John Smith live at Bourkes , Limerick 18/04/2013 Review

On an extremely windy Thursday evening I sought shelter and fine music in Bourkes. I was not disappointed. Seoda Shows have been hosting some amazing gigs in Bourkes of late and are set to continue with an enviable line-up of artists, with the likes of O Emperor and Tieranniesaur due to grace the intimate venue in the coming months. Previously, the venue has brought some wonderful acts to the people of Limerick without charge, but as one can imagine, this was not sustainable in the long-term and the gigs will now be ticketed affairs. Which is fair and will mean that gig-goers are guaranteed a spot on the night. Further to that, the prices are seriously reasonable - last night's show featuring John Smith only cost €5, peanuts when you consider the calibre of artist on show. If you haven't attended one of these shows check them out here .

First on stage was local girl Emma Langford. Emma plays with the band 'Lemon Street' and was accompanied by one of her bandmates George Mercer on electric guitar. She played a melodic set which showcased her diverse vocals as the punters piled in and leant an ear to her unique musical yarns. The band are constantly gigging so be sure to check them out live. Keep an eye on them here



The pub was heaving as the main act arrived on stage. I have only recently discovered John Smith thanks to youtube clips featuring the singer with Lisa Hannigan at various gigs. Impressed and intrigued I was spurred on to dig a little more and was delighted to then get a chance to see him live. The Devon-born singer-songwriter creates a masterful sound which tips it's hat to folk, country, bluegrass and the blues, but more importantly has an integrity and a rawness that supports and enhances his story-telling. He has just released his fourth album 'Great Lakes' which I thankfully got a hold of last night - no mean feat considering the scramble for CDs which occurred after the gig.

Needless to say, the crowd were captivated throughout the set. John was joined by another John on Double Bass, and both musicians displayed a humble connectedness with each other and the room, that you don't often see these days. At times it felt like we the audience were gathered round the seanchaí, hanging on every word of the tale. Sometimes, John's soaring vocals (stretching from whispered to guttural tone reminiscent of Ray LaMontagne) and woven melodies commanded our attention. Smith expertly created a connection with the room in a way that many artists can fail to do, which made for a very memorable gig in this intimate venue. Keep an eye on him here ,
Cheers for a great night!

100th Live Review and Counting

Still love doing live reviews and still love writing this blog, Thanks for reading :)

Julie Hawk live at Dolans 05/04/2013 Review

Meant to write a review for this a while back but better late than never I guess. The upstairs venue provided a great setting for a super night of music back at the start of April.

First support act on the night were the delightful limerick band 'Monday Villains' , The lads have only been in operation for a couple of months and have already a great live sound. The bands age is hard not to comment on as they are very young and all school goers. Their sound harps back to the Americana blues era of sixties. The lads played some great original material and some super covers thrown into the set which included the likes of Muddy Waters and Canned Heat. Great to see such a young band full of talent taking to the stage. Hopefully we will see a lot more from Monday Villains soon. Keep an eye on them here


Next up were local band 'Randolf and the Crokers' and if you read indielimerick you will know by now I'm in the band so wont go on too much about how we played awesome :)
The lads played a nice forty minute set of original tracks. We are currently recording like mad and hope to have a single out at some point soon. In the meantime the lads won the 2012/2013 UL battle of the bands on the 11th of April and will be gigging a lot of the summer months, keep a trace on them here

Next up were the headline act of 'Julie Hawk' and a super band of merry men. Julie is currently London based but originally a Galway Girl. She has been making massive in roads in the music scene over in England and has just released a super self titled six track EP. Which can be bought from iTunes here. Tonight saw her play the fourth night of a six night tour of Ireland. Her set tonight featured most of the EP which included a lovely rendition of the Smiths 'This Charming Man' . Well worth checking her out if you can , you can find her here.

Cheers for a great night of music!

FRED Release new single as a Free Download!

Indielimerick favourite FRED have just today released their brand new single 'Battles' as a free download. This is the first new material since their excellent 2012 release 'Leaving My Empire' and hopefully we will see a string of live dates to follow it. FRED are super live and if you get a chance check them out you won't be disappointed! Check out the single below and go download!

Albums Worth Listening to in April 2013

L-R

 

The Milk Carton Kids - The Ash & Clay

John Grant – Pale Green Ghosts

Ethan Johns - If Not Now Then When?

dREA - Hunting EP

Much anticipated from local man Damien Drea, From what I have already heard this is going to be a great EP, Keep an eye on him here

Kiernan McMullan - Company EP

One time limerick native brings out another lovely record, check him out here

 

 

 

As Always Suggestions Very Welcome!!

Hermitage Green live at Dolans Warehouse 23/03/13 Review

 

A great night of music took place Dolans Warehouse last Saturday night, Local five piece Hermitage Green were back in Limerick after a great deal of touring which took in Australia and Dubai. Since their release of the four track ep 'The Gathering' in 2012 the lads have been making great in roads.

The band have always had a big following locally and had a good attendance weather it was the hermitage green of old playing just covers in the Curragower Pub. Its great to see a local band going so well and that their original material is being widely praised. Tonight is another example of their success having a Dolans Warehouse sell out show and selling out a few days before the night.

 

The warehouse was packed on arrival and the support on the night came from local band 'Randolf and the Crokers' , If you read indielimerick you will know by now that I'm in the band so I wont go into too much detail :) The lads played a nice warm up set of seven original tracks including a cover of Hall & Oats 'I Can't Go For That'. The band are currently in the middle of recording and are hoping to get a single out sometime soon and will continue to gig as much as possible. They play Dolans again on Friday the 5th of April supporting Julie Hawk, Keep an eye on them here

 

The main act arrived to a rapturous applause and got straight down to business. The band played a fifteen song set to a packed crowd. It was nice to see some of their own material being re-worked and fooled around with to keep it fresh. The harmonies are superb and they also played some new material which went down well and also some covers thrown in for good measure which included a lovely rendition of Massive Attacks 'Teardrop' and an old reliable of theirs Florence & The Machines 'Cosmic Love'.

Hopefully we will see another release soon but I'm sure they will have their hands full with gigs and festival appearances  for the next couple of months.

If you haven't check them out live do so f you can, The band are currently on a big tour which includes London next weekend. Check out the dates and more on the band over here

 

Cheers for a great night!!

Fifa Records & The Blind Pig Mash up this Saturday!

Get yourself to the Blind Pig this Saturday as the excellent Fifa Records are taking over the joint and showcasing five excellent bands including the brilliant local outfit Protobaby. The night kicks off at 8 bells and Im sure it will go on to the wee small hours. The massive line up is sure to be a treat in the confines of the excellent pig pub.

Stage Times for Sat Night:
Northern Drones - 9.15- 9.45pm
Trumpets of Jericho - 10 - 10.30pm
The Vincent(s) - 10.45- 11.15pm
September Girls - 11.30 - 12am
Protobaby - 12.15 - 1am

Albums Worth Listening to in March 2013

L-R
Josh Ritter - Beast in Its Tracks
David Bowie - The Next Day
Johnny Marr - The Messenger
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy & Dawn McCarthy - What The Brothers Sang
DeLorean Suite - Two Lives
 Super album from local band DeLorean Suite check them out here
Julie Hawk - Julie Hawk EP
Gorgeous EP from Julie Hawk, Julie plays Dolans on the 5th of April. Go buy the ep here


As Always Suggestions very welcome!

Protobaby live at Dolans Warehouse Limerick 02/02/13 Review

Another great night of local talent in Limerick took place on Saturday. Dolans Warehouse saw three limerick bands take to the stage to celebrate the release of Protobaby's new double a side single Microchip/Nobody Knows.

First up on the night was 'Randolf and the Crokers' , with all reviews of this band I will make it clear that I'm in the band so I wont blow our trumpet too much however I do play our harmonica :) . The lads played a nice set of five tracks too a nicely filled warehouse. The Crokers have been gigging mad of late and will be back playing the warehouse on the 23rd of March supporting the excellent Hermitage Green. A night not to be missed. Check out the lads here.

Next up were Dead Red Light, The trio have been very quiet of late which isn't like them as they are a very loud band! A new drummer on tow and a few new tracks from the band. Its good to have them back playing live gigs. I'm sure we will be seeing a lot of them soon and hopefully another release. Check them out here.

Last up were the headliners Protobaby. We were first treated to a screening of the videos for their brand new double A side tracks Microchip/Nobody Knows. I have witnessed the lads countless times live now and they always perform a great live set. I first saw the lads back in June 2009 playing this very venue supporting Kiernan McMullan. Review Here.

I was extremely impressed by this young limerick band back then and they have gone from strength to strength ever since and as far as I remember it was their first ever live review :) . Their debut album 'The Spark' is an incredible piece of work and one to have in your record collection. I was delighted to learn of the band signing to a record label this year in the form of the brilliant 'Fifa Records'.

2013 is going to be a huge year for them with some major touring and festivals lined up. The band played an incredible set on Saturday which included a brilliant rendition of Depeche Mode's 'Silence' and Bob Marley's Redemption song for good measure. They are the best they have ever sounded and the hard work and constant gigging as clearly paid off. Best of luck for the rest of the year and if you can go and check them out live. For now go buy their new single for only 99 cent here.

Cheers for a super night!
 

Raging Sons live at Cobblestone Joes 20/02/13 Review

 

A great night of original music took place in Cobblestone Joes last night. The venue now has a regular Wednesday night of orginal music from mainly local bands.  The venue gets better each time I visit , this time added stage lighting and a new PA makes for a great stage and superb sound throughout the pub. Its great to see live music being advertised each week in the venue and is a great asset to have such a venue in Limerick which is easily accessible to local young bands trying to cut their teeth on a live stage.

Last night saw two local bands on the bill, First up was Randolf  and the Crokers. As I said before I have a hand to play in the band (Harmonica) so wont go on how great we were too much :) . The Crokers played a nice set of ten tracks including a fun cover of Hall and Oats 'I can't go for that'. There was a nice crowd gathered to see the band warm up the night. The band are currently busy getting a single ready for release soon and hope to have an album fully recorded by the end of the year. Randolf and the Crokers play Dolans Warehouse on the 2nd of March before then keep an eye on them here.



Headliners tonight were another local band 'Raging Sons' , The band have been gigging crazy of late and rarely a week goes by without seeing them playing a local haunt. Its great to see a local band so busy and hard working. They played a great lively set of original tracks including 'Don't Look Back in Anger' by Oasis which was met with fun audience participation for the choruses. The band are well worth checking out live and looking forward to hearing some recorded material soon. Keep an eye on the Raging Sons here.




Cheers to Cobblestone Joes for a great night and be sure to get down to the pub for a Wednesday night session of live music soon, Cheers!

Set List:(Not in Order)
One Cigarette Left to Burn
Lines Keep Changing
Hypnotized
One Man
Written On the Walls
Left to Write
Take On Night
Dry
Sailing Through a Sandstorm
Turn It On Today
Don't Look Back in Anger
Feed The Flood

Dolans Ones To Watch 2013

 

Dolans Warehouse are putting on a 'Ones to Watch' night on the 22nd of February with a bill of four local up and coming bands. These bands are a serious testiment to the wealth of talent on show in Limerick, A night well worth checking out! Hopefully this becomes a regular gig. Tickets are €5 and got be bought here.

LEADING ARMIES
Leading armies have had a terrific 2012; winners of Indie week 2012, the Limerick/Clare sextet have gone from strength to strength. A massive support slot at the Big top followed by their first sold out Show in the upstairs of Dolans. Nationally recognised as ones to watch by Hotpress and The Irish Times, 2013 is all set for Leading Armies. LINK

MILK BABY
Milk Baby formed in 2012 and have recently performed at Limericks best alternative club Die. Rated highly in the Limerick music scene the warehouse stage beckons for the Limerick four piece.LINK

ANIMAL BEATS
Animal beats are seen as veterans of the Limerick Music scene. At an average age of 20 the Limerick Foursome have been playing together for 6 years. 2012 seen them play in front of 1000 people in Limericks Big top as well as part of the Hotpress Freezer sessions tour and the Phil Lynott expo. 2013 will see the release of their new E.P and a host of new fans. LINK

PURPLE EARTH THEORY
Purple Earth Theory were formed in August 2012 but by no means are strangers to the limerick music scene. The Limerick four piece have already shared the stage with the likes of This Club, Jericho and Ryan O Shaughnessy. Expect big things in 2013. LINK