Chucky’s River
And Guests Bocs Social
The Twisted Pepper
Angela Macari O’Looney
From Gorey, Co. Wexford, Chucky’s River are an Alt/Indie/Rock band. Together since 2008, they have come a long way. Since the release of their debut E.P. Personality Crash in ’09, they’ve recruited a new member; Virtuoso guitarist and multi musician Damien Walsh.
I reviewed Personality Crash and found it very intriguing, with amazing guitars and Diarmuid’s astounding vocal style that is perfect for belting out the quirky lyrics and complex melody lines in each song.
Members of Chucky’s River are Diarmuid Comerford-Vocals/Guitars, Conor Stafford-Drums/Percussion, Damien Walsh-Guitars/Sax/Vocals and Cupie-Bass/Vocals. All members of this act really get involved in every number and when I heard they were performing some new unheard material live, I couldn’t resist going down for a listen!
Bocs Social
Opening up the show was a brilliant band, who totally won the hearts of the audience and played a superb and unforgettable set. From Wicklow, they perform Ska/ Reggae/ Pop and bring me back to my Madness days. Once you hear those manic beats and a sensational brass section, it really does something to you!
With seven members, you get a huge sound and the lead vocalist is a total nutcase, but can certainly entertain.
Members of Bocs Social are Neal Murphy (Guitar/Vocals), Ruairi Clarke (Bass/Vocals), Dermot O’Flaherty(Guitars), Aoife Pedroschi (Drums), Karol Ryan (Trumpet) and Rory Devitt (Keys). Joining them onstage was Damien Walsh on Sax.
Boris Karlov was their first number. This involved a lot of instrumental and the Sax and Trumpet were excellent.
Radio was their second song and I admired Aoife’s fab performance on drums. It’s rare to see a female drummer, but doing all those choppy Ska beats and rolls requires quite a genius. So I found this added to the band’s charm.
Social life was their third song. It’s dancey and fun and the tongue in cheek lyrics are about life on the dole. It was hard to resist jumping up and bouncing about to this number. Only two fellas were brave enough to get into the beat and I was so tempted to join them!
I was a man (Jape Cover)
Ruairi took the lead vocals for this upbeat song. Being fond of Jape, who won the 2008 choice music awards, I really enjoyed this song. Backing vocals were performed by the rest of the band.
They did No place else to go, Abbey St. and a brilliant song called Let’s lose 10 lbs.
Violence involves a fab intro done on sax and trumpet. They play a siren type riff and it is performed with such passion and conviction, you’re drawn into the mood. I love this one in particular, but I actually found each song magical.
They really got the crowd going and did their new single Shot one and finished up with Monkey Man.
Chucky’s River
Joining Chucky’s river this evening was drummer Stephen Rooney, who replaced their usual drummer Conor Stafford due to an injury he’s still recovering from.
They opened up with Get it right. This has a catchy riff intro and an alternating tempo. Guitars perform grunge style in sync parts throughout and Damo’s lead vocals are astounding here.
The Darkest Knight -This is yet another one of the band’s new repertoire. Cupie performs lead vox. It involves a sung intro and amazing three part harmony. Distortion charged chords and incredible twin riffs throughout give it that extra kick. Damien performs an elaborate lead solo and there’s loads going on for this entire number!
Broken Glass - Damien sings this with Diarmuid performing harmony. Cupie adds further harmony and the full sound is really impressive here.
Zumo
A wonderful opening riff takes you into this song. It’s melodic and catchy, with riveting guitars and in particular Damien’s solo. Diarmuid features on vocals and has a very distinctive voice. Backing vocals are extremely effective as this number progresses. The overall sound is great and I’m crazy about the riff. It’s a sure-fire hit in the making!
Diarmuid continues the set with Step up. I love the choppy beat in this, the fab lead with a trickling style mood to it and Damien and Cupie perform some sweet in sync riffs throughout.
Cupie came to the front of the stage for The Rocker. This man is a diamond in the rough. I absolutely adore his voice and his delivery. A bashing intro with distortion laden guitars makes you stand up and take notice. It’s packed with NRG and Damo does a solo that is show-stopping. I’m gob smacked as I watch his fingers fly across the guitar frets, with all kinds of bends and slides in between. He’s exciting to watch and a valuable addition to Chucky’s River.
Weights was next, with a fun beat that alternates. It’s a complex piece with rocking riffs and the drummer shining as he does some superb chops and changes to delight the listener. Diarmuid does a lovely lead break. Damien comes in with his sax, which also increases the dynamic. It’s a brave gesture for the lads to strike out and do songs that haven’t been heard or released yet, but it was working and going down a treat with the audience. This new material has influences such as Gomez, Neill Young, Paul Weller and NHCP injected into it.
Lines of your Mind – With a three four tempo at the beginning, this number changes into an interesting rhapsody type song. Damo performs further impressive guitar. I like how the beat returns to the three four tempo again for a short spate, then you’re taken back to the rock tempo again. It’s like a roller coaster ride of sorts, with fab chord combinations, the magical baseline and beat framing the moment perfectly!
Brain with its cool intro is a stompin’ song. This is sung by Damien and Diarmuid. Cupie joins in for the chorus and the sound is immense. Once again Damien wields his magic on lead guitar, with a solo that would make Brian May quake in his boots!
I particularly enjoy the big crescendo style ending to this number.
Another Day
Conor Stafford comes onstage for this song and adds to the band with his bongo playing technique. Damo features doing lead vocals and it’s a Creedence Clearwater revival style number that has that seductive quality I like.
There’s a sung refrain; Yeah, yeah. This is performed by Diarmuid and Cupie. Damo’s vocals are so different from Diarmuid and Cupie, but the combination of three amazing singers, who also have fantastic ability as musicians, is the jewel in the crown for this band.
The last song of the set was Boundarby which features Diarmuid doing vocals. He thanked the audience and also gave big thanks to the support band Bocs Social. He plays tambourine as he does the verse. Damien plays crazy discords and then a powerful chorus is sung in three parts. Guitars are smokin’ throughout, with Damien doing a Jimi Hendrix trick using his teeth across the guitar frets. Ouch!
But it works and the band get a fantastic reaction from the crowd.
I am so looking forward to seeing this brilliant repertoire of songs on CD. And I truly enjoyed this entertaining night and felt quite honoured to be at a gig where both the headline act and support band were top of the range!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
An unforgettable gig!
The View
Bread and Circuses tour
Academy, Dublin
13/04/’11
At almost six euro a pop, I’m surprised that punters chose to fling their beer around the place during what otherwise turned out to be a really fun and successful night. It was crazy, the place was jammers, but Kyle and his crew played all the best songs from the band’s lively and appealing repertoire!
From Dryburgh, Dundee, The View are one of my favourite bands and even though they are mainly a younger person’s act, they won me over a few years ago when I first heard their debut album Hats off to the Buskers.
Since then, I often play their music on my mp3 or car stereo. My husband has taken to them big time. He considers himself a post punk rocker that got sucked into conforming in order to survive and fit into the more conservative world of Clerical work, an occasional pint in his local or in town, or watching sports on TV.
Me? I enjoy most music genres, but am inclined to return to what is memorable and sing- able. We arrived during the first warm-up band’s performance. The Mighty Stef were upbeat and played very catchy numbers. The front man was a big guy with a fantastic voice. He and the bass guitarist did some high jinx with their guitars, pretending to spar with their instruments. I was impressed with what I heard from their set.
Sound of Guns were the second band. These only performed four or five numbers, but were equally impressive. They had a lot of equipment with them, including a string of bright fairy lights that added to the moment while they were on. They also had a fake skull that sat on one of their amps throughout their set. It looked like some kind of mascot. I have to say, I thought they were brilliant and plan to have a closer listen in the privacy of my living room. Their new E.P. is free to download on facebook and is called Breakwater.
The stars of the show came out after a short interval to a tumultuous reception, launching into Grace from the new Bread and Circuses album. This is one of my favourites, with its catchy chorus and cynical lyrics. Excitement and party spirit was tangible as people pogoed about and sang out the chorus, punching the air with delight!
Kyle Falconer is the lead vocalist, but also plays Rhythm guitar and a few other bits and pieces. A truly precious gem to the band is their lead guitarist Pete Reilly. He also provides backing vocals and is a fab showman. He performed superb mandolin for some of their set and I was very impressed at his contribution throughout the entire show. Other members of The View are the young and extremely talented bassist, who also features in quite a few songs. He is none other than Kieran Webster. Next is the keyboard guy, Damien Rennie. He sings backing vocals and also plays Omnicord. Last but certainly not least is the sexy drummer, Steven Morrisson. I love it when Steve strips to the waist, showing off those very masculine pecs and tattoos!
Bread and Circuses is their third album. We were at the Which Bitch? gig back in ’09 and hoped this one would be as good. Their set seemed shorter, but included songs from all three of their albums and also their newest single, I need that record.
They did Skag Trendy, Waisted li’l DJs, Superstar Tradesman, Typical Time, Face for the Radio, Same Jeans,Wasteland from their first album. I don’t know the words of all these songs, but I know the choruses and sang them out at the top of my voice.
Underneath the Lights was brilliant and I knew the chorus of this one. It didn’t take me long to pick up the songs from the latest album. It’s even better than the last one. I love the jibe about the Irish in the lyrics; Drink like the Irish, one second you’re high as a Kite. Next you’re on the floor, you know the Scots, there’s always a fight. Kyle makes sure to be fair and admit the Scots can match us in their own way!
Guitars rev up for this one, with tonnes of distortion in the adrenaline charged chords. I love the chorus and the lovely change from dramatic chords for the verse, to the sweeter majors for this. Then there’s an alternating middle eight, where everyone shouts out You’re out of line, go home. Pete does a show stopping lead solo and then there’s a pullback of instruments for the second last chorus, with a gorgeous riff from the bass and a bit of piano filtering through.
The View somehow manage to make everything they compose even better than what went before. And they have done this for the new album for certain!
They performed the juiciest numbers from each of their albums. Among them were Tragic Magic, Girl, Sunday, The Best Lasts forever, Blondie. Also there were a few from Which Bitch?.These indluded Double Yellow lines, Glass Smash,5 Rebbeccas, Shock Horror, Realisation and my favourite from this album, Temptation Dice.
The crowd went berserk and anybody within 20 feet of the stage area got a beer shampoo. I got a few splashes in my hair as I was standing just beneath the balcony. The bouncers did their best to control the situation, but it was all good natured and the general mood was upbeat and cheerful.
As me and my husband walked towards the exit, our feet were sticking to the beer washed floorboards, our ears were ringing and we were pumping sweat from leaping about with the thumping punky beat of the majority of the songs. But we had a fab night. I was a bit disappointed that the punters didn’t shout for an encore. I stood for a good 15 minutes after the band had left the stage, hoping that maybe they would oblige with one more song.
I loved every minute of the concert and it only served to make me a worse View addict than ever. They get better and better.
The View, The View, The View are on Fire!
Angela Macari O’Looney
Bread and Circuses tour
Academy, Dublin
13/04/’11
At almost six euro a pop, I’m surprised that punters chose to fling their beer around the place during what otherwise turned out to be a really fun and successful night. It was crazy, the place was jammers, but Kyle and his crew played all the best songs from the band’s lively and appealing repertoire!
From Dryburgh, Dundee, The View are one of my favourite bands and even though they are mainly a younger person’s act, they won me over a few years ago when I first heard their debut album Hats off to the Buskers.
Since then, I often play their music on my mp3 or car stereo. My husband has taken to them big time. He considers himself a post punk rocker that got sucked into conforming in order to survive and fit into the more conservative world of Clerical work, an occasional pint in his local or in town, or watching sports on TV.
Me? I enjoy most music genres, but am inclined to return to what is memorable and sing- able. We arrived during the first warm-up band’s performance. The Mighty Stef were upbeat and played very catchy numbers. The front man was a big guy with a fantastic voice. He and the bass guitarist did some high jinx with their guitars, pretending to spar with their instruments. I was impressed with what I heard from their set.
Sound of Guns were the second band. These only performed four or five numbers, but were equally impressive. They had a lot of equipment with them, including a string of bright fairy lights that added to the moment while they were on. They also had a fake skull that sat on one of their amps throughout their set. It looked like some kind of mascot. I have to say, I thought they were brilliant and plan to have a closer listen in the privacy of my living room. Their new E.P. is free to download on facebook and is called Breakwater.
The stars of the show came out after a short interval to a tumultuous reception, launching into Grace from the new Bread and Circuses album. This is one of my favourites, with its catchy chorus and cynical lyrics. Excitement and party spirit was tangible as people pogoed about and sang out the chorus, punching the air with delight!
Kyle Falconer is the lead vocalist, but also plays Rhythm guitar and a few other bits and pieces. A truly precious gem to the band is their lead guitarist Pete Reilly. He also provides backing vocals and is a fab showman. He performed superb mandolin for some of their set and I was very impressed at his contribution throughout the entire show. Other members of The View are the young and extremely talented bassist, who also features in quite a few songs. He is none other than Kieran Webster. Next is the keyboard guy, Damien Rennie. He sings backing vocals and also plays Omnicord. Last but certainly not least is the sexy drummer, Steven Morrisson. I love it when Steve strips to the waist, showing off those very masculine pecs and tattoos!
Bread and Circuses is their third album. We were at the Which Bitch? gig back in ’09 and hoped this one would be as good. Their set seemed shorter, but included songs from all three of their albums and also their newest single, I need that record.
They did Skag Trendy, Waisted li’l DJs, Superstar Tradesman, Typical Time, Face for the Radio, Same Jeans,Wasteland from their first album. I don’t know the words of all these songs, but I know the choruses and sang them out at the top of my voice.
Underneath the Lights was brilliant and I knew the chorus of this one. It didn’t take me long to pick up the songs from the latest album. It’s even better than the last one. I love the jibe about the Irish in the lyrics; Drink like the Irish, one second you’re high as a Kite. Next you’re on the floor, you know the Scots, there’s always a fight. Kyle makes sure to be fair and admit the Scots can match us in their own way!
Guitars rev up for this one, with tonnes of distortion in the adrenaline charged chords. I love the chorus and the lovely change from dramatic chords for the verse, to the sweeter majors for this. Then there’s an alternating middle eight, where everyone shouts out You’re out of line, go home. Pete does a show stopping lead solo and then there’s a pullback of instruments for the second last chorus, with a gorgeous riff from the bass and a bit of piano filtering through.
The View somehow manage to make everything they compose even better than what went before. And they have done this for the new album for certain!
They performed the juiciest numbers from each of their albums. Among them were Tragic Magic, Girl, Sunday, The Best Lasts forever, Blondie. Also there were a few from Which Bitch?.These indluded Double Yellow lines, Glass Smash,5 Rebbeccas, Shock Horror, Realisation and my favourite from this album, Temptation Dice.
The crowd went berserk and anybody within 20 feet of the stage area got a beer shampoo. I got a few splashes in my hair as I was standing just beneath the balcony. The bouncers did their best to control the situation, but it was all good natured and the general mood was upbeat and cheerful.
As me and my husband walked towards the exit, our feet were sticking to the beer washed floorboards, our ears were ringing and we were pumping sweat from leaping about with the thumping punky beat of the majority of the songs. But we had a fab night. I was a bit disappointed that the punters didn’t shout for an encore. I stood for a good 15 minutes after the band had left the stage, hoping that maybe they would oblige with one more song.
I loved every minute of the concert and it only served to make me a worse View addict than ever. They get better and better.
The View, The View, The View are on Fire!
Angela Macari O’Looney
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Catalyst- Unsigned band from Tampas, Florida
Catalyst
Angela Macari O’Looney
This Experimental/ Progressive metal band are from Tampas, Florida. Members are Atkins- GT (radio TX), Keene GT(radio RX), McSherry-(mod), Coggin(Broadcast) Nolan(Tower Const).
A Ghost unknown
An acoustic guitar plays morbid chord combinations, while a deep, dark vocal features. Some wonderful plucked notation on the guitar is quite impressive and lots of interesting sound effects are heard throughout the piece.
Restart
Distortion-laden guitars blast out the intro to this cryptic number. Then a thumping drumbeat falls in. You hear some radio interference and a code being called out. The intro is the best bit in my opinion.
53 B
A Vocal that sounds like someone experiencing an exorcism is the main feature in this track. Dramatic sounding blasts of guitar and ear splitting drums are also involved.
Initialize: TQ 9
A lot of crazy sound sampling takes you into this number. It’s yet another seriously heavy grunge piece. Guitars belt out a tattoo, along with the powerful drums. Devil possessed vocals perform the verse and if you like a lot of rage induced type metal, it’s entertaining. I’m not sure it’s exactly what I’d put on my mp3 player to help me relax however!
Foundation
This begins with a philosophic observation about the individual against the collective. Throughout this number guitars play poignant notation and a heavy chorus is blasted out with guitars like revving engines as they perform rhythmic, distortion packed riffs.
Once again raging vocals roar out the lyrics and give you the heebee jeebees.
Field Study 1
I hear a piano in this number. This is a welcome change from the coarse, distortion packed guitar stuff. More sound samples pour out along with the lovely piano and throbbing drums and clashing cymbals affect a sense of drama.
Above the Flood Part 1
Powerful guitars and piano feature yet again here. Drums are very effective and a whistling sound that I find quite irritating filters through also. I’d really enjoy this ten times more without the sampling.
Field Study 2
I prefer Field Study 1. At least you hear some sweet piano in it. There’s lots of complex sampling and mixing featuring here if you like that kind of thing. But it’s just way over my head.
Fallen Trinity
I absolutely adore the piano in this number. Take away the narrative and it is a wonderful piece of music!
The remainder of this band’s material involves pretty much the same combination of complex bits and sampling yet again; grunge instrumentals that are quite tricky and rage induced vocals that are associated with grunge metal.
It’s well put together and seriously good in its own way, but dark and extreme. They have something to say and their way of catching your attention works.
I’d like to hear Catalyst without the sound effects. But then again I guess it might take away from the originality of their style. This stuff is an acquired taste for sure.
Angela Macari O’Looney
This Experimental/ Progressive metal band are from Tampas, Florida. Members are Atkins- GT (radio TX), Keene GT(radio RX), McSherry-(mod), Coggin(Broadcast) Nolan(Tower Const).
A Ghost unknown
An acoustic guitar plays morbid chord combinations, while a deep, dark vocal features. Some wonderful plucked notation on the guitar is quite impressive and lots of interesting sound effects are heard throughout the piece.
Restart
Distortion-laden guitars blast out the intro to this cryptic number. Then a thumping drumbeat falls in. You hear some radio interference and a code being called out. The intro is the best bit in my opinion.
53 B
A Vocal that sounds like someone experiencing an exorcism is the main feature in this track. Dramatic sounding blasts of guitar and ear splitting drums are also involved.
Initialize: TQ 9
A lot of crazy sound sampling takes you into this number. It’s yet another seriously heavy grunge piece. Guitars belt out a tattoo, along with the powerful drums. Devil possessed vocals perform the verse and if you like a lot of rage induced type metal, it’s entertaining. I’m not sure it’s exactly what I’d put on my mp3 player to help me relax however!
Foundation
This begins with a philosophic observation about the individual against the collective. Throughout this number guitars play poignant notation and a heavy chorus is blasted out with guitars like revving engines as they perform rhythmic, distortion packed riffs.
Once again raging vocals roar out the lyrics and give you the heebee jeebees.
Field Study 1
I hear a piano in this number. This is a welcome change from the coarse, distortion packed guitar stuff. More sound samples pour out along with the lovely piano and throbbing drums and clashing cymbals affect a sense of drama.
Above the Flood Part 1
Powerful guitars and piano feature yet again here. Drums are very effective and a whistling sound that I find quite irritating filters through also. I’d really enjoy this ten times more without the sampling.
Field Study 2
I prefer Field Study 1. At least you hear some sweet piano in it. There’s lots of complex sampling and mixing featuring here if you like that kind of thing. But it’s just way over my head.
Fallen Trinity
I absolutely adore the piano in this number. Take away the narrative and it is a wonderful piece of music!
The remainder of this band’s material involves pretty much the same combination of complex bits and sampling yet again; grunge instrumentals that are quite tricky and rage induced vocals that are associated with grunge metal.
It’s well put together and seriously good in its own way, but dark and extreme. They have something to say and their way of catching your attention works.
I’d like to hear Catalyst without the sound effects. But then again I guess it might take away from the originality of their style. This stuff is an acquired taste for sure.
Monday, April 4, 2011
The J-Walkers E.P. Review(also see irishunsigned.com)
The J-Walkers
A Different Me
Angela Macari O’Looney
From Kildare, this inspiring quintet is a little bit different from the stream of various genres doing the rounds.
Described as Acoustic/Rock/Zouk, their music is catchy and extremely melodic. Whether it’s a smouldering romantic number or a foot stomping funky song, they have true style and unforgettable appeal!
Steven Cassells; One hell of a singer, he also plays rhythm guitar and is a superb frontman.
Tommy Gray; The heart beat of the band, he has the pleasure of performing those imaginative beats in creatively composed songs that always involve tricky chops and changes.
Omar Mahfoud; Lead guitar/Backing Vox is performed by this man. He pours out incredible solos, using slides, distortion or bending notes where necessary and is The J-Walkers musical Director.
Last but not least is bassist Jonas Zaidys (The Cents) from Salvador, Brazil. Jonas is a bass man you simply can’t ignore. He sings backing vocals, but performs rich elaborate baselines that are the life breath of each amazing number. As with each facet of this band, he puts passion and imagination into every note he plays.
They have come a long way since I first saw them competing in a battle of the bands I was asked to adjudicate. I fell in love with their sound and knew they were a winning team. It wasn’t just their music, but their total enjoyment of what they were doing that got to me that night.
At last this debut E.P. is here and is available on iTunes. Steven and his crew are joined by top musicians Dara Munnis (Paul Brady, The Coronas, Jack L), Alex Methias (Stars of the Commitments, Berkley Music College), and also one of my favourite musicians Simon Fagan (Singer/songwriter and trumpeter extraordinaire).
A Different Me
Opening up with a magical brass intro provided by Simon and Alex, this number which defines The J-Walkers style and was their first hit written together, is taken to a new level.
It’s a funky song with a catchy chorus. Guitars play choppy chords for the verse. Harmony is filtered in for parts and the tempo alternates here and there. Steven has a clear vocal style, but can jazz his voice up at times. This is a feel good song from start to finish and with a cool reggae style beat, is loaded with charm!
A superb break is shared by trumpet and Sax. Fab riffs are injected by both for the last chorus, making all the difference. You recognise these wonderful virtuoso musicians by simply hearing their seductive and delicious riffs.
Waiting
A funky bass guitar riff intro takes you into this number and is followed by lead and rhythm. I love those jazzy guitars and the dramatic stop-start mood.
Splashes of harmony can be heard and Omar who is a multi musician, performs a divine solo on lead guitar and amazing riffs and hooks throughout. Steve Cassells plays excellent rhythm with lovely chord combinations and he tells the story of a girl’s devotion to her lover who is indifferent; enough time passes by and the tears dry up, then she’ll see that hope turns to hate, her fear turns to shame. She won’t be afraid to shine and she won’t be waiting there. She’s gonna walk out that door.
Dara Munnis performs a solo on keyboards and this adds brilliantly to this fab song. He does elaborate notation and for the remainder all instruments are involved, until the slow wind down for the finish.
Time
This is slow and soulful, with acoustic guitar at the beginning behind Steven’s pouring out of the verse. Harmony drifts in gradually and soon a drumbeat lifts the dynamic. Rhythmic notes on guitar and synth build the sound up. A cello comes in at one point and orchestral notes take everything right up to a dramatic and really powerful crescendo. The string arrangement on this track is by Dara Munnis.
These three tracks are only a foretaste from the enjoyable and extremely entertaining repertoire of songs The J-Walkers have built up. The addition of their special guests on the E.P., plus the orchestra also adds a different perspective to everything.
A Different Me
Angela Macari O’Looney
From Kildare, this inspiring quintet is a little bit different from the stream of various genres doing the rounds.
Described as Acoustic/Rock/Zouk, their music is catchy and extremely melodic. Whether it’s a smouldering romantic number or a foot stomping funky song, they have true style and unforgettable appeal!
Steven Cassells; One hell of a singer, he also plays rhythm guitar and is a superb frontman.
Tommy Gray; The heart beat of the band, he has the pleasure of performing those imaginative beats in creatively composed songs that always involve tricky chops and changes.
Omar Mahfoud; Lead guitar/Backing Vox is performed by this man. He pours out incredible solos, using slides, distortion or bending notes where necessary and is The J-Walkers musical Director.
Last but not least is bassist Jonas Zaidys (The Cents) from Salvador, Brazil. Jonas is a bass man you simply can’t ignore. He sings backing vocals, but performs rich elaborate baselines that are the life breath of each amazing number. As with each facet of this band, he puts passion and imagination into every note he plays.
They have come a long way since I first saw them competing in a battle of the bands I was asked to adjudicate. I fell in love with their sound and knew they were a winning team. It wasn’t just their music, but their total enjoyment of what they were doing that got to me that night.
At last this debut E.P. is here and is available on iTunes. Steven and his crew are joined by top musicians Dara Munnis (Paul Brady, The Coronas, Jack L), Alex Methias (Stars of the Commitments, Berkley Music College), and also one of my favourite musicians Simon Fagan (Singer/songwriter and trumpeter extraordinaire).
A Different Me
Opening up with a magical brass intro provided by Simon and Alex, this number which defines The J-Walkers style and was their first hit written together, is taken to a new level.
It’s a funky song with a catchy chorus. Guitars play choppy chords for the verse. Harmony is filtered in for parts and the tempo alternates here and there. Steven has a clear vocal style, but can jazz his voice up at times. This is a feel good song from start to finish and with a cool reggae style beat, is loaded with charm!
A superb break is shared by trumpet and Sax. Fab riffs are injected by both for the last chorus, making all the difference. You recognise these wonderful virtuoso musicians by simply hearing their seductive and delicious riffs.
Waiting
A funky bass guitar riff intro takes you into this number and is followed by lead and rhythm. I love those jazzy guitars and the dramatic stop-start mood.
Splashes of harmony can be heard and Omar who is a multi musician, performs a divine solo on lead guitar and amazing riffs and hooks throughout. Steve Cassells plays excellent rhythm with lovely chord combinations and he tells the story of a girl’s devotion to her lover who is indifferent; enough time passes by and the tears dry up, then she’ll see that hope turns to hate, her fear turns to shame. She won’t be afraid to shine and she won’t be waiting there. She’s gonna walk out that door.
Dara Munnis performs a solo on keyboards and this adds brilliantly to this fab song. He does elaborate notation and for the remainder all instruments are involved, until the slow wind down for the finish.
Time
This is slow and soulful, with acoustic guitar at the beginning behind Steven’s pouring out of the verse. Harmony drifts in gradually and soon a drumbeat lifts the dynamic. Rhythmic notes on guitar and synth build the sound up. A cello comes in at one point and orchestral notes take everything right up to a dramatic and really powerful crescendo. The string arrangement on this track is by Dara Munnis.
These three tracks are only a foretaste from the enjoyable and extremely entertaining repertoire of songs The J-Walkers have built up. The addition of their special guests on the E.P., plus the orchestra also adds a different perspective to everything.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)