Bravado upstairs at Whelan's of wexford St.

Bravado

Upstairs at Whelan’s

16/03/09

Angela Macari – O’Looney

I’ve been to quite a few gigs at this popular venue in Wexford Street. However, this was my first gig upstairs in the smaller part. Bravado, who I’ve seen play support on two previous occasions were starring on this occasion Having had a taste of their interesting and lively music, I felt it was time I saw them at their own show.

This group of young men have a ‘couldn’t care less’ approach, or so it seems. But beneath the Joke-a-minute personality of each member lies a true musician. You only have to hear one or two of their particularly special numbers to recognise this!

On this occasion the two support bands The Groove and Harrows were quite a contrast in styles and in their own rite provided the perfect warm up. Some of the supporters of all three bands went a little over the top to express their appreciation and knocked a speaker down, gave any poor sod near the front a beer bath and did this pushing game that seems to be part and parcel of being at a gig where fresh young music is played. Despite all of this, I had a really enjoyable night.

The Groove

Hailing from Coolock Dublin, this Alt/ Indie/ Rock band have built up quite a fanbase and are making great strides, with an up coming four track demo in the pipeline. Members are David McGorman/Vocals, Gary Fitzsimons/ Guitar, Darren Fitzsimons/ Drums, Sean O’Connor/ Guitar and Wade Courtney/ Bass.

Beginning with a short number involving lots of bass packed with distortion, they proved to have a pleasant sound. A sweet rhythmic riff, occasional harmony and free flowing lead riffs here and there made this a nice start to the night. Dave has a quiet, but likeable vocal style. This new song hasn’t a name as yet!

Cracks will emerge involves all guitars playing in sync with the vocals. Dramatic and choppy rhythm! Darren on drums sings backing vocals and is a real showman. Lots of big smiles and as a drummer he is impressive too!

This scene is obscene – Galloping beat! Lots of minor chords, distortion and a catchy chorus where Dave sings and his words are echoed by Darren ‘Going nowhere!’ I like the way the beat alters later on in this song to become choppy!

They did seven more songs. But my personal favourites were Don’t get your hopes up; Cheerful with a memorable melody line and catchy lead riffs. Also ‘I smiled when I first met you; With a Rock’n’Roll beat and a distinctive guitar riff which I loved.
I can’t forgive You – This has a brilliant bass intro, with wonderful riffs and a sweet melody. Dave’s vocals excellent here and the beat is fast and exciting too!

With really noticeable guitar solos and riffs throughout, all of their songs are catchy. They did a slow song; Yet we all soon will change which I thought was perhaps the nicest of the whole set. The highlight of this was definitely the interesting guitar riffs and chords.

People sang along with the last song The Boys Revenge which is energetic with lots of ‘Whoa’ in the chorus. From a nice bunch of lads this was a well performed first set!


Harrows

A five piece band with some seriously good guitarists and a charming vocalist in Ben Waddell arrived on stage to play the second set of the evening. ‘Harrows’ got tumultuous cheers from the crowd as they began to play. With two demos under their belt they are an Alt/Post Punk/ new wave act with a tuneful but heavy sound. With a wall of thundering drums, whining lead solos and a confident front man, they did their first number Kev’s Lama.

It wasn’t easy to hear with the noise and mayhem about, but generally they sounded polished and very talented. They did Winning Grin with a trickling intro to build up to a manic beat. They did a slightly slower song; Can’t be alright third. Guitars brilliant and this has a catchy melody too.

A Jungle drumbeat bashed out for Advertise really got the party going and although I’m sure it’s a great song, you could hear nothing!
Things began to get a little out of hand, with a shower of beer and an amp toppling over. But Ben handled the moment well and stopped until people settled down.

They exuded tonnes of N.R.G. and their music is really lively and memorable, when you can hear it. But the nicest song by far was Told. Beginning with a riff that reminds me of That’s Entertainment by ‘The JAM’ it has gorgeous chords, a catchy melody line and wonderful lead performed by Kevin Towey.

Ben’s vocals also would remind me of the singer from Irish band ‘The Flaws’. This band has something special but in such a confined venue, they were cramped.
They did At a Height which has a nice beat, gorgeous chord combinations, lots of distortion and a distinctive baseline throughout. Kev is one extremely good guitarist, but the extra guitar played by Alan Duggan made a huge difference to the big bashing sound that defines this act.
They did Don’t say a word with a snaking style guitar riff intro, and then it becomes choppy. In this song there is a lovely chorus.
To complete the riveting set, Harrows did Leave Again which has a bashing drumbeat, fantastic chorus and yet another exciting lead riff. Dan Fox on bass, Alan Duggan and Kevin Towey guitars, Ben Waddell vocals and Dara Kiely drums, this band and the music they conjure up won’t be too easy to forget!


BRAVADO

Starting out as a bunch of kids jamming together in Gaz’s shed to The Who, Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines; Bravado took the giant step of becoming an originals only band within a short time. They made the finals of Murphy’s Live ’08 and have played support to Cathy Davey, Future Kings of Spain and The Minutes. Brian/ Vocals, Kev and Milky/ Guitars/backing vocals, Corcy/ Bass and Gaz/ Drums have featured in two of my previous reviews.

They get around a lot and because of their total devotion to what they do, they have a huge following!

As they started with a new song without a name as yet, the place was hopping. A seductive melody line and a sweet baseline throughout, this choppy number was a treat!

One Day – I like the way the words are repeated after each line in the verse of this number. Great chord combinations, a strut style beat and a cheerful melody, it got the crowd even more mental than before!

Before the next song, Brian got a scarf thrown up at him. He duly wiped his brow and f…d it back to screams of delight. A real showman!

He’s big and bold, but has a great voice and defines the Bravado sound.

Sticks and Stones – This has lovely harmony done by Milky who has a good voice too!

Take your pick – With a trickling riff done by two guitars in sync, this has a memorable melody. It’s an easy going Rock’n’Roll song, with a delicious lead solo and fabulous percussion by Gaz!

The crowd, who had now packed the place like a sardine tin, were totally alive and the lads were enjoying it too. Somehow Brian always manages to keep the head and has a knack for focusing on the show. They did a really upbeat song next called Love fast die young.

This has cheeky riffs and a great lead solo and changes pace before the final chorus.

Artificial Angels – This is a classic and shows Brian’s vocal range off well. It’s a slow song with sweet harmony and a memorable melody.

Bag of Messages – This I feel must be one of their favourite numbers, the way they all get so involved!
It has a great intro with a fast beat and a sweet riff. Kev does backing vocals and Corcy plays gorgeous bass here too. I like the echo of Go Away in it.

Revenge is not enough – Brian plays tambourine in this slinky number and Kev sings the verse. Milky and Corcy create a lovely backdrop of bass and lead. And not forgetting Gaz; the man of many smiles, who supplies fab beats to all of Bravado’s songs. A right joker, but a nice guy and a good drummer!

Runnin’ – My absolute favourite Bravado song was next. That thumping intro, distortion packed magical chords just bursting out and energy infused riffs galore always make me want to stomp and clap!

They did The Break during which Milky donned a big leprechaun hat, ready for Paddy’s Day!
Any other Way – This is a nice number with a fast beat, a baseline that’s magic and a lovely lead intro. It’s young, exciting and has lots going on in it. This song always reminds me of wonderful Irish legends of rock Thin Lizzy, with percussion par excellence and moving into a choppy strut towards the end.

They finished with Too Tired to Sleep – A complex number, with flanger and lots of distortion used. Fire charged rhythm, energetic bass and a catchy melody; it was a perfect choice to close the set.
I had a great evening but found the smaller venue way too confined for a large crowd of young punters!
I started out being a skeptic about this band who don’t take themselves too seriously! But since giving them a proper listen I realize that you certainly shouldn’t judge a book by its cover!