Yep, alot of people on this website have championed the genius, or at least originality, of the Republic Of Loose. Their debut album is extremely impressive and addictive but their live shows are what makes the band. Check out these reviews: www.cluas.com/music/albums/republic_loose.htm www.cluas.com/music/gigs/rol.htm

Yeah i really like em'. I saw them in Trinity college and i got free tickets to the thrills in the point.They were the support.

Yeah, The Loose are a great band but their live shows are where they truly come alive. They really put most other Irish bands and the insufferable acoustic singer/songwriter brigade to shame.One of the very few Irish acts that caught my attention last year (along with Cathy Davey). Saw them in the Stables, Mullingar and they rocked the joint...Hopefully 2005 will see them gain the widespread attention they truly deserve... Check out my review here, plus some excellent photos: http://www.jdaly.net/tunedin/republic.html

that cd is still not making me sick. its great stuff and i cant wait to see em live in the summer. missed them in the ambassador due to forgetting the safety word and not being able to get out of a...wait. I've said too much.

Go the Loose Got their album over Xmas and it didnt leave the CD player. Cannot believe I had never heard them before. Amazing stuff, really gritty and sleazy but well played and powerful

the rol would be a great band if they stuck to the three minute pop songs..they are far from being the saviours of the irish music scene,especially with all the faux soul crap that he does for 15minutes in the concert,ye want soul get some stax,or motown,or for a white boys take get van morrisson 'its too late to stop now..'basically what rol are ripping off...now johnny pyro,back in the day,THAT was a band..

agreed that these guys are not the saviours of irish rock but i dont think there is such a thing to be honest. I do however agree that Live they are very special. Any tips for 05 Gar?

Well....I reckon that the 66E will finally get some deserved recognition this year with the release of their debut album. Jove are another band to watch out for, as they might even break into the British scene. Actually Jove are headlining a gig in the Olympia in March with support coming from 66E and Alphastates. For the past few months, I've gone on about Jenny Lindfors (she came 5th in Best Female and 3rd in Best New Act in the Readers Poll, while the Cluas Writers marked her down in 6th as Best Female) and if you haven't discovered her, your chance should come soon enough. Expect a recording from her later in the year. Another singer/songwriter who might do well is Fionn Regan, a debut album is long overdue. A band from Longford called The Rubens have a delightful Ep out at the moment and I think The Rags are working on something aswell. Keep your eyes on venue listings for a band called Ethos too, and I reckon Hal might grab your attention at some stage. Expect new material from Turn, Bell X1, Snow Patrol, Martin Finke, Damien Rice, Gemma Hayes, Nina Hynes (apparently she's doing two albums, one is a covers) and The Frames too. On the international front, I presume the new albums from Coldplay, Foo Fighters and Oasis will have people going on for months. The White Stripes, Ryan Adams, Aimee Mann and The Coral are all due some new releases too. Even if you hate them, the Stereophonics will be back soon enough (minus their original drummer). I reckon the two new albums from Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) will be very good and I've marked down bands such as Rooster, And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead to watch out for. A great band from Down Under called The Waifs might have a new album out too, in my opinion they are one of the best bands around. For gigs early in the year: Ramblin Jack Elliott (Whelan's) Ray LaMontagne (Whelan's) Interpol (Olympia) Ordinary Boys (TBMC) Neville Brothers (Ambassador) Willy Mason (Sugar Club) Crosby & Nash (Vicar St) So I'm hoping 2005 will be a good year for music on these shores.

Im really looking forward to Gary Dunnes debut album. Been following this guy for a couple of years now and i think he is pretty darn good. And no, he aint just a singer/songwriter although he does have some mellow tracks.

Gar, i defo recommend you listen to Doves new Album "Some Cities" released at some stage in Feb....also playing in Feb, defo one of the gigs to look out for early in the new year. Also Chemical Brothers new one will be class, also playing in March

Karlito, I was gonna mention those two gigs but i'm not a huge fan of the Chemical Brothers. They sounded great at Glastonbury last year but I wouldn't go to see them. I never really got into the Doves, heard snippets of their previous album which didn't intrigue me. But I might give it a chance if you recommend it. Klootfan, I'll be sure to check out Gary Dunne. I've heard his name a couple of times. Also coming over are a band called The Dears. I have their album which is ok but magazines such as Rolling Stone have tipped them to be this year's big arrival, not so sure about that. Anyway they play Whelan's on January 19th, two days after Bloc Party who I expect to go from strength to strength. So loads for music fans to save up for.

The Rol are much better live than on record but in my opinion the record is still a very good one. New releases I'm looking forward to next year include the new Richard Hawley album, Pony Club and The Coral, also I get kind of interested to see if Oasis can recreate any of the magic the used have

i confidently predict this to be pete courtneys year,and i have a proven track record in these kinda things..single release start of yearish...i know its not gonna be called ticklish,but thats the name that keeps coming to me at this time of night/morning...will do a blowers daughter...

eh... the republic of loose. hmmnnn... lets see, would it be too negative to say that i think that they're possibly the worst signed band i know? possibly. they make an effort with their show though...

worst? what about stereophonics, feeder, all the louis walsh stable, and a few irish singer songwriters who have money pumped into them in the vain hope that they will pick up from someone whose name sounds like "nice"!haha. Grafton street will be empty except for mr. pants down harmonica!

yeah, but i don't dislike feeder, or stereophonics, or boybands, they are what they are, crap. but republic of loose. god.

what, worse than crap? noooo! its certainly a necessary change, you must concede that surely

All is fair in the expression of opinions. I think ROL kick ass, maybe you have to discover them live before hearing the cd. Or maybe you are just convinced they are s**t which is fair enough.

I agree that everyone is entitled to their opinions but for him to call republic of loose crap is s**t. They are the best band to come out of this country in years, musically, their live shows, they have a brilliant stage presence. Their album is the best album of 2004 and they are all excellent musicians. You ovbiously havent listened to them properly or havent seen them live or just dont know s**t about music