BarryGruff Presents #15: The Statics, Policy & Appo :: Sunday, May 5th :: Flanagan’s Bar, Newbridge

‘BarryGruff Presents’ returns to Flanagan’s Bar for a 15th Newbridge show on Sunday, May 5th. 

Over the course of the past 18 months there’s been some really special nights in Flanagan’s and Sunday night’s show with The Statics, Policy & Appo promises to be a belter of a night. Coincidentally this will be the last BarryGruff show for a while due to other commitments but we shall be back, it is something that has been an absolute pleasure to be involved with.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to this one & it promises to be a great night so come along and enjoy the buzz, as I said it’s the last one for a while. It’s FREE in as usual & kicks off at 9 pm. [RSVP]

The Statics:

The last time The Statics were in town they went down a treat. Echoing the likes of The La’s, John Power & The Coral, the Dublin four piece specialise in upbeat and energetic indie-goodness with twangy rhythmic guitars, stomping drums, bright upbeat melodies and rich distinctive vocals and sing-a-long choruses. It’s all played with energy, refreshing honesty and assured sense of style, and live, The Statics are one of the best performers in Ireland at the moment. Sunday’s performance is not to be missed. 

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Policy:

Policy are a four-piece band from Kilcoole, Co Wicklow who sound like they have been influenced by a whole host of mid ’80s British indie acts (particularly The Wedding Present plus others of that ilk). Their debut EP is probably best summed up as a bit indie, a bit alternative rock and a bit rough around the edges, but it is full of charming songs with catchy melodies, smart lyrics and played with energy. Quite excited about this first visit to Newbridge from Policy. 

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Appo:

Newbridge has gained quite a reputation in recent years for the sheer volume and quality of music emanating from the humble town. One man in particular has somehow managed to avoid this gaze, Appo, who has remained one of Newbridge’s best kept secrets. A one man bluesy-folk explosion, the gravelly voiced troubadour is currently recording his debut album which could potentially blow his cover once and for all. A wonderful songwriter, whose powerful blues/folk is a work of genuine veracity and it’s an absolute pleasure to have him back on the bill again.

Double Dagger – ‘Heretic’s Hymn’

Baltimore trio Double Dagger decided to call it a day back in 2011, which was a shame to say the least. I was lucky enough to see them play Whelan’s upstairs in 2010 to about 20 people, nonetheless it was a great gig and it certainly left an impression.

Double Dagger are being granted a final outing and will release the six-track 333 collection for Record Store Day, which coincides with the release of If You Shout Loud Enough, a documentary that follows the trio’s final tour. To provide a taste of 333 Double Dagger have kindly shared ’Heretic’s Hymn’ with us. Part shout-a-long fury and part winding instrumental, ’Heretic’s Hymn’ is the closing track off the EP. It sounds for all intents and purpose a farewell song, with frontman Nolen Strals declaring ”But if this is my last song, these are the last words I ever write, I hope you won’t forget, you’re only free making art outside.” It’s a shame they aren’t around anymore but hopefully this will be a fitting farewell for the criminally underrated trio.

You can stream ‘Heretic’s Hymn’ below and you can cast an eye over the trailer for If We Shout Loud Enough too.

Ghost Estates – ‘In Waves’ (Record Store Day Single)

Ghost Estates are joining forces with fellow Dubliners Twinkranes for Record Store Day split 7″.

Ghost Estates’ contribution, ‘In Waves’ is their first release since their excellent self-titled debut album from last year. Ghost Estates are in fine form once more, losing none of the sparkle that made their debut so good. ‘In Waves’ combines a super catchy chorus, shimmering guitars and effects into a full blooded propulsive post-punk number. There are rumours Ghost Estates are currently working on a second album in their own Darklands recording studio, I for hope there’s substance to these whispers. 

Record Store Day takes place on on Saturday, April 20th, but you can listen ‘In Waves’ right now below. To launch the split 7″ both bands will be throwing a party in The Button Factory on Friday, April 19th to celebrate the release.

Introducing: Beard Of Wolves

Feel like you don’t have enough noise in your life? Are things are just a little bit too quiet? Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Beard Of Wolves.

Not for the faint-hearted, the north Wales pair sound like their blood is boiling, bombarding the listener with a ferocious barrage of rock, garage and drums and bass. Propelled by a devastating combo of filthy basslines and pounding drums, this ruthlessly abrasive sound is taken to another dimension with by splashes synths and screeching vocals. If that’s not clear enough, just check the twisted noise and fuzzed up mayhem that is ‘My Father Drives The Death Star’, ‘Wet Mouth’ or anything from their debut EP in fact. Imagine mashing Death From Above 1979, Eagles of Death Metal and Klaxons together before feeding it through crackling speakers, and your almost there. A truly scintillating racket!

This is by far the most melodic mayhem you’ll hear this year, to keep things relatively brief, their self-titled debut EP is an absolute belter.

Introducing: Dog Legs

Dog Legs are London / Brighton duo of Moema Meade and Liam Bradbury, by way of Menai Bridge. The duo are fine purveyors of dirty, rough ‘n ready lo-fi garage punk, done in short bursts and wrapped with a touch of extremely catchy bubblegum pop.

There is a definite ‘don’t give a fuck’ vibe going on, furthered by their fondness for an expletive which runs throughout their latest EP, Awkward. The EP is quite fun and filled with sharp-tongued lyrical sweariness, from the high-energy blasts of ‘Beast Like Me’ and ‘Cobra Snake’ to the darker downbeat ‘Bitch Please’ or ‘Another Shit Teen Movie’. Yeah there’s a slightly juvenile aspect to the whole thing, but it’s actually one of the appealing features to Dog Legs and their EP.  Instead of ‘seriousness’ they allow their sense of fun run wild, bash out a jam and enjoy it. Simply brilliant stuff and utterly infectious too.

You can check out some choice cuts from Dog Legs below or grab their Awkward EP from bandcamp.

Kid Karate – ‘This City’

2013 looks like it could be a big year for Dublin duo Kid Karate. The release of their debut album Night Terrors, is only around the corner and closer on the horizon is their trip to SXSW.

With SXSW in mind Kid Karate have released a brand new track, ‘This City’. Offering a slightly different side to their usual snarl, Kevin Breen’s recognizable vocal screams and Steven Gannon’s pounding rhythms are met and matched by a bassline of Gang of Four proportions from Squarehead/Tieranniesaur bassist Ian McFarlane. Easily one of the most, if the most, written about artist on the blog over the past two years, it’s hardly a surprise that Kid Karate’s forthcoming album is one of my Irish albums to watch out for this year. 

You can download ‘This City’ for free below & if you’re going to SXSW, Kid Karate have two shows. On Wednesday the 13th of March they’re in the Gibson Room of Maggie Mae’s at 8pm and on Friday the 15th of March they’ll be playing the Full Irish Breakfast in BD Reilly’s at 1:20pm. Go and say hi, tell them uncle Barry sent you.

Introducing: Galoshins

Scottish trio Galoshins are a rather curious proposition. Taking the unusual step of releasing their two debut EPs simultaneously, it sort of sums these guys up, there is nothing orthodox about this trio. 

The two rather intense EPs are bursting with ideas and provide an excellent, if somewhat incohesive snapshot of what they’re all about. Loosely, it is furiously buoyant whirlwind of organ fueled psych-punk but it is near impossible to pin them down. Although it does at times bring to mind something of early Futureheads meets The Things and Sluts of Trust. Whatever you want to call it, their off-kilter approach to rock ‘n roll maybe unhinged but never boring. Opening track ‘Shake Up’ sets the tempo, a hyperactive fervour with an exhilarating combo of serrated guitar, organ and vocals delivered with a strong parochial Scots lilt. It is a striking introduction as they career headlong through each track of an ever impressive, cacophony of furious unorthodoxy. 

Anyone bemoaning the lack of character or flavour to guitar music at present would do well to take note of Galoshins. Their EP1 & EP2 are out now through Armellodie Records.

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Introducing: Drenge

Drenge are a two-piece rock outfit based in Sheffield, comprised of brothers Rory and Eoin Loveless.

Taking their cue from the White Stripes/Black Keys/Sluts of Trust school of rock ‘n roll, though less downright sleazy than the latter, one batters drums and the other sings and looks after the powerhouse of a guitar riffs. Simple as that; two brothers, guitar and drums? Not so. A blob of grittiness and a clot of high-octane energy, that’s what Drenge are, and hardly anything else. Take the brutally aggressive, raw and muscular nature of latest single, ‘Bloodsports’ and you will get the idea. It sums up the duo quite perfectly, just make sure to turn it up loud. Earlier days but this sibling duo are an exciting prospect. 

Drenge head out on a UK tour with Deap Vally later this month, judging by the choice cuts, it could be one hell of a show. 

Guest Post: Johnny Feeney on 3 Albums of 2012

The ever reliable Johnny Feeney returns with another guest post, this time around he’s sharing three of his favourite albums of 2012 (one’s mainly missed or overlooked on here). Anyway, take it away Johnny.

Pond – Beard, Wives, Denim

In Lonerism, Tame Impala may have released the finest psychedelic rock album of the year, but this album gives it a good run for its money. Upon listening to this, it’s not surprising to learn that Tame Impala members form the core of Pond – frontman Kevin Parker, taking a back seat on this project, playing drums and handling production duties, Jay Watson and Nick Albrook writing the majority of the songs and sharing lead vocals throughout. Joseph Ryan (Mink Mussel Creek) also pitches in with lead vocals and song writing.

Moments of genuine brilliance are frequent throughout from the jangling, opening guitar lines of ‘Fantastic Explosion of Time’ to the glam funk of ‘Elegant Design’ to the space rock of ‘Sun and Sea and You’ to the mind-blowing, slow burner ‘Eye Pattern Blindness’. Clocking in at over 54 minutes, it feels a touch overlong and could probably have been reined in for the greater good but that’s only a small criticism. A fantastic album in its own right.

TOY – TOY

The debut album from London five-piece TOY takes a bit of listening before you get under its many layers but when you do it’s a real joy. Comparisons with fellow countrymen, The Horrors, are inevitable as they both have a very similar sound. With almost ever-present motorik beats propelling the songs forward, spacey guitars weaving and meshing, the occasional electronic flourish, and singer Tom Dougall’s low-toned vocals, this is an album to get well and truly lost in.

There are some gems in here. ‘Dead & Gone’ is a psychedelic rock treat. ‘Heart Skips A Beat’, an almost pop song, shows the band’s tender side. The menacing instrumental ‘Drifting Deeper’ is an album highlight. The standout track, however, is album closer ‘Kopter’ – an epic, relentless, pulsating beast of a song, ten minutes of unbridled excellence. An assured debut with hopefully a lot more to come from these guys.

Rival Sons – Head Down

This third album from the California rockers sees them continue to wear their Led Zeppelin influence on their sleeves. Pounding drums and powerful riffs abound. Vocalist Jay Buchanan has the Robert Plant wail down. There’s nothing groundbreaking here, it’s just an awful lot of fun. Cracking, opening track Keep on Swinging kicks off proceedings with intent and there’s very little let off after that.

Primarily a blues-rock album, the band also dip in to soulful territory with the delightful Jordan. The sleazy ‘Run From Rock’ is a blues-rock treat with its sliding guitars. The amusing ‘All the Way’ tells the story of a young child learning to play the guitar to pick up girls and live the rock’n’roll dream (‘I couldn’t get the chicks, ‘til I picked up a guitar and learned a couple licks’). A really solid rock album.

BarryGruff’s Irish Songs of 2012 (Mixtape)

2012 has been another impressive year for Irish releases, leaving us with a hell of a lot of great albums, EPs and songs to enjoy. For such a small place it can be surprising, the sheer quantity and quality of stuff in Ireland. On the surface at least, Irish music appears alive, well and more diverse and vibrant than ever.

In an attempt to do the year some justice (some, I said), I decided to cobble together some of my favorites from throughout the year into a mixtape/compilation. Please excuse the odd mistake, my laptop has not been kind to me the past week. Without further ado, here’s my favourite ‘Irish Songs of 2012′.  The tracklisting is after the jump.

Best of 2012: w/ Stephen Connelly of Sea Area Forecast

It’s that time of year when every music website, publication and blog (including this one) are busy compiling end of year lists. This time around, I thought I’d shift the focus to the bands and artist’s who’ve played a ‘BarryGruff Presents’ show this year and ask them for their ‘favourite album of 2012′, ‘favourite song of 2012′ & ‘favourite Irish song of the year’.

Right, that is enough from me, over to Stephen Connelly from Sea Area Forecast (and Knoxville Morning + 1/3 BarryGruff Presents team) and his picks from the year that was 2012.

Favourite Album of 2012: Ty Segall – ‘Twins’

Definitely my highlight of the three albums he released this year. The opening tracks ‘Thank God For The Sinners’ straight into ‘You’re The Doctor’ will blow the head off you. Packed with DIY garage rock madness, the guitars sound like pure dirt which is definitely a good thing.

Favourite Irish Album of 2012: Nathan Conway & The River Valley Band – ‘Sonny Boy’

One of the best records I’ve heard. A perfect combination of country, soul and swinging 50′s guitar riffs all topped off with Conway’s unique vocals and lyrics. Each song, an epic story filled with characters doomed with the burdens of being human. I love every second of this record.

Favourite Irish Song of 2012: The Mighty Stef – ‘If You Can’t Give Me Everything’

A tribute to Greg Cartwright, released as part of the Bad Bad Men split EP with the Cheap Freaks. May not have been written this year but The Mighty Stef does a cracking version of this Reigning Sound favorite. Doing what The Mighty does best, his re-imagined rendition is even bigger with extra heartbreak. A beautiful take on a perfect song.

Introducing: The Alice Kona Band

Loud, lively and exciting are three words that best describe The Alice Kona Band, a 4-piece garage/punk band from Belfast.

These four lads from the banks of the Lagan channel a racey mix of 60′s garage, 50′s pop and gritty rock ‘n roll/punk. The Alice Kona Band already have a number of startlingly good EPs under their belt, which accumulates to a riotous collection of high energy songs. Whether it’s the spikey indie of ‘Bad Dreams’ or brash punk-rock-out of their latest single ‘Film’; their tunes are invariably rockin’, loud, punchy and yet endearingly melodic. 

Pretty compelling stuff and presumably a ferocious proposition live. They play Musicmaster.ie presents at The Hard Rock Cafe, Dublin on the 29th of November but until then you can give the tracks below a spin and you’ll get the idea.