j.d.set finals

J.D. Set Finals

Crawdaddy 23/04/09

Angela Macari O’Looney

This battle of bands took place at my regular haunt and although it meant traipsing out in torrential rain, I was glad I made the effort!
On arrival I was welcomed by Luke Heffernan and other members of Floyd Soul and The Wolf, last year’s winners of the National Student Music awards. Also competing that night were four other excellent acts, some of whom I’ve seen perform before!

The show was introduced by Adam Murphy from Jack Daniels and Stranglers legend Hugh Cornwell. Up for grabs on the night was a coveted recording session at ‘Grouse Lodge Studios’ in L.A., along with a high profile support from the J.D. Set and a video shoot!
There was to be a draw also for a Fender Stratocaster guitar, signed by Hugh Cornwell!

The first band up were from Cork. The People describe themselves as ambitious, yet distinctive and passionate about their music which is Indie/Blues/ Reggae Rock. They are a trio who formed only a year ago and at the helm is lead singer Aidan O’Brien, who also plays bass!

On lead guitar is Alan Kidney, Brian O'Mahony on drums!
They played cheerful songs with catchy melody-lines and just the right measures of fluently performed riffs and hooks!
Cheeky vocals from Aidan and fab bassy bits along with bashing rhythm in most numbers exuded confidence and charisma. They reminded me of a cross between The View, The Kinks and The Kooks. Loved their set which included So Far Away, I know what love is, No Faith, Once upon a time in the West and Move On.

Floyd Soul and the Wolf

Being a big fan of this band, I was really excited when they took to the stage, with the imposing figure of lead vocalist Floyd Soul aka Luke Heffernan up front. A smiling and wonderfully inspiring lead guitarist, Deano performed his seamless riffs and short sweet solos throughout. Also bassist Simon Merriman and Ciaran Delaney the drummer, must be mentioned for magical baselines and beats! Among their songs were favourites such as Absinthe and Going away. They also did a sexy number called On Your Knees. Chords are really catchy, there’s a narrative performed by Luke in the middle. The music stops!
Then they do the chorus of ‘Baby baby, get down on your knees!’ which is sung with passion and ends with a big long drum roll!

It was a punchy set, charming everyone with their seductive melodies, loaded with pure unadulterated Rock ‘n’ Roll!

Next up were a truly unusual Duo called The Camogie Lovers. I got the feeling I’d seen them somewhere before. One way or another they managed to capture the full attention of the huge audience at Crawdaddy with their soulful performance.
They began with just vocals for a verse of A Pirates Life, harmony came in and with a minimal accompaniment on John Duignan’s guitar, singer Conall O’Breachain commanded and seduced the imaginations of the large crowd.
Although this act which is Alternative/ Indie/ Folk are limited with only two members, somehow they have an original appeal which is undeniable. They did another really lovely number called Poster Child, which was a little more upbeat than the first song.

The Chapman Society

These are an Indie/ Rock act, who look quite striking in black and white and have an ‘80s sound which is similar to The Smiths. They are Russell Keogh vocals/ Guitars, Sean Kavanagh Vocals/ Guitars, Ross O’Connor Drums and Liam Quinn Bass. They have released their debut E.P. Grenade!

This band use layered melodies, driven by a blistering rhythm section and punchy guitars. They did an upbeat set and really impressed me. Upon hearing them I felt that this competition was going to be close. I didn’t envy the judges with such a high standard in every contestant!

With an adorable frontman in Dean Regan, Punk/Indie band The Red Labels were next. This exciting raw rock n roll band exploded into a screaming adrenaline packed set. Sliding screaming guitar riffs and hammering beats, along with a powerful vocalist left everybody reeling!
This band are Dean Regan vocals, Conor McGivern drums and Richie Martin bass.
They have a growing fanbase and recently recorded their first release The Silence Breaks, which has excited the ears of producers Guy Massey and Jason Donaghy. I like the foot stomping style of You Know, the mad fast moving Ticker tape and the general mayhem and f.. k you style of their stuff!
As the last performance of the night this band made sure not to be ignored with Dean doing lots of high jinx and athletics as he sang!

This wasn’t going to be an easy choice and while the judges were deliberating, the draw took place for the beautiful black Fender Stratocaster with the Jack Daniels logo splashed all over it!
There were a couple of false starts but eventually a winner was picked ( not me unfortunately) and soon it was time for the news we were waiting for!
It was hard not to be torn in five directions, but I was rooting for my pals Floyd Soul. However I felt very privileged to have been a part of such a class night, with top acts taking part!

The judges announced that their decision was unanimous. The winners of the J.D. Set 2009 were the lovely Camogie Lovers. The two boys were extremely happy and after lots of photos and handshakes they performed their beautiful composition A Pirates Life one more time. Perhaps this young pair appealed to the judges for the fact that they show such promise, spirit and that innovativeness that makes a songwriter’s work timeless and unforgettable. As a nation this country’s cup overflows with artists and composers like this and it’s nice that now and again, it’s given the recognition it deserves.
Well done to the finalists for getting there and for giving this music lover a wonderful evening’s entertainment!