to bigger and better things.  It's not often that I get to say this, but I was right.  Conor O'Brien is, and I don't use this word too often, special.  There isn't another songwriter in Ireland today who can provoke the same emotional response in me as O'Brien and his Villagers can.  This was, undoubtedly, the act I was most excited about seeing at Oxegen 2009. Indeed, in conversation with fellow CLUAS writer Jan Ni Fhlanagain I stated that if I was any more excited I'd have to cover my lap with my coat.  Of course, I wasn't that excited but when Villagers arrived on stage and launched into Down, Under the Sea, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.  This was the defining performance of Oxegen 2009 for me, culminating in the epic Pieces and the first chants of 'One more tune' I'd heard all weekend.  It was a privilege to be there.   Dark Room Notes (IMRO New Sound Stage) Dark Room Notes, with their edgy blend of keyboard driven indie, are an exceptionally gifted band.  They have in their arsenal an array of songs that most bands would cut off their left ear for.  It's a pity then that their set clashed with Nine Inch Nails, Manic Street Preachers and The Killers.  Still, they managed to wow those of us that did make the effort to brave the conditions of the IMRO tent (think World War 1 trench with less death and more Abrakebabra packaging) with a set consisting exclusively of tracks from their fine debut, We Love You Dark Matter.   Shake, Shake My Ceiling and Broken Nail were the standouts for me in a great performance, what a shame that more people weren't there to witness (see what I did there?) it though.   Steve O'Rourke Check out Steven's reviews Oxegen 2009 Day 1 and Oxegen 2009 Day 2. More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:127 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/128/Day-Two-Oxegen-2009-live-in-Punchestown-Co-Kildare#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=128 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=128&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/128/Day-Two-Oxegen-2009-live-in-Punchestown-Co-Kildare Review of Day Two of Oxegen 2009 Review Snapshot: Day Two of Oxegen 2009 was all about rain, rock and roll.  Despite the weather, or maybe because of it, the majority of acts seemed to up their game and reward their audiences with performances that defied the best efforts of the elements to ruin everyone's day. The Cluas Verdict? 9 out of 10   Full Review: Red Light Company (The O2 Stage) They might be more than a little obsessed with Broken Social Scene but Red Light Company appear to have perfected the art of daytime festival performance.  Think Feeder.  Considering the impending weather the crowd were in good spirits and were rewarded with rousing renditions of Scheme Eugene (name check Broken Social Scene) and Arts & Crafts (Broken Social Scene Label).  Perhaps a little too sameish for my liking but still, not a bad start to day two.   General Fiasco (IMRO New Sound Stage) Having arrived in the IMRO New Sound Stage to see Angel Pier, I was told that they had swapped slots with Northern Irish band, General Fiasco.  Initially, I was disappointed as Angel Pier had been one of the bands I really wanted to see.  However, General Fiasco soon proved themselves to be more than capable replacements.  Any band that can manage to sound as melodic as Vampire Weekend and as edgy as Therapy? are going to do well.  Definitely a band I will be checking out again. Eagles of Death Metal (The O2 Stage) While it might not be full on cock rock, Eagles of Death Metal come close.  There are some good tunes in there (Cherry Cola being my particular favourite) but EODM appear to be a band that are more intent on entertaining than on showcasing their own songs.  A cover of Stuck in the Middle with You had the audience dancing in the rain.  Jesse Hughes is a charismatic frontman and constantly thanked the audience for braving the rain just for them.  I'm not sure why but I was expecting Spinal Tap, turns out Eagles of Death Metal offer so much more. Regina Spektor (Heineken Green Spheres) And now for something completely different.  I'm very much a casual follower of Regina Spektor's career, indeed it was my wife that suggested we watch the Russian born American.  Not for the first time, she made the right call.  There was a lot of fun in this performance and, despite the awful ground conditions in the tent, Spektor had the majority of the audience dancing to her melodic brand of anti-folk.  Eet, On The Radio and Us going down particularly well.  TV on the Radio (Heineken Green Spheres) After a brief foray into the backstage area to interview C O D E S for their Oxegen diary, I made my way back to the Heineken Green Spheres tent to catch what appeared to be everybody's 'must see band' of the weekend.  This meant there was a good mixture of fan boys and casual observers in the tent when the band launched into Golden Age.  Musically, the performance was well above par but as energetic and vibrant as it was, it would have been so much better if I had been able to hear anything other than muffled vocals.  Sometimes soundmen have a lot to answer for. Director (IMRO New Sound Stage) By the time I got in to the IMRO tent the ground was as muddy inside as out.  This led to the security guys having to restrict the amount of people who could enter.  The folks outside mightn't think so, but this was certainly the right decision.  As for the gig itself, Director were excellent.  Diving head first into Play Pretend the band got better and better as the gig went on, culminating in a brilliant version of Reconnect.  The first of my trilogy of Irish bands had gotten off to a great start. C O D E S (IMRO New Sound Stage) Fresh from penning a deal with EMI, C O D E S managed to draw a great crowd, despite the fact they were clashing with The Pet Shop Boys.  Previewing tracks from their forthcoming debut record; This is Goodbye, Cities and the sing-along Algebra were my favourites.  I've written before that this band have a sound that are destined for greatness and, once more, they've proven themselves more than capable of living up to those lofty ambitions. And So I Watch You From Afar (IMRO New Sound Stage) I have a feeling that the quality of music coming from north of the border will play a huge part in my overview of Oxegen 2009 (to be published on Wednesday July 15). And So I Watch You From Afar will almost certainly feature.  This was one of my favourite performances ever, not just this weekend.  It's my job to try and put into words what I see and hear before me but with ASIWYFA that is easier said than done.  It is heavy instrumental rock, well that's what it says on the label.  It is so much more than that though.  There is melody here that simultaneously makes your hair stand on end and punches you in the face.  If it ain't broke, break it and The Voiceless (dedicated to 'the quiet one in The Pet Shop Boys) were my favourites but only because they were the only tracks I knew beforehand.  However, I have a feeling I'm about to become a lot more familiar with the rest of And So I Watch You From Afar's catalogue. Steve O'Rourke Check out Steven's reviews of Oxegen 2009 Day 1 and Oxegen 2009 Day 3. More ... Steven O'Rourke Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:128 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/129/Oxegen-2009-live-in-Punchestown-Kildare#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=129 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=129&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/129/Oxegen-2009-live-in-Punchestown-Kildare Day One of Oxegen 2009 Review Snapshot: There must have been something in the air in Punchestown as at least 3 bands invited members of the crowd on stage during the first day of Oxegen 2009. There might have been an overwhelming feeling that there were less people here than in previous years but that didn’t stop the bands from putting in some great performances. The Cluas Verdict? 8 out of 10   Full Review: When you wake up on the first morning of a festival and hear nothing on the radio but people forecasting 6 day traffic jams and rain, the likes of which hasn't been seen since Noah worked for Harland and Wolff, you have to wonder if it is worth making the effort at all.  However, the first piece of good news was that the traffic was almost non-existent, perhaps helped by the fact that, being relatively local, I know some alternative routes into Punchestown.  Also, the rain, which began as I parked the car, was gone in little over an hour.  Maybe this would be a good weekend after all. Jape (Red Bull Music Academy) I’ve been very lucky with Oxegen as this is the second year in a row that the first band I’ve seen has put in a brilliant performance. Choice Music Prize winner and possibly the busiest man in Irish music, Richie Egan, operating as Jape this weekend, wowed a very mixed crowd with an energetic set showcasing his critically acclaimed Ritual.  During Streetwise, Egan became the first act of the weekend to invite a member of the audience on stage to sing the chorus. It didn’t work very well at first and the girl was booed off before being replaced by a much more competent audience member. Egan finished his set with a rousing rendition of I Was A Man.     Fight like Apes (Heineken Green Spheres) Despite their much hyped debut album and recent Glastonbury performance, when Fight Like Apes launched into Something Global, the tent can’t have been more than one third full. Despite this (and, in fairness, the place did fill as the gig went on) Fight like Apes tried very hard to impress their audience. When they concentrated on making music the band were a joy to behold, Two news songs they played sounded excellent, as did a brilliant version of Jake Summers. However, a Fight like Apes gig is never just about the music.  Try as they might to be 'random', you can't help but feel that their gimmicks are a bit, well, gimmicky. Climbing speaker towers and beating chairs against railings (professional wrestling style) felt more petulant and childish than daring an edgy. A great band when they remember that they are supposed to be making music. Duke Special (The O2 Stage) Having to walk from one side of the Oxegen campus to the other meant that I missed the start of Duke Special's performance.  When I arrived there again seemed to be far less people than I would expect for an artist of Peter Wilson's calibre.  Initially, The Duke's set seemed disjointed and meandering, not helped by the fact that Wilson and band took up less than 10% of The O2 Stage. However, things soon picked up and Wilson ended on a high with Our Love Goes Deeper Than This, Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time) and the gorgeous Freewheel.  It's a pity more people weren't there to see/hear it.  It was beauty personified. Iain Archer (Red Bull Music Academy) At this stage I was starting to wonder if there was actually anyone at Oxegen.  This was Iain Archer, the bloke that used to be in Snow Patrol and, with Flood The Tanks, responsible for one of Northern Irish music's true masterpieces, and yet, here he was playing to a tent that was no more than 20% full.  Not everyone could have been watching The Script could they?  Archer seemed unperturbed by the small audience and produced a lively set consisting mostly of tracks from his new record, To The Pine Roots.  While I was disappointed not to hear Mirrorball Moon, my favourite Archer song, highlights of the set included Canal Song, Streamer On A Kite and Archer finishing his set with his parents on backing vocals.   Heathers (IMRO New Sound Stage) I only managed to catch 5 songs as the IMRO Stage seemed to be running off schedule (same problem as last year) but I'm still not convinced by these two.  Sure they are young and can still go some way to prove me wrong, but I can't help but think that they could do with listening to a few more records before writing their own songs.  Having influences is fine, so is wearing them on your sleeve, but having such a small range of influences just makes you sound like a tribute band.  Republic of Loose (Heineken Green Spheres) After a wasted trip over to the Red Bull Music Academy to see Ladyhawke (still no explanation for her non appearance at time of going to print) I found myself worshiping at the alter of Republic of Loose. I wasn’t the only one either as the Green Spheres tent was packed. As I posted on Twitter, there was lots of dancing here, the likes of which was never seen in Billy Brennan’s barn. Shame, Comeback Girl, The Steady Song and a brilliant rendition of Michael Jackson’s Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ were the standout tracks in a set full of energy and audience interaction. There are few bands who entertain more than Republic of Loose. Blur (Main Stage) Initially, I was very excited about seeing Blur live for the first time. However, after the exuberance of Republic of Loose, this performance felt flat. Opening with the slow burning She’s so High was never going to be the best way to get the crowd enthused. Girls and Boys, the second song, would have been enough to spark the set into life had it not been so tuneless and followed by the awful Tracy Jacks. There’s no doubting that Damon Albarn is a consummate showman, but he’s not the world’s best singer.  Dedicating The Universal to the late Joe Dolan was a nice touch but, despite my initial excitement, I left Day One of Oxegen 2009 feeling quite cynical as to the reasons for Blur’s comeback and wishing I’d gone to see 2 Many DJ’s instead. Steve O'Rourke Check out Steven's reviews of Oxegen 2009 Day 2 and Oxegen 2009 Day 3. More ... Steven O'Rourke Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:129 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4301/Follow-CLUAS-At-Oxegen-2009#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4301 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4301&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4301/Follow-CLUAS-At-Oxegen-2009 Last year, CLUAS was the first publication in the world to provide reviews of Oxegen, Electric Picnic, Cois Fharraige and Hard Working Class Heroes.  Some publications would sit back and think 'job well done.'  Not here on CLUAS however, as this year we aim to bring you the most up-to-date and in-depth coverage of Oxegen 2009. As with last year, CLUAS will be publishing a review of each day of Oxegen 2009 within 12 hours of the day ending, i.e. a review of Friday will be up by Noon on Saturday.  These reviews will continue to be interactive so, if you were there, feel free to let us know what you think.  Key Notes will also be providing CLUAS readers with an Oxegen overview which will go live on July 15. For those of you who can't wait for a whole 12 hours, well, for the first time ever, CLUAS will be providing live reviews via Twitter.  Now, obviously these reviews are limited to 140 characters but their aim is to provide you with a flavour of the music before the full review.  Key Notes will also be using Twitter to provide you with backstage gossip, line-up changes and weather updates.  To follow Key Notes visit his Twitter page: cluaskeynotes This year will also see the publication of a number of festival diaries.  These will give you a complete feel of the festival from the point of view of a band, a fan and from someone who spends their weekend working while you play.  Key Notes can't tell you who the band are just yet, but they've recently been in the news for all the right reasons and this blog will have more details on the working diary over the course of the weekend.  The fan diary, well, the fan diary could be written by you.  If you are going to Oxegen, please feel free email keynotesatcluasdotcom and Key Notes will provide you with details of what is required.  This is your chance to be involved in CLUAS' most in-depth coverage of a music festival ever.  So, now you know where to find the definitive Oxegen coverage, Key Notes hopes too see you checking it out over the course of the weekend.  For those of you travelling to Punchestown, feel free to say hello.  Key Notes will be the one listening to the music.More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4301 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4302/KNS-Vol-9-The-Angel-Pier#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4302 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4302&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4302/KNS-Vol-9-The-Angel-Pier Three parts Irish, one part Canadian, The Angel Pier kicked off 2009 with a storming show to a packed Whelan's showcasing songs from their debut album which will be released later this year.  In this edition of Key Note Speaker, Mark Colbert, drummer with The Angel Pier, takes time out from promoting the band's new single, Align The Seas. Favourite Songs from the Past Year Halfway Home - TV on The Radio Favourite Song Ever This changes daily. Favourite Angel Pier Song Align the Seas, which happens to be coming out as a single in the very near future (July 24)! Favourite New Band/Artist Grizzly Bear (although, strictly speaking, they're not a new band but they are a new discovery for me). Favourite Band/Artist Ever My Bloody Valentine.  For me they changed the way I listen to and approach music. Favourite Gig This Year It wasn't this year but my favourite gig of the last 12 months would be Yeasayer in Whelan's. Favourite Gig Ever Radiohead at The Olympia circa Hail to the Thief.  Either that or early Damien Dempsey gigs at Whelan's. There were many! You really felt like you were part of something special, he was on fire and it was the only way you could hear his songs in those days. He had nothing released. Favourite Angel Pier Gig Ever Probably the second last Whelan's gig we did. It was the heaviest rain the country had seen in decades, roads were flooded and, yet, we still filled the place.  We worked hard that night to give the people something to justify their persistence against the crazy weather! Favourite Venue Brixton Academy, which is now, sadly, closed. It's the perfect sized venue to see a band with a big sound but still feels intimate. It's also a beautiful building, may it rest in peace! Favourite Piece of Musical/Recording Equipment A voice in a stairwell. Download/CD/Cassette/Vinyl Vinyl. Favourite TV Show at the Moment I don't really watch TV at the moment. Best Movie Ever Seen The Omen Favourite Book Ever Read Dear Boy - A biography of Keith Moon. Most Listened to Radio Show Paul McCloone/Donal Dineen on Today FM. You can feel their passion for good music, something lacking in many radio stations these days. What's in Store for The Angel Pier Next We're looking forward to playing the IMRO New Sounds Stage at Oxegen on Saturday July 11 at 8.25PM. There are a number of tickets still available for Oxegen '09 from here and usual outlets nationwide.More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4302 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4303/HWCH-09-Call-For-Bands#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4303 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4303&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4303/HWCH-09-Call-For-Bands This blog is by no means old.  However, when Key Notes realised that Hard Working Class Heroes (HWCH) would be seven this year, it stopped him in his tracks.  What a different place the world was in 2003.  That being said, the more things change, the more they remain the same and HWCH continues its raison d'être: an Irish Festival for Irish Bands.  With this in mind, HWCH launched its call for bands on Wednesday evening.  Despite the heat (and boy, was it hot) a large number of familiar faces gathered in Freebird Records (Secret Book & Record Store and nirvana for music nerds like Key Notes who also have an unhealthy fetish for second hand books).  The event was launched by Angela Dorgan of First Music Contact, the people behind HWCH, who called on Irish bands to register with the Breaking Tunes website to secure a slot at the event.  Registration is completely free and who gets in will be decided by an industry panel made up of writers (though not Key Notes, so no bribes!), A&R folks and domestic and international festival programmers. It should be noted that the closing date for applications is July 30 so get in quick. Music photographers are also being called to submit their work for consideration for the Photographers Exhibition.  Those interested should log on to the HWCH website for more details. As for the launch, this blog was impressed by the performances of all three acts.  Biggles Flys Again (Freebird Records), The Ambience Affair (Road Records) and And So I Watch You From Afar (Tower Records) are a great barometer for the current state of Irish indie music.  Key Notes particularly enjoyed the performance of The Ambience Affair (and not just because of the chips!) but was also sorry he couldn't stick around for more of And So I Watch You From Afar (at that stage, Key Notes was suffering heatstroke!).  Hopefully there will be many great performances over the course of the HWCH weekend (October 16-18).  Ticket prices remain the same (40 euro weekend pass, or 18.50 euro per day).  CLUAS regulars will know that Key Notes, Ian Wright and Anna Murray provided the most in-depth coverage of HWCH '08 and, if this blog can help it, CLUAS will once again be the place to go to read reviews of your favourite bands playing HWCH.More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4303 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4304/Win-Mark-Kozelek-Tickets#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4304 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4304&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4304/Win-Mark-Kozelek-Tickets The law of diminishing returns states that, despite the continued application of effort/skill towards a particular project, there will undoubtedly be a decline in effectiveness.  Somebody should tell Mark Kozelek, a man who has managed to combine productivity and critical acclaim so easily that it would be easy to hate the guy out of sheer jealousy.  Thankfully, it's impossible not to like someone who can release an album of AC/DC covers! Over the course of his career, Kozelek has produced no less than 13 studio albums; six with Red House Painters, three with Sun Kil Moon and four under his own name.  On top of this Kozelek has released numerous live albums including, earlier this year, Lost Verses. It is this rich musical tapestry that Kozelek will bring to Andrew's Lane Theatre on July 23 with tickets available for €20 from WAV Box-Office, City Discs, Plug'D Records, Cork, Tickets.ie and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. However, thanks to Word of Mouth, Key Notes has a double pass to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, just email your name to keynotesatcluasdotcom with 'Lost Verses' in the subject line.  As usual, the winner will be drawn at random and Key Notes' decision is final.  This competition will run until July 30. Red House Painters: Down Through More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4304 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4305/Oxegen-Survival-Guide#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4305 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4305&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4305/Oxegen-Survival-Guide Key Notes found it very difficult to resist the temptation to call this feature: How To Be A Happy Camper.  However, the tips included here are not just for those planning to camp, but for everyone making their way to Punchestown for Oxegen 2009 (July 9 - 12). 1. Don't Forget Your Ticket It may seem like the most obvious thing in the world but Key Notes has seen many people arrive at a gig/festival without their ticket over the years.  This blog lives just a couple of miles from Punchestown, but imagine you travelled all the way from Cork or Belfast with all your gear but without your ticket.  Wouldn't be a very nice feeling now would it? Before you leave your house, double and triple check your ticket. 2. Remember You're in Ireland It might be July, but all weather conditions, from heat wave to monsoon, are possible, and can be experienced over the course of a single day.  With this in mind, bring everything from sun cream to wellies.  Should you forget your wellies, this years Oxegen will have a Schuh Welly Exchange where you hand over your muddy, impractical shoes in exchange for a brand new pair of wellies and all of the discarded shoes are collected by the European Recycling Company before getting shipped to the Third World where they are cleaned up and sold on, stimulating the local economy. 3. Keeping Clean is Easy Now, this is a direct message to you, the GAA jersey wearing, Tayto eating bloke who stays in  the same clothes all weekend.  You might be proud of your county, that's fair enough, but if you insist on not changing and not showering (despite brand new showers being provided this year) then baby wipes, alcohol rubbing gels and deodorants are a very easy and cheap way to stay clean.  Who, knows, if you stay clean you might just get to benefit from the next tip. 4. Stay Safe! Lets face it, festivals are peculiar places and the heady mix of alcohol, high spirits and music can result in all sorts of strange couplings.  Should you be lucky enough to, eh, get lucky, then really, use a condom.  This blog is sure that none of you want to wake up in a couple of months with an unexplained itch or, indeed, having to ask if 'festival goer' is allowed in the Father's Occupation section on the birth cert.  Festivals are also very big places and losing your friends is easy so make sure you arrange a meeting point should this happen and/or ensure that your phone is fully charged.  A torch is also a good idea as you'll often be making your way back to your tent while it is dark. 5. Have Fun! Life is pretty mundane most of the time and festivals offer you an opportunity to really let your hair down.  Oxegen, as Europe's favourite festival as voted for by festival goers, is no different.  Aside from the music there are silent discos, funfairs and, for the first time this year, a paintball alley.  They say that, in order to be considered a good driver, your behaviour should not affect the behaviour of other road users.  The same is true for festivals.  Don't act like an arsehole and it's likely that you'll get through the weekend without anyone thinking of you as such. There are still a limited number of tickets available for Oxegen 2009 from here.  You can also get further festival tips on Oxegen.ie.More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4305 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4306/Summer-Festival-Guide-Oxegen#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4306 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4306&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4306/Summer-Festival-Guide-Oxegen Key Notes will admit he has a soft spot for Oxegen, and not just because it takes place 20 minutes from his house.  Last year, not only did this blog have the honour of being the first person served a beer in the festival site but, more importantly, ensured that CLUAS was the first publication in the world to review Oxegen.  He's looking forward to the 2009 edition which will see Oxegen remain a four day event.  Punters who decide to stay on Thursday night will once again enjoy the likes of The Stone Roses Experience and AC/DC cover band, Hells Bells on the Thursday Night Live Stage as well as the return of the Headphone Disco and Campsite Funfair. Friday July 10 Friday night on the Main Stage is really about one band and one band only.  Blur make their long awaited return to the live scene and lots of people like Key Notes, who grew up with Blur versus Oasis, will get very excited.  Snow Patrol are also playing the Main Stage while Oxegen Stage 2 features the likes of Therapy?, Duke Special and Keane. 2 Many DJs, Mogwai (both Heineken Green Spheres) and Ladyhawke (Red Bull Music Academy) are amongst the other highlights. Irish interest on Friday revolves around Republic of Loose, Fight Like Apes and God Is An Astronaut, all of whom are playing Heineken Green Spheres. Key Notes One to Watch: David Holmes (Red Bull Music Academy) Saturday July 11 This blog's opinion on Kings of Leon is public knowledge but the Irish Public have voted and the band return to Oxegen to headline the Main Stage on Saturday night.  Of Far more interest to Key Notes will be the Main Stage performances of Elbow and Squeeze.  Oxegen Stage 2 is where the real action is on Saturday with the likes of Nick Cave, Doves, Eagles of Death Metal and The Gaslight Anthem all forming part of an eclectic line-up. If none of those bands are for you then you could always check out Pete(r) Doherty and Regina Spektor (all Heineken Green Spheres) or Crystal Castles (Red Bull Music Academy).  Irish interest comes in the shape of The Blizzards (Main Stage), Director, C O D E S and And So I Watched You From Afar (all IMRO New Sounds Stage) Key Notes One to Watch: Pet Shop Boys (Heineken Green Spheres) Sunday July 12 The Main Stage plays host to The Killers on Sunday night where the audience can also see performances from The Specials and Ocean Colour Scene.  Elsewhere, Nine Inch Nails (in what could be the bands final Irish performance) and Jane's Addiction are sure to draw a big crowd to Oxegen Stage 2 as will Manic Street Preachers and That Petrol Emotion who both play Heineken Green Spheres. Those of you who feel like dancing can check out Felix Da Housecat and MSTRKRFT in the Oxegen Dance Arena. The IMRO New Sounds Stage has some of the brightest and best in Irish music performing on Sunday.  Headlined by the brilliant Villagers, the stage also plays host of Concerto for Constantine (who put in one of the performances of the weekend last year), Wintersleep and Dark Room Notes. Key Notes One to Watch: Villagers (IMRO New Sounds Stage) For those of you who want to wake up hungover, tired and dirty on Monday morning, but having enjoyed a great weekend of music, tofu burgers and lobster sun tans, a limited number of weekend tickets are still available for Oxegen from the usual outlets.More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4306 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4307/CLUAS-Top-50-Irish-Albums-The-Key-Notes-Verdict#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4307 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4307&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4307/CLUAS-Top-50-Irish-Albums-The-Key-Notes-Verdict As Steve McCroskey in one of Key Notes favourite movies, Airplane, Lloyd Bridges famously picks the wrong week to quit drinking/smoking/sniffing glue/amphetamines. This blog, however, seems to have picked the wrong fortnight to go on holidays. CLUAS has been quite the attention whore of late, grabbing almost as many headlines as celebrity marriage breakdowns, minus the fake tan and even faker breasts. The reason for all the attention was, of course, the publication of the CLUAS top 50 Irish albums of the last decade. The thing about a list like this is that even if it was a list of the top 500 Irish albums of the last decade, you’d still have people; you know the type, indier-than-thou, who’d be asking why such and such a band/artist didn’t make it in. That’s understandable for two reasons; firstly, music is such a subjective topic (as this blog has written about many times before) and also because the Irish music scene is so bloody small that a lot of the ‘independent’ comment is from family/friends/members of bands who either didn’t make the cut or didn’t appear as high as they would like. As music is so subjective it would be impossible to please everyone. Indeed, Key Notes’ own top 10 (which you can find at the bottom of this blog) is very different to the collective CLUAS top 10. However, democracy rules around these parts and Key Notes can find no fault with the system Eoghan put in place for the poll and this blog is pretty confident that 35 writers represent a fair cross section of the Irish listening public. Regarding the incestuous nature of the Irish music scene, well there is very little you can do to combat that. The anonymity of the internet (when CLUAS launched that word still required a capital letter [/flashback]) means that it can be impossible to know how independent some of the comments on lists such as this might be. Personally, Key Notes has lots of friends involved in making music (some of which he likes, some of which he doesn’t) but can honestly state that he would never let that get in the way of his appraisal of the quality of a band/album, and not just because he has to put his name to everything he writes. However, that’s enough comment on the comment the CLUAS top 50 list received. What does Key Notes think of the list itself? Well, as already stated, his top 10 would look quite different. Upon reflection, it’s perhaps not surprising that the top 3 were such ‘safe’ albums. A great deal of all music produced represents a current scene or trend and tend to burn brightly for a short time before fading into obscurity whereas the tried and tested formula of four blokes with guitars seems to be eternally popular. Kudos to Eoghan for all the work put into the poll (when you have people like Key Notes who struggled to put their list into any sort of order then you have to have lots of patience!) and, while Key Notes might not agree with the final order, he was never going to.  Music is too subjective for that and this site would be very boring if we all had the same opinions! Key Notes' Top 10 Irish Albums Of The Past Decade: 1. Future Kings of Spain - Future Kings of Spain 2. Damien Rice - O 3. Roisin Murphy - Overpowered 4. Alphastates - Made from Sand 5. JJ72 - JJ72 6. Turn - Forward 7. The Dudley Corporation - In Love With The Dudley Corporation 8. Snow Patrol - When It's All Over We Still Have To Clear Up 9. Bell X1 - Music in Mouth 10. Iain Archer - Flood The TanksMore ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 15 Jun 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4307 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/324/Laura-Izibor-Let-The-Truth-Be-Told#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=324 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=324&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/324/Laura-Izibor-Let-The-Truth-Be-Told A review of the album Let The Truth Be Told by Laura Izibor Review Snapshot:  Pretty face on the cover? Check.  Impressive voice? Check.  Middle of the road, vaguely familiar sounding songs? Check.  It appears we have found this years Nora Jones/Alicia Keys/Dido The Cluas Verdict? 3.5 out of 10 Full Review: I've always believed that musicians should put more thought into their album titles, especially albums they know will be critically reviewed.  Let The Truth Be Told, really?  Okay, the truth is that, despite being touted as the next big thing since winning the 2FM Song Contest at the age of 15, Laura Izibor has produced an album that is the musical equivalent to magnolia paint.  In other words, Let The Truth Be Told is blandness personified.  No doubt then, it will be huge. You see, Let The Truth Be Told is not an album, no, it is very much a product (what credible musician finds it necessary to plug the type of make-up she uses on her website?).  As a collection of music it borrows very heavily from the song books of the likes of Lauren Hill and Alicia Keys.  Izibor's vocal phrasing is also reminiscent of Keys (and oddly, Ronan Keating at times!).  Lyrically, Izibor deals almost exclusively with matters of the heart and though her lyrics are firmly in the Des'ree (I'd rather have a piece of toast) category: Only get a short time on this earth/you gotta make each moment worth/something beautiful/you gotta give every bit of you/with love, half won't do, oooh, they will have a certain amount of appeal.   It's not awful.  Shine, with its catchy chorus and simple structure is almost the perfect summer pop hit.  Likewise, the touch of gospel that makes its way into the albums final track MMM... might be a pointer as to the direction of Izibor's sophomore album.  However, it would be remiss of me to review this album as anything other than a product designed to sell bucket loads of units and pay back some of the plentiful investment Izibor has received from Atlantic Records.  As a product, it has it all.  She's gorgeous for a start, possesses a great voice and has the ability to appeal to the very profitable American market.  I've no doubt it will be very successful.  Whether anyone who buys it will still be listening to it in 6 months time is another matter altogether. Steve O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Wed, 27 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:324 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4308/Win-Holly-Golightly-Tickets#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4308 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4308&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4308/Win-Holly-Golightly-Tickets Key Notes realises he's been a little quiet of late.  There are lots of exciting goings on at Key Note Towers, more of which you'll read about in the coming weeks.  However, to make up for the recent radio silence this blog has a double pass to give away to Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs this Thursday, May 28. Flirting with music for the first time in 1991 as a founder member of all girl garage band Thee Headcoatees, Holly Golightly's career really took off with the release of her debut record The Good Things in 1995.  Blending blues and folk rock, Golightly has released 13 solo albums over a wide variety of formats and labels, one of the most successful of which was Truly She Is None Other, which was written in partnership with Billy Childish.  Described as 'a scruffed up British version of Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood, the albums lead track Tell Me Now So I Know was chosen to soundtrack the Jim Jarmusch movie Broken Flowers. In 2006, following 11 years of tourning and recording with the support of a full band, Holly Golightly teamed up with one man drums/guitar/double bass ensemble Lawyer Dave to form Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs.  Their second album as a duo, Dirt Don't Hurt, was released in October 2008 to critical acclaim. On Thursday night, May 28, Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs bring their blend of folksy blues to Andrew's Lane Theatre.  Tickets are available for €15 from the WAV ticket office, Road Records, City Discs, Sound Cellar or the usual outlets.  However, thanks to Forever Presents, Key Notes has a double pass to give away.  To win, just email keynotes[@]cluas[.]com with 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' in the subject line before noon on Wednesday.  A winner will be chosen at random and, as usual, Key Notes' decision is final. Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs:  Jesus Don't Love Me  More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 25 May 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4308 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/325/Subplots-Nightcycles#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=325 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=325&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/325/Subplots-Nightcycles A review of the album Nightcycles by Subplots Review Snapshot: At times melodic, at times fractured, Nightcycles is at all times a beautiful and ambitious debut long player and, for that, Subplots must be applauded. The Cluas Verdict? 8 out of 10 Full Review: While it is fairly obvious that Phil Boughton, Daryl Chaney and Michael Orange listened to a lot of Radiohead while they were growing up, it would be unfair to peg Subplots as yet another Radiohead wannabe.  Having set tongues wagging and ears twitching with the excellent We Carved Our Names in Glass EP in 2008, the band have released an album that shows them as a trio not afraid to plough their own furrow. Recorded over an 18 month period with Ciaran Bradshaw (Dark Room Notes, Oliver Cole) it's no surprise to learn that the 10 tracks that make up Nightcycles were recorded at the same time as last years EP and the single Alarm. Opening with the sparse yet melodic 16:9, Nightcycles contains some of the most beautifully crafted songs you're likely to hear this year.   The stand out track for me is the dark, brooding Anchors and Kites, which sounds like the best song Mercury Rev never wrote. Other notable tracks include Leech (though it is probably the most Radiohead-esque track on the album), Remainders and closing track, Violent Sea. Despite all its charms, Nightcycles isn't an instantly accessible album and Subplots unique approach to song structure and melody may not suit everyone.  Not that music has to be accessible, indeed I tend to personally favour music that requires some effort.  However, from a commercial point of view it is difficult to imagine any of the tracks (outside Anchors and Kites and Remainders) receiving much radio play. Overall, Nightcycles is as accomplished as it is ambitious. Littered with tracks of exquisite beauty, Nightcycles is a must for anyone whose music collection is not dictated by current trends. Steve O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 25 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:325 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4309/NYU-TischHot-Press-Celebrate-100th-Music-Video#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4309 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4309&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4309/NYU-TischHot-Press-Celebrate-100th-Music-Video Making a music video is generally an expensive undertaking and, even if bands go for the cheap and cheerful option, having the skill and imagination to make it look professional can prove just as difficult getting finance.  Over the past 6 years, however, acts such as The Frames, Duke Special, Fight Like Apes, C O D E S, The Mighty Stef and Future Kings of Spain have all had the opportunity to work with student filmmakers thanks to a special collaboration between the Tisch School of Arts at NYU and Hot Press. This year saw the program celebrate its 100th video and, as you can see from the above photograph, Key Notes attended a special screening to mark the event on Wednesday May 6.  On the night the Tisch filmmakers premiered videos (in various states of completion) from The Laundry Shop, The Dirty 9's, One Day International and Moth Complex.  [Declaration of interest: Steve O'Rourke, author of Key Notes, is friends with Aoife O'Leary of Moth Complex and earlier this year was involved in helping and promoting the band.] Unfortunately, none of this years crop of videos are available yet but this blog's favourite on the night was One Day International's video for Little Death which had an Eighties kids TV program feel to it, very camp but it worked very well.  Of the other videos, The Laundry Shop's The Daily Special and Learned my Lesson by Moth Complex were still very much works in progress.  The video for Lucy Opus (The Dirty 9's) was perhaps the most 'classical' video of the evening, following, as it did, the sure fire format of movie scene, band scene, movie scene, band scene, movie scene, fade; cracking song though. Key Notes' favourite video of the Tisch/Hot Press venture remains Syndicate by the Future Kings of Spain and this blog doesn't need much of an excuse to play it again: Key Notes will, of course, post another blog when this year's batch of Tisch/Hot Press videos go live. Photo Credit: Hot PressMore ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 12 May 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4309 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4310/Win-Casio-Kids-Tickets#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4310 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4310&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4310/Win-Casio-Kids-Tickets Since their incorporation in 2005, Casio Kids have become reknowned for their epic live performances combining old analogue and trashy keyboards, pop melodies and shadow puppet theatre.  Musicially, the band claim to draw inspiration from artists as diverse as Paul Simon and New Order. Having spent the first part of the year supporting Of Montreal on their European tour (on top of Eurosonic and SXSW apperances), Tuesday May 26 sees the Norwegian electro-troupe outfit make their Irish debut in Academy 2.  Tickets are on sale now from the usual outlets for €15 but, thanks to MCD, Key Notes has a double pass to give away.   To win, all you have to do is email keynotes[at]cluas[dot]com (removing the [at] and [dot] and replacing them with @ and .) with 'Casio Kids' in the subject line.  The competition is open until Friday May 15 when a winner will be drawn at random.  As always, Key Notes decision is final. Casio Kids: Grønt Lys i Alle Ledd  More ... Steven O'Rourke Fri, 08 May 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4310 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/136/Oliver-Cole-Alphastates-live-in-Dublin#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=136 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=136&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/136/Oliver-Cole-Alphastates-live-in-Dublin Oliver Cole, Alphastates & Others (live in Radio City, Dublin) Review Snapshot: There's something different about Oliver Cole these days, and not just the use of his full forename.  A happier Cole headlined a Revolver night with a multiude of new songs and was ably supported by a number of old and new faces.  The Cluas Verdict? 8.5 out of 10 Full Review: This was a strange gig for me.  I'm normally the bloke that stands towards the back, arms crossed, doing my best to look non-plussed about the whole thing.  Not tonight, as I'm forced up the front by over anxious friends, one of whom is a work colleague of one of the acts (consider that my declaration of interest).  It did have it's benefits though, as you can see in Key Notes Set List Special. Opening tonight was Gillian Verrachia.  She easily overcame an inauspicious start (the stool she was supposed to sit on was set way too high for someone of her height) to produce a set full of, if not exactly groundbreaking, melodic and catchy alt-folk songs.  She did, as did every act, have to face the challenge of being heard over a very noisy crowd, but is in possesion of a voice so powerful that it betrayed her diminutive frame.  It would be interesting to hear Verrachia with the backing of a full band but it was an enjoyable start to night nonetheless. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Square Revolution.  Perhaps I'm looking for too much, but I like my songs to have some sort of structure or, at the very least, a hint of melody.  This Radiohead lite schtick does nothing for me and when a band has to resort to a t-shirt (albeit a very cool t-shirt) to get its biggest applause of the evening, you know you're in trouble. Thankfully, things picked up quite quickly when The Gandhis took the stage and launched straight into an ode to Mr. Data (yes, him from Star Trek).  I hadn't seen this band before but their blend of rock funk (and I mean funk in the positive, Howard Moon, sense of the word) is so insanely catchy that I found myself singing along to songs I didn't really know the lyrics of.  I wasn't alone either as most of the audience seemed enraptured by this bands definite charms (think The Strokes merging with The Blizzards....but in a good way). Highlights of the set were new single Guy Like Me and Zaza. Alphastates, complete with a visibly pregnant Catherine Dowling, were next on stage.  Now, I'm a big fan of Alphastates debut, Made from Sand, but, it's been so long since I've seen the band live, I was worried they might not be able to blend their old songs with their new sound.  I needn't have worried.  Opening with Top of the World and Indian Sky the band then moved seamlessly into a new track, You Talked.  As always, Alphastates are defined tonight by Dowling's distinctive vocals and the wall of sound created by the rest of the band.  It is an impressive aural experience and one that manages to drown out the inane chatter coming from the back of the room.  It might have been my imagination but it's quite possible that even Dowling's unborn child was rocking out. The final act of the night is Oliver Cole, complete with full band.  Cole's in his usual talkative mode but there's something else tonight, something I haven't seen in the Kells native since the halcyon days of TURN; he seems happy to be on stage. That being said, Cole apologises early on for the fact that we might not know a great deal of the songs he will be playing tonight.  While that turns out to be true it is clear that Cole's long running muses of time (particularly an apparent loathing of wasting it) and love will dominate his forthcoming debut solo LP.  The last time I saw Cole, it was just him and his guitar, but tonight he has a full band in tow and the songs benefit from it, particularly the gorgeous Moth's Wing.  The biggest cheer of the night comes when Cole and band launch into In Position and, for just a fleeting moment, the collective consciousness of the crowd recalls just how good a band TURN were and what a shame it is that they are no more.  However, in Oliver Cole's new project, we have a more mature, reflective offering and, based on tonight's evidence, that's far from a consolation prize. Steve O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:136 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4311/Key-Notes-Set-List-Special#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4311 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4311&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4311/Key-Notes-Set-List-Special As mentioned in his review of Oliver Cole in Radio City on Saturday night, Key Notes found himself in the unusual, not to mention uncomfortable, position of being right in front of the stage.  The only benefit of this was that, at the end of the night, he was able to get his hands on 3 of the bands set list's. These 3 set documents show that there are many different ways to write a set list, and some are, eh, more interesting than others.  First up, we have The Ghandis set this.  This is your typical 'back of a fag packet' set list and show's that a band can change their mind a number of times before deciding on their songs:  Next we have the Alphastates set list.  This is handwritten on a sheet of A4 paper and seems perfectly normal until we get to the last song Milky Tits (which was actually an excellent rendition of Angel Kiss, dedicated to lead singer Catherine Dowling's unborn child):  Finally, we come to Mr. Oliver Cole's list.  It was only because Cole mentioned during his set that he had given all their songs joke names that Key Notes even bothered to pick up any of the set lists.  This blog is not sure if there needs to be some sort of parental advisory with this particular entry but, here we go, Oliver Cole's 'sex list':  More ... Steven O'Rourke Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4311 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/139/Groom-live-in-Dublin#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=139 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=139&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/139/Groom-live-in-Dublin Groom (live, Upstairs in Whelan's, Dublin) Review Snapshot: Those who were downstairs waiting for Mundy to play one of his two songs, could have done far worse than make their way upstairs to see two examples of how one man and a guitar doesn't have to sound boring or formulaic. The Cluas Verdict? 8 out of 10 Full Review: Being a vegetarian means that sometimes, when you want more than just 'Pasta in a non-descript white sauce', you find yourself having to look around for somewhere to eat.  It was because of this that I only arrived in Whelan's half way through Neosupervital's support slot. This was my first time upstairs in Whelan's and it has a very peculiar shape for a venue and appears to be more suited from its previous purpose (as a smoking room) than as a gig venue.  That being said, its design forces people towards the stage and lends an intimacy that many venues lack.  Tim 'Neosupervital' O'Donovan is leading a one man crusade to to bring synth pop to the masses.  Now that he's no longer on drumming duties for Bell X1, it appears O'Donovan is concentrating more on his music than his image.  Gone are the sharp suits and Knightrider sunglasses and in comes a sound that relies more on Neosupervital's craft and musicianship than drum machines and computers.  It's very early to say but, on this performance, one can't help but be very excited about O'Donovan's upcoming sophomore record. Next on stage was Groom who proved to be more than just Mike Stevens and his whimsical way with words.  Opening with Death of a Songwriter, Stevens and his talented band lead the audience through a set that consists mostly of tracks from their new mini-album, At the Natural History Museum.  While it was the upbeat tracks such as Mythical Creatures and Worst of Places, Worst of Times (a song about the 80's) that provoked the best reaction from the crowd, it was on At the Natural History Museum and Moving West that Groom proved their worth as accomplished musicians and performers.  Stevens himself seems, at times, a reluctant frontman (think E without the beard) and yet, walked amongst the audience shaking hands with everyone he could during one instrumental section. Overall, tonight could well prove to be something of a watershed moment in Irish indie music.  While downstairs, Mundy was helping Whelan's celebrate their 20th birthday with his own brand of alt-folk, so loved by Irish music fans for the last 10 years, upstairs two of Ireland's most innovative and exciting acts were showcasing the future of indie music in this country.  Steve O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:139 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4312/Castle-Palooza-2009#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4312 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4312&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4312/Castle-Palooza-2009 Ireland's most intimate boutique music and arts festival, Castle Palooza, was launched yesterday and the event, now in its fourth year, promises to be the best yet.  The line-up so far is a who's who of top class Irish indie acts: David Kitt R.S.A.G. Dark Room Notes Ambience Affair Le Galaxie Channel One Dave Peyton Nell Bryden The Lost Brothers Noise Control Patrick Kelleher Robotnik Project Jenny Project Jan The Followers Of Otis   Key Notes is particularly excited about the presence of Dark Room Notes, Le Galaxie (formerly 66e), Robotnik and the man currently hawking his excellent Nightsaver album, David Kitt.  This blog is also looking forward to seeing R.S.A.G and Channel One for the first time, having been told many times by his fellow bloggers that he really must see them live. More acts are to be announced before the event, taking place on August 1 & 2 (the Bank Holiday weekend), in the grounds of Charleville Castle, Tullamore.  There will also be a number of non-music events taking place over the course of the weekend including a live Rocky Horror Picture Show and ceilí though, unfortunately, not at the same time!  Tickets are available from a recession-busting €89 for a weekend camping and include a 'Treat Yourself' package for couples for €299 which includes 2-day camping tickets, a pitched tent on arrival, a double sleeping bag, pillows and mats, a bottle of champagne and breakfast in bed on the Sunday morning, complete with newspaper.  This is not your typical festival!  All tickets available from here the usual outlets.More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4312 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/330/Jabbas-Upside-to-the-Downside#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=330 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=330&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/330/Jabbas-Upside-to-the-Downside A review of the album Upside to the Downside by Jabbas Review Snapshot:  Upside to the Downside doesn't break any new musicial boundaries but its infusion of edgy urban beats and toe-tapping electro-pop ensures that there's pleanty to keep all but the most fickle of listeners coming back again and again. The Cluas Verdict? 7 out of 10 Full Review: Jabbas is a very aspirational young man.  Before I began to listen to his debut album, Upside to the Downside, I was challenged to cut up everything I thought I knew about rock, pop and dance and throw the pieces into a pot of glue.  Indeed, even then, what came out would only go some of the way to explaining what Jabbas sounds like.  An interesting challenge when you're dealing with something as subjective and emotive as music, I'm sure you'll agree but it is also an exercise well worth undertaking, especially when the album in question, for the most part, delivers. The record sleeve claims that this album was recorded in bedrooms in Castlegregory and Dublin, and its lo-fi production values will not be to everyone's taste.  That being said, this is the ultimate self-produced record, with Jabbas playing virtually every instrument and proving to be very competent on them all.  Upside to the Downside opens with the following line 'Baby, I'm your one stop shop for all your needs.'  Generally, it's a promise that Jabbas lives up to.  This record contains a pick-n-mix of musical styles from euro-pop to Beck-esque sleazy rock, without ever sounding disjointed.  The stand out tracks are Electrotable Town, Make Amends, Ephemera and the title track, even if the verses of the later do sound a little like David Byrne's Lazy at times (it even contains the lyric, ironically enough, 'I'm never lazy, I'm always late').  Indeed, it is this feeling of familiarity (despite the number of genres that the album spans) that, paradoxically, will drive some listeners away and keep yet more coming back.   Overall, Upside to the Downside is, despite the high standards it sets itself, a very accomplished debut album and showcases Jabbas as both a talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.  More importantly, it leaves you eagerly anticipating album number two. Steve O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:330 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4313/Top-Ten-Irish-Albums-O#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4313 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4313&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4313/Top-Ten-Irish-Albums-O Key Notes Top Ten Irish Albums: 7 Damien Rice - O This blog entry could get Key Notes in a great deal of trouble.  You see, while the good people of CLUAS respect all musical tastes, there is something about Damien Rice that splits the CLUAS writers firmly into two camps.  Those that don't like him and those that really don't like him.  Key Notes is being facetious, of course, but it is fair to say that this blog is in the minority on this site when it comes to Rice.  However, wouldn't it be a very boring site if every single one of us had the same opinion? From what I can gather, between the expletives, it is Rice's image as the head troubadour of the Irish singer-songwriter set that seems to grate with most people.  While it's true that this blog was going through a bit of singer-songer phase when he bought O, it was during his time with Juniper that Key Notes first became aware of his fellow Kildareman.  Juniper were one of those bands, like Ten Speed Racer, that always seemed less than the sum of their parts and Bell X1's status as one of Ireland's most popular bands (bra detectors that they may be) and the phenomenal success of Rice beyond these shores would seem to verify that. However, strip away Rice's image as a messiah amongst certains sections of the Irish music scene and the fact that every (formerly - they're all broke trying to pay for their second home now) middle class family in Ireland own a copy of O (along with White Ladder and whatever that Dido one was) and you're left with O, an album that embraces its obvious flaws and is all the better for it.  It is far from technically perfect, but it has something much more important, magic.  O touches a part of the conscience that you spend most of your time trying to hide (the part that makes you cry at the end of Big Fish or watching a documentary on Hillsborough).  Musically, there is very little difference between Rice and most folksy singer-songwriters.  What's different about O is that Rice's songwriting is so raw, so emotional that, like Leonard Cohen, you can forgive the flaws because you feel empathy for the characters in his songs.  It helps, of course, to have the vocal talents of Lisa Hannigan and the heart-tugging cello of Vyvienne Long on your side, but more than that Rice has a way with words that escapes most of his contemporaries.  Any songwriter that can turn a song about masturbation (Aime) into a love song is doing something right.  O is one of those albums that touches greatness without having any stand out tracks, instead it is the sum of their parts, the collective consciousness of the 12 disparate characters that make up the album that draws you in.  It doesn't matter that Rice followed up O with the lacklustre 9, an album that seems worse now than when this blog reviewed it for his first CLUAS piece.  O is, like Astral Weeks, an album that divides opinon.  Some people can't see beyond the musical sparseness of either and yet their are others, like Key Notes, that believes that sometimes, just sometimes, the music plays second fiddle to the story of the album, indeed, the story of O. Damien Rice - Cold Water More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 16 Apr 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4313 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/331/Herm-Monsters#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=331 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=331&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/331/Herm-Monsters A review of the album Monsters by Herm Review Snapshot: Monsters is an excellent album whose only fault is that it contains so many disparate song styles that it sometimes sounds more like a 'best of' than you would expect debut record.  The Cluas Verdict? 8 out of 10 Full Review: Herm (known to the passport office as Kevin Connolly) is, as he likes to say, the result of a short-lived relationship in the late 70's between Her and Him; writing his first song at the age of 8, about alcohol addiction.  More than that, Herm and his Hermanos are a blend of like-minded afficionados of folk, pop, rock and everything else they can get their hands on.  They follow up their well received Rosemary EP with Monsters a fine, if slightly disjointed, debut album. Opening with The Way, a song Johnny Cash could have sold 10 million copies of had he written it, Herm diplays his one man orchestral skills (guitar, keys, percussion and vox) to great effect, without ever sounding like he's showing off.  The album then takes a different turn, with Connolly showing his flair from melodic indie-pop with Heads, the lead single from the album and perhaps the most catchy song every written about cannibalism (Step 1: Rub me down with grease/Step 2: Cook me in the fire/Step 3: Cut me into pieces/Eat me when I'm done).  I'm sure (okay I hope) it's actually a song about the unforgiving nature of the music industry, but it's unnerving mix of macabre lyrics and pop sensibilities is, in equal measure, eerie and unforgettable. Then, just when you think you know Herm, and what he's about, the opening chords of the most beautiful song you'll hear this year begin.  Year of the Horse is one of those delicate bedroom dramas (think Stars - Midnight Coward) that is all the better for convincing you that the conversation between Connolly and Nina Hynes is one that you shouldn't be listening to but, like that couple fighting on the bus, you just can't help it.  Hynes vocals are gorgeous and contrast perfectly with Connolly's on this track.  If this song doesn't end up soundtracking some indie kids first wedding dance this year, I'll eat a copy of Monsters (assuming, of course, it's vegetarian friendly!). If this album has any faults it's that Herm has, if this is possible, too many good ideas.  Monsters disparate mix of song styles actually make it feel more like a 'best of' album than a debut album should. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for showcasing different musical styles, but when an artist is so good at almost all of them, it makes for a slightly disjointed listening experience.  It's a minor quibble, of course, and when you have as many stand out tracks as Monsters has (Rosemary, Year of the Horse, Cellar Door, Heads) it probably doesn't matter to the iPod generation.  There is some filler here also, and is approximately a song and a half too long, but nothing that will put off too many listeners. What's really exciting for me, as someone with a vested interest in Irish music, is that this is yet another in the long line of promising debuts from Irish musicians not afraid to stand out from their peers and, if Monsters is anything to judge by, Herm can expect to be , indeed, deserves to be, at the forefront of Irish indie music's new golden age. Steve O'Rourke More ... Steven O'Rourke Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:331 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4314/Groom-A-Genius-At-Work#Comments 0 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=36&ModuleID=728&ArticleID=4314 https://www.cluas.com:443/indie-music/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4314&PortalID=0&TabID=36 https://www.cluas.com/indie-music/Home/ID/4314/Groom-A-Genius-At-Work In this line of work (and Key Notes uses the term work very loosely!), one of the easiest things to do is box bands off; compare them with like sounding bands, to help readers decide if they would like the band or not.  Indeed, many bands wear their influences so proudly that it almost seems as if they wish to turn their particular little box into a coffin.  Sometimes though, you encounter bands that operate, if not quite in a vacum, then at least at a level far above that achieveable by your run of the mill indie band. Sometimes, these bands can be so good and so unique, that they completely escape your attention until their discovery only comes about by happy coincidence or, as is the case with Groom, the band taking the initiative and making this blog aware of its existence. Groom have been on the Irish scene since 2004 and yet this blog first became aware of the band when contacted by Mike Stevens, Groom's driving force, about the release of the bands new mini-album, At The Natural History Museum.  It took about 30 seconds to realise that Groom were a very rare band indeed, further compounding Key Notes regret that he'd not been aware of them sooner. At The Natural History Mueseum is, essentially, a mini-album about death and the transience of existence, seen through the eyes of a number of disperate characters.  The only thing they have in common is that they are all brought to life by the genius that is Mike Stevens through lyrics such as: Hold me close to your chest so I know your beating heart is true/And when zombies rip at my flesh, I'll turn to you (Mythical Creatures) or indeed, Ski never came back from the '80's/Disappeared, never to return/He was last seen out with his Honda 50 helmet/And his leather jacket with "Burn, Bay, Burn!" (Worst of Places, Worst of Times).  Stevens' vocal stylings and, indeed, lyrics, are best described as the result of Neil Young and Kate Bush's lovechild snorting the ashes of Elliott Smith.  In other words, it's pretty good. It's not often this blog tells people to go out and spend money, especially on budget day, but At The Natural History Museum will be released on (US indie label) Tight Ship on April 24th and this blog thinks that your music collection will thank you for buying it.  Groom will be launching the album with a gig in Whelan's the same night, with support from Neosupervital. More ... Steven O'Rourke Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4314