The Dirty 9s
Stop Screaming Start Dreaming launch gig
Crawdaddy
03/04/10
Angela Macari O’Looney
Popular Dublin Indie/Rock band The Dirty 9s have come a long way since I first saw them perform at the National Student Music Awards final in 2008.
Having won a competition on Irish T.V. show Deis Roc, they went on to release their debut single Lucy Opus, which was an enormous success. Corridors, another of their songs, was chosen for the Hotpress/ Oxfam compilation CD. They were also selected for the 2009 IMRO Showcase Tour.
The success story goes on, with them playing support to well known bands such as Republic of Loose, Delorentos, The Coronas and CODES.
Being a little partial about their sound and of the one and only Fergal Moloney’s vocals, I decided I had to be there on hearing about their debut album launch in Crawdaddy.
This exciting Easter Saturday gig included two excellent support bands.
The Good Fight
Hailing from Coleraine, Belfast, this foursome describe their music as Alt/ Indie/ Rock. The band are Ben Robinson – Guitar/ Vocals, Steven Gilpin – Guitar/ Vocals, Adam Montgomery – Bass/Vocals and Will Richie – Drums.
I enjoyed their sound, with Ben’s vocal range being a key feature. Each facet of this band is so necessary to the overall sound and I feel impressed at their ability to compose lovely arrangements which are extremely mature for their years. They performed Electric Flow, Landslide, Donegal, Kick Start, Not an example, Hospitals, Hats on Sticks and Glad you know.
Landslide – This number involves a sweet melody line, catchy backing vocals and guitars, a beautiful verse that is almost hymn like it is so haunting and when it speeds up for the chorus, things liven up. An alternating beat in this grabs my attention. Quite different!
The crowd were really enjoying this set. Kick Start is an anthemic number, with an explosive chorus, powerful guitars throughout and a delectable break.
Not an example involves a choppy beat for the chorus. For this song I felt that Ben’s vocals were drowned out a little by the other instruments. The overall sound was good however, crowd loving it!
Hospitals
There’s a change of pace in this song, as in quite a lot of the set and a sense of drama in the notation. Chords are rhythmic, with explosive bashing drums. A vibrant number!
Hats on Sticks
Guitars trickle behind the verse here, with close harmony and Ben’s passionate pouring out of the sad, soulful lyrics lending to this love song. Then a burst of energetic guitars take you into the chorus, chord combinations special.
Glad you know was the final song. This had yet more chops and changes of beat, adding to its charm. Guitars fab here, Ben going up to falsetto at times and a simply gorgeous chorus made it by far the most memorable of their set. I think of The Good Fight as a diamond in the rough, with a really promising future in front of them.
The Gandhis
Having reviewed their CD, I’m familiar with this bands material. So it was intriguing to hear the songs live. I wasn’t disappointed because The Gandhis are simply amazing. From start to finish, they were entertaining. Seamless and charming, songs from their CD were performed, with closer than close harmony, catchy riffs in just the right places and upbeat sing along melody lines.
Conor Deasy – Lead guitar/Vocals, Aidan McKelvey – Guitars/ Vocals, Niall Cullen – Bass/Vocals and Bazz O’Reilly – Drums are from Lucan, Co. Dublin and although their music is described as Pop/Rock/Alt, it involves just about every genre under the sun!
The Rudy Show was the first number, with an intro taken from an old song; Mr. Sandman. This goes from a reggae beat at the beginning, to a faster tempo later on. Harmony is delicious and the melody is upbeat, with lots going on from sweet ‘oohs’ to catchy riffs. Each member of this band contributes to the vocals, with Conor and Aidan featuring in most numbers.
The seductive funky intro to Mowtown Low-down served to captivate the audience, with its sexy baseline and flanger packed guitar chords, Aidan really getting the crowd behind him. The lead solo here is short, but very effective and the lads just ooze showmanship with flawless riffs and backing vocals throughout. Whoops of approval coming from the punters proved how impressive this song is live.
With its superb melody, cheerful lyrics and sing along charm, the theme song from their album You are my friend was brilliant, especially when the lads done a chorus acapella at the end. The guitar chords in this number are jazzy and sweet, vocals adorable, with Bazz tapping out the choppy rhythm, nifty lead riffs featuring, plus Niall’s bass framing the scene beautifully.
With only guitars doing the rhythm, the four lads did a harmonic number, which for me is their best; Primrose Lane.
This is a touching, bouncy piece where lyrics are hilarious, as they reminisce about schooldays, growing up, their first pint. But the highlight here is the close harmony in the chorus. It reminds me of a barber shop quartet!
They did The Elephant Man, with its crazy Ska/Punk, or ‘Skunk’ tempo. This is an anything goes song, where a bit of everything is chucked in. Despite this, the arrangement is very sharp, with unexpected key changes, jumps from minor chords to majors and general mayhem from the first to the last bar!
The Gandhis continued with Don’t you want to be loved by me, which has a very 60s dancehall feel to it and finally Zaza, a song involving choo choo’s sung in a jazzy discord, with a runaway train rhythm.
Both Aidan and Conor perform this song, with the full band joining in for the chorus. A cheeky, exotic guitar riff features in this number and it’s a great choice to take a fantastic set to a close.
The Dirty 9s
A sense of anticipation was even more heightened by the entrance music played for the stars of the show; The theme from 2001 A space Oddyssy rang out across the room.
Fergal Moloney- Vocals/Guitar, Cian McCarthy- Lead Guitar, Paul Rice- Drums, Keith Brett- Keys/ Glockenspiel/Synth and Stephen Dunne- Bass came on stage and began their set with a dramatic number.
Going Alone
Riffs in the verse of this song are brilliant and reflect the sense of urgency in the lyrics. Chords are striking behind Fergal’s first class performance. Wow!
This band are like a flower that has come into full bloom, now totally polished, totally mesmerizing!
Bursting with vitality, they then began one of my favourite Dirty 9s songs; Angel in the Shadows. Fergal is a unique front man in that he is so involved in each song, he draws you into the emotion and this is apparent when he does this number, which has a beautiful guitar riff intro, a thumping beat and a haunting verse.
Plucky guitars, powerful synth and that riff repeated throughout give this song life. Dynamic and superb, it gets me every time I hear it!
Car Crash
Fergal ever the professional introduces the drummer Paul, as he plays a little solo. This takes them into number three. Bass comes in and other instruments gradually join, becoming a crescendo of sound for the chorus, with the baseline from Stephen Dunne very prominent. Distortion packed guitars and the fab lyrics make this a really interesting song. Harmony is lovely here, the beat becoming choppy. ‘She’s a car crash, waiting to happen’; I like this and I loved the way it just finishes with ‘She’s a car crash’!
Corridors
A thumping drumbeat takes you into this. Keys are vibrant, especially the riff intro which is repeated throughout the song and is very sweet. There’s remarkable interaction between Fergal, the lead singer and Brett on keys. There’s a tangible connection between the band members that’s great to see.
All sing big ‘ahs’ for the middle eight; Very powerful before the return of the catchy riff, followed by a drama packed finish.
The Killing Moon (80’s cover)
Made famous by Echo and The Bunnymen, this number was very enjoyable. Keith on Keyboards performed backing vocals for this song. Chorus was lovely and chords in this were also superb!
Something Better
From the album, this number is plucky and energetic, with lots of focus on the throbbing baseline. In the chorus chords are big, distortion packed and totally alive. Lead riff is fab, rhythm pulsating and vital.
The Garden; A slower piece with soulful lyrics, a haunting electronic riff adding to its beauty!
Other instruments pull back here, allowing Brett on synth to perform a delicious solo. Trickling guitars, a barely there beat and the awe inspiring melody leave me spellbound.
Fergal introduces Cian on lead guitar, who is a true genius.
This lovely introduction is afforded to each musician throughout the show, which definitely gets a thumbs up from me.
Weeknight Lovers
This is a fast moving song with adrenaline charging through every note. The chords, melody and lyrics all give a sense of desperation. It describes love almost as an addiction. Guitars are excellent here, with splashes of lead and perfect riffs and hooks lending to the atmosphere. Dramatic drum rolls remind us of Paul Rice’s presence, with an amazing guitar solo from Cian before the big bashing finish.
Treating their audience to more songs from their album including Heartless (a cover), Trouble, Look to the left, Echoes, Hey and Lucy Opus, Fergal and his crew were outstanding.
Before beginning Trouble, Fergal paid tribute to Paul Walsh who was involved in advising the band and was among those who helped produce the new album.
This number begins with a trumpet-style intro done on synth. Beat is militant, melody beautiful, particularly for the chorus and from a very quiet first chorus early on, things build up in dynamics. For the last bit where Fergal sings Stop Screamin’, start dreamin’ the whole audience sing with him. Fantastic stuff!
Echoes has just about everything in it that for me defines The Dirty 9s. First class chops’n’rolls on drums, astounding guitars with a plucky riff a constant. Then of course our man Fergal’s light, but adorably passionate voice with splashes of harmony and a totally explosive finish!
Hey
Fergal invites a couple of girls from the audience to play tambourines in this song. It’s a cool punk-type tempo, which is a nice change of pace. Fun to dance to, with a sweet melody line and as per all songs is done with flair.
Well done to the girls who played fab percussion, for two amateurs!
Fergal thanks everyone on behalf of the band, including their families. Wrapping up with Lucy Opus, a great choice to take the night to a close, the lads could do no wrong. This number is sensational and like each of their songs has classic written all over it. I was on such a high going out, that I took a copy of Stop Screaming, Start dreaming home to remind me of a brilliant gig!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Delorentros at the Academy
Delorentos
Joe Echo and Planet Parade
The Academy
26/03/10
Angela Macari O’Looney
A couple of years ago I reviewed Delorentos album In Love with Detail for the choice music awards. Back then, they totally won me over with their vibrant songs and intoxicating ‘Joie de Vivre’.
Like every Delorentos enthusiast, I was awe-struck on hearing the announcement of their break-up. However, they remained a firm favourite in my collection. Like most creative geniuses the lads reconciled their differences and returned to the music scene, bigger and better than before!
Thus I stood elated in the Academy, along with many like minded folk. It was some sight looking down from the balcony at the throng below. A huge sense of expectation and a cheerful buzz surrounded me at this long awaited Dublin gig!
This superb Indie/ Alternative band’s name goes before them among true Indie/rock music lovers in Ireland. Since their reconciliation, it seems their career is going like an unstoppable roller coaster. They are diversifying, with the forthcoming release of You can make sound, which will be their debut U.K. album.
This is preceded by the release of S.E.C.R.E.T., their new single. Hailing from Portrane in North Dublin, the lads were school friends and despite a disparity in musical tastes and the usual ‘band’ related hiccups, they have a dynamic sound and an ability to write distinctive melodies and feel good lyrics.
Joe Echo
Taking to the stage for the first set, was singer-song writer Joe Echo (Ciaran Gribbin) from Castledawson. This guy has a really entertaining style and was previously a member of Leya, who played support to acts such as Snow Patrol, Interpol and Franz Ferdinand. Joe Echo himself played support to well known Irish band The Script during their Irish tour. He is admired widely for his amazing vocal prowess and song writing ability and helped co-write Madonna’s recent Grammy nominated single Celebration and actually performed on some tracks of Snow Patrol’s album Eyes Open.
With just one other guitarist alongside him( his brother), this young man performed a few samples of his exciting repertoire. Using inventive programming, he had a big sound. With a guitar intro, a very effective baseline and a lively beat, Joe began with The Heart that knows desire.
A memorable chorus and the sweet riff from the intro with its seductive bending notes are the key features in this number. Joe’s vocals have a distinctiveness that would set him apart from anyone I can think of. A touch of Chris Martin (Coldplay), combined with Keane’s front man Tom Chaplin, he has some range!
Interacting well with the growing crowd, Joe went on to perform Where we wanna be; A rhythmic intro and a delectable chorus make this a memorable song, plus vocal percussion. A catchy lead riff also draws my attention here and I really admire the sense of originality about his music, which is experimental electro/acoustic at its finest.
Slow and soulful was the third song; What if. Wonderful chord combos throughout made this yet another lovely choice of song.
Tillys Cowboy - He sings the melodic ‘to loo’ chorus of this number and effortlessly glides up to falsetto notes. It’s an adorable reflection about good old days, innocence and happier times. Imaginative lyrics make you smell food aromas, hear cheerful chatter, laugh about when people had ‘a tin bath on a concrete floor’. Ciaran alias Joe, a fountain of sentimental and musical wonder, draws the listener into his stories.
With a warm up act as good as this, I knew I was in for an unforgettable evening. Joe finished with Sold out Hallelujah a memorable piece with a catchy riff throughout. Unique and extremely enjoyable, he definitely got my juices flowing.
Planet Parade
This three piece Alt/ Ambient outfit hail from Kildare and have recently released their debut E.P. Ghosts to People. Members are Michael Hopkins, Andrew Lloyd and Ronan Kilduff.
They performed Money on a bet, Let go, Cut the Cord, Play fair, Instrumental, You got me, Zulu Sound and Electrical.
Electrical had a reggae beat, top standard guitar breaks and vocals were crisp. They have a sound that is sharp and melodic, with wonderful harmonies and backing vocals throughout.
Cut the Cord has a choppy chorus, excellent lead vocals and guitars too. Fast and lively, it involves powerful chord combinations throughout.
I also enjoyed Play Fair, with a trickling intro, becoming choppy. It has a catchy refrain, lovely chorus and a punchy baseline features. Harmony is special in this one.
The Instrumental they do involves virtuoso style guitar, pulsating rhythm, blasts of complex chords and discords and is an interesting breakaway from your regular three minute song. Loved this!
Their music has a ‘Stingesque’ quality to it, combined with newer influences. With a choppy tempo, it was just the job to keep the interest of the audience.
Their set was upbeat, very entertaining and I liked how despite the fact that they are a trio, they could create such a big sound, oozing energy and charm. I’ll be watching out for them and hope to see them headlining soon.
Delorentos
The moment had arrived!
A thumping beat and powerful guitars heralded the intro to Hallucinations, strobe lighting lending to the scene. Ross, Ro, Kier and Niall let rip for this explosive song, with the throbbing crowd showing their appreciation. What an entrance. Adrenaline-pumping stuff!
The familiar intro to Basis of Everything delighted me. One of my favourite numbers from their first album, it is the very essence of Delorentos music. This number is fast, with a plucky guitar intro and excellent harmony. The melody line is magical and the catchy riff which continues throughout gets me every time. I thought it was lovely when everyone sang the middle eight with Ro, where the song slows down a little. It’s one of these songs that you can’t resist singing along to. Guitars are mind blowing, as is every moment of this piece!
Continuing with Do You Realise, there seemed to be an energy flowing from the band to the audience. Choppy, with perfect riffs and hooks, this number is a love song with a gorgeous chorus, which was sung by every soul in the place along with the lads. Vocals are shared by Ro and Kier, with Niall doing harmony. A short lead break takes you into the final chorus of this totally brilliant song.
Say you’ll never love her is an anthemic style love song. Lead vocals are particularly powerful and in the chorus harmony is beautiful. Guitars here are excellent, played in sync and reflect the lyrics which are melancholic and deep.
Back to a thumping beat, dramatic stop start bits and yet another totally addictive melody line, Leave it on was next. So much goes on in this song, but a lovely lead guitar riff in the chorus is for me one of the nicest parts. This song is a million times more vibrant and exhilarating when performed live and was a highlight of the gig for me.
Things just seemed to get better and better as this set went on with Body Cold. There was a good mix of both new and old songs, all received with enthusiasm from the crowd.
I noticed that Kier sings the lead vocals in some numbers and Ro in others. This adds contrast to their songs. Say it now, Leave me alone, Sanctuary were other songs from the new album. Harmonies were spine tingling and guitar riffs memorable in each.
Waiting which oozes vitality and has amazing guitar throughout was among other favourites of mine. They left no stone unturned, performing a non-stop list of numbers, among them Until next time, The Rules, Eustace Street. One that I always know from it’s soulful, slow intro Any other Way was included in their encore.
A beautiful song Eyes Open stood out from the rest as it’s slow and romantic. People sang along with it and trickling lead guitar behind Ro’s passionate vocals had the audience in the palm of his hands. It was one of those special moments where time seems to stand still!
It was beginning to look like the lads would never get home, as they got shouts for more. But they went all out and did the new single S.E.C.R.E.T.S. and Stop, yet another fast moving song from their debut album.
What an experience!
It seems this lovable group of friends, who have a Pied Piper proportioned following have NRG that simply knows no bounds. Taking splashes of their original music and adding a twist of newer electronic power, they have managed to maintain that Delorentos charm without losing anything. I felt that they gave everything to their fans at this gig and my only concern would be that they squeezed every drop out of their resources, to popping point!
I truly wish them luck with their new endeavours and salute them, Joe Echo and Planet Parade for a heady, worthwhile show.
Joe Echo and Planet Parade
The Academy
26/03/10
Angela Macari O’Looney
A couple of years ago I reviewed Delorentos album In Love with Detail for the choice music awards. Back then, they totally won me over with their vibrant songs and intoxicating ‘Joie de Vivre’.
Like every Delorentos enthusiast, I was awe-struck on hearing the announcement of their break-up. However, they remained a firm favourite in my collection. Like most creative geniuses the lads reconciled their differences and returned to the music scene, bigger and better than before!
Thus I stood elated in the Academy, along with many like minded folk. It was some sight looking down from the balcony at the throng below. A huge sense of expectation and a cheerful buzz surrounded me at this long awaited Dublin gig!
This superb Indie/ Alternative band’s name goes before them among true Indie/rock music lovers in Ireland. Since their reconciliation, it seems their career is going like an unstoppable roller coaster. They are diversifying, with the forthcoming release of You can make sound, which will be their debut U.K. album.
This is preceded by the release of S.E.C.R.E.T., their new single. Hailing from Portrane in North Dublin, the lads were school friends and despite a disparity in musical tastes and the usual ‘band’ related hiccups, they have a dynamic sound and an ability to write distinctive melodies and feel good lyrics.
Joe Echo
Taking to the stage for the first set, was singer-song writer Joe Echo (Ciaran Gribbin) from Castledawson. This guy has a really entertaining style and was previously a member of Leya, who played support to acts such as Snow Patrol, Interpol and Franz Ferdinand. Joe Echo himself played support to well known Irish band The Script during their Irish tour. He is admired widely for his amazing vocal prowess and song writing ability and helped co-write Madonna’s recent Grammy nominated single Celebration and actually performed on some tracks of Snow Patrol’s album Eyes Open.
With just one other guitarist alongside him( his brother), this young man performed a few samples of his exciting repertoire. Using inventive programming, he had a big sound. With a guitar intro, a very effective baseline and a lively beat, Joe began with The Heart that knows desire.
A memorable chorus and the sweet riff from the intro with its seductive bending notes are the key features in this number. Joe’s vocals have a distinctiveness that would set him apart from anyone I can think of. A touch of Chris Martin (Coldplay), combined with Keane’s front man Tom Chaplin, he has some range!
Interacting well with the growing crowd, Joe went on to perform Where we wanna be; A rhythmic intro and a delectable chorus make this a memorable song, plus vocal percussion. A catchy lead riff also draws my attention here and I really admire the sense of originality about his music, which is experimental electro/acoustic at its finest.
Slow and soulful was the third song; What if. Wonderful chord combos throughout made this yet another lovely choice of song.
Tillys Cowboy - He sings the melodic ‘to loo’ chorus of this number and effortlessly glides up to falsetto notes. It’s an adorable reflection about good old days, innocence and happier times. Imaginative lyrics make you smell food aromas, hear cheerful chatter, laugh about when people had ‘a tin bath on a concrete floor’. Ciaran alias Joe, a fountain of sentimental and musical wonder, draws the listener into his stories.
With a warm up act as good as this, I knew I was in for an unforgettable evening. Joe finished with Sold out Hallelujah a memorable piece with a catchy riff throughout. Unique and extremely enjoyable, he definitely got my juices flowing.
Planet Parade
This three piece Alt/ Ambient outfit hail from Kildare and have recently released their debut E.P. Ghosts to People. Members are Michael Hopkins, Andrew Lloyd and Ronan Kilduff.
They performed Money on a bet, Let go, Cut the Cord, Play fair, Instrumental, You got me, Zulu Sound and Electrical.
Electrical had a reggae beat, top standard guitar breaks and vocals were crisp. They have a sound that is sharp and melodic, with wonderful harmonies and backing vocals throughout.
Cut the Cord has a choppy chorus, excellent lead vocals and guitars too. Fast and lively, it involves powerful chord combinations throughout.
I also enjoyed Play Fair, with a trickling intro, becoming choppy. It has a catchy refrain, lovely chorus and a punchy baseline features. Harmony is special in this one.
The Instrumental they do involves virtuoso style guitar, pulsating rhythm, blasts of complex chords and discords and is an interesting breakaway from your regular three minute song. Loved this!
Their music has a ‘Stingesque’ quality to it, combined with newer influences. With a choppy tempo, it was just the job to keep the interest of the audience.
Their set was upbeat, very entertaining and I liked how despite the fact that they are a trio, they could create such a big sound, oozing energy and charm. I’ll be watching out for them and hope to see them headlining soon.
Delorentos
The moment had arrived!
A thumping beat and powerful guitars heralded the intro to Hallucinations, strobe lighting lending to the scene. Ross, Ro, Kier and Niall let rip for this explosive song, with the throbbing crowd showing their appreciation. What an entrance. Adrenaline-pumping stuff!
The familiar intro to Basis of Everything delighted me. One of my favourite numbers from their first album, it is the very essence of Delorentos music. This number is fast, with a plucky guitar intro and excellent harmony. The melody line is magical and the catchy riff which continues throughout gets me every time. I thought it was lovely when everyone sang the middle eight with Ro, where the song slows down a little. It’s one of these songs that you can’t resist singing along to. Guitars are mind blowing, as is every moment of this piece!
Continuing with Do You Realise, there seemed to be an energy flowing from the band to the audience. Choppy, with perfect riffs and hooks, this number is a love song with a gorgeous chorus, which was sung by every soul in the place along with the lads. Vocals are shared by Ro and Kier, with Niall doing harmony. A short lead break takes you into the final chorus of this totally brilliant song.
Say you’ll never love her is an anthemic style love song. Lead vocals are particularly powerful and in the chorus harmony is beautiful. Guitars here are excellent, played in sync and reflect the lyrics which are melancholic and deep.
Back to a thumping beat, dramatic stop start bits and yet another totally addictive melody line, Leave it on was next. So much goes on in this song, but a lovely lead guitar riff in the chorus is for me one of the nicest parts. This song is a million times more vibrant and exhilarating when performed live and was a highlight of the gig for me.
Things just seemed to get better and better as this set went on with Body Cold. There was a good mix of both new and old songs, all received with enthusiasm from the crowd.
I noticed that Kier sings the lead vocals in some numbers and Ro in others. This adds contrast to their songs. Say it now, Leave me alone, Sanctuary were other songs from the new album. Harmonies were spine tingling and guitar riffs memorable in each.
Waiting which oozes vitality and has amazing guitar throughout was among other favourites of mine. They left no stone unturned, performing a non-stop list of numbers, among them Until next time, The Rules, Eustace Street. One that I always know from it’s soulful, slow intro Any other Way was included in their encore.
A beautiful song Eyes Open stood out from the rest as it’s slow and romantic. People sang along with it and trickling lead guitar behind Ro’s passionate vocals had the audience in the palm of his hands. It was one of those special moments where time seems to stand still!
It was beginning to look like the lads would never get home, as they got shouts for more. But they went all out and did the new single S.E.C.R.E.T.S. and Stop, yet another fast moving song from their debut album.
What an experience!
It seems this lovable group of friends, who have a Pied Piper proportioned following have NRG that simply knows no bounds. Taking splashes of their original music and adding a twist of newer electronic power, they have managed to maintain that Delorentos charm without losing anything. I felt that they gave everything to their fans at this gig and my only concern would be that they squeezed every drop out of their resources, to popping point!
I truly wish them luck with their new endeavours and salute them, Joe Echo and Planet Parade for a heady, worthwhile show.
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