Our new resident blogger Linda Coogan Byrne, gave us a list of tracks she has on her playlist; all of which are Irish bands. From the powerhouse that is Fight Like Apes to the rising stars on the cusp of World domination; Kodaline, to growing electronic popsters Empire Circus. Check out the below:
I remember seeing MayKay rip up the stage at Le Cheile years ago. The electricity in the bands live performance utterly impressed me. Absolute crowd pleasers. They are going to be releasing a new album very soon and are currently asking help from their fans to do so via Fundit. If it's anything like their last album its gonna be one hell of an epic sounding record. Good luck to them with that.
Kodaline are one of them rare gems that emerge every few years out of the rubble left over from bands who tried to make the main stream and break into the market place. Somewhere between the Rhiannas, Mumford and Sons and The XX smaller bands find a little nook where they can reside and grow and prosper, hone in their talents and build their craft. Kodaline are one such band. I can only see great things for this band. And I love the fact that not only can they deliver on a heart wrenching ballads but they have fun with new tracks such as Love Like This, showing their versatility. These are not a one hit wonder band. A long career ahead of these guys.
The Hot Sprockets embody a kind of Rock N’ Roll music that is haunted by the ghost of country and blues – take the good-time revolutionary spirit of MC5, simmer it down to the sounds of Crosby Stills Nash and Young, add some rough-edged Eagles of Death Metal and you are somewhere near the sonic nugget that is The Hot Sprockets. Their new single Soul Brother is an epic example of how good this band can be.
Empire Circus will be releasing an album later this year, in the meantime this track True Believer is a great intro to the bands unmistakable stellar musicality. They write easy to listen to pop tunes that surpass their 'Indie' peers and move straight to mainstream.
In Their Thousands are a family band comprised of brothers and close friends. The harmonies are their strong point, not to mention fantastic musicianship. The guitar playing is something that gets me everytime. Think Neil Young meeting Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers..From their demos to full on studio edits, their music just hits me. Another fine Irish band who no doubt will continue to rise. Definitely one of bands to watch this year.
Stevie Cliff is a delicate little song writer who's lyrics hit me first. Listen to the track and tell me you are NOT impressed. I dare you.
And lastly Wonder Villains... come on what is not to like about these youngsters. they write bubblegum indie pop anthems that are going to one day break this little band into the masses.
