Song of the Day: Pine The Pilcrow “Dahlia”
After stunning Irish media and fans alike with their self-titled debut EP in 2016 Pine The Pilcrow return in 2017 with a new agenda and promise of a second EP in May. “Dahlia” is our first taste of their new music. As we saw last year Pine the Pilcrow make their own rules and the hypnotic, dreamlike quality of “Dahlia” calls on folk traditions but it’s their unorthodox approach to these traditions that make them such an exciting Irish act. Combining classical and pop elements into “Dahlia” we find Pine the Picrow at their most innovative and a reminder of why they created such a buzz when they emerged onto the scene. Catch Pine THe Pilcrow on the following dates June 2nd YouBloom June 3rd Vantastival, Louth June 23rd Civic Theatre June 25th Body and Soul July 21st Ballinamore Fringe Fest July 28th The Tin Church Laragh, Monaghan Aug 5th Arcadian Field, Dundalk Aug 6th Feile Beag, Thurles Sep 3rd Electric Picnic Watch the video for “Dahlia”...
Song of the Day: Sun.Set.Ships “Song For Brothers”
Monaghan trio Sun.Set.Ships had impressed us when we first came across them last year but their newest release “Song For Brothers” proves that they are participating on an international level and ready to take over. “Songs For Brothers” with it’s Chvrches influence fulfills the bands manifesto to create uplifting, atmospheric and mellow electronic music. The lyrics and video are searching, probing, finding one’s sense of self and identity. While the slightly hypnotic melody line ensures you listen through to the very end to see how the story ends. Overflowing with potential these guys know what they want to create and how to go about doing it. Watch “Song For Brothers”...
Mad About Music – Featuring The Felonies, The Engineer, Clare Sands, Brian Lalor and The Elation Band
Inspired by 90s rave and Drum N Bass Phil Dunne, AKA The Engineer, set out to find an outlet for some guitar ideas that didn’t suit a live band. With these in mind his project quickly grew and embracing the freedom offered by programming beats, processing found sounds and focusing on rhythm, texture and atmosphere he became The Engineer. Listen to his self-released EP First Principles on Bandcamp. Recommended listening “Ice Point” http://theengineer4.bandcamp.com/album/first-principles Wicklow four-piece The Felonies have hit the road running with their debut single release “Repetition” from their EP “Impossible, Impractical”. The single is brimming with Brit Indie goodness, an addictive bass line and anecdotal lyrics “Repetition” and proves why Felonies already have a loyal fan base and caught the ear of the music industry. In case you haven’t heard it The Elation have already been added to more than one summer festival lineup and this new version of the Irish boy band embrace their pop sensibilities and groove sounds. The Cork quartet worked with Andy Whitmore on this follow up to debut single “XO”. Clare blues songwriter Clare Sands has released the title track of her debut EP “Join Me At The Table”. Referencing a host of well known writers and with the strong influence of Janis Joplin Clare Sands is part of a great emerging Blues scene in Ireland and “Join Me At THe Table” is the embodiment of all she represents; sultry, wise, and highly addictive. Brian Lalor has been making music in one way or another for over a decade and has just released his new single “Somehow”. Fans of Damian Dempsey will find something to like here....
Song of the Day: Jack O’Rourke ‘Naivety’
It really should read “Songs of the Day” with this double sided single release from Jack O’Rourke deserving their own individual attention. While they are simply different versions of the same song they both speak so differently to the listener they may as well be from different eras. Releasing ‘Naivety’ on February 24 Cork Musician Jack O’Rourke is rounding off a phenomenal year. His debut album soaring high in the charts, his singles winning international songwriting awards and his name being dropped by all kinds of music superstars Jack is making a name for himself. The radio edit for ‘Naivety’ is hook laden demonstrating O’Rourke influences from Bowie to Kate Bush with a beat that doesn’t quit and will have you humming it for the rest of the day. The acoustic version (the video of which I have included below) demonstrates minutely Jack’s wit, his transcendental baritone and a undercurrent of double meanings glossed over in the radio edit. Have a listen for yourself below. ‘Naivety’ is out February...
Circles release their debut E.P. with a launch at the Crane Lane Theatre on March 4
Cillian MCSweeney and Circles release their debut E.P. with a launch at the Crane Lane Theatre on March 4 in association with Music Generation Cork City 27 year-old Wilton musician Cillian MCSweeney has been playing music for the last ten years. He has cerebral palsy and relies on eye movements to communicate. Through using advanced technology, including ‘Eye Gaze ‘and ‘E-scape’, he has been able to write and perform his own music. Cillian developed as a writer and performer through the SoundOUT programme as part of Music Generation Cork City, where he was involved in a collaborative music project with the Togher Music Project in 2011. Five years ago Cillian formed the band, Circles, with fellow musician and SoundOUT tutor, Graham McCarthy. The band has since performed at some of Cork’s finest venues, including Cork Opera House and the Curtis Auditorium at Cork School of Music. The release of their debut E.P. featuring the title track ‘Unique’ will be marked with a special launch at the Crane Lane Theatre on Saturday March 4, 2017. Doors open 7.30pm and is a free over 18s event. Support on the night are Jim McCarthy and Kenneth Speight. SoundOUT is a Cork based initiative which runs ongoing music education programmes in schools and community settings in partnership with Music Generation Cork City. Building on the work of Cork Music Works (directed by Dr. Evelyn Grant) , SoundOUT was established by Dr. Gráinne McHale in 2011. SoundOUT’s vision is that adults, children and young people with and without disabilities have access to inclusive and progressive music-making and learning opportunities. Assistive music technology is used within all SoundOUT activities to ensure access for all abilities to meaningful music...
