The Barry Massive – ‘Wicked Safe’

Very little information is to be found about The Barry Massive. About all that is known for sure is, this group of noise makers are from Wales, somewhere, possibly Barry but who knows?

What we can deduce from their debut single ‘Wicked Safe’ however, is they have got quite a knack for sharp, snappy lyrics and hammering out a pulse-raising punk rock racket. Clocking in at a pretty lightweight 1 minute 50 seconds, it’s all over rather quickly. Saying that, it’s relative diminutiveness does nothing to hamper this track’s appeal, ‘Wicked Safe’ is a short, sharp blast of punk rock. Hopefully there’s more to come from The Barry Massive and next time we encounter them, information is somewhat less scant.

You can make your own mind up on ‘Wicked Safe’, and check out The Barry Massive’s homemade video as well. 

 

BarryGruff’s Albums of the Year 2013

It’s that time of year once again when every music blog, website and magazine busy themselves with list making activities, and this blog is no different. Due to other commitments this year, especially the second half, it was rather difficult to keep on top of album reviews for the blog. Saying that, I reckon I’ve listened to as many records as any other year without finding the opportunity to share my thoughts on many of them.

Without further ado, here’s the BarryGruff ‘Albums of the Year’ for 2013.

25. Crystal Stilts – ‘Nature Noir’

24. Appelscal – ‘Dreaming In Key’

23. Trwbador – ‘Trwbador’

22. Mr. Huw – ‘Cariad Affaich’

21. King Krule – ‘6 Feet Beneath the Moon’

20. Channel Swimmer – ‘Alphabet’

19. Valeria June – ‘Pushin’ Against A Stone’

18. Veronica Falls – ‘Waiting for Something to Happen’

17. Arctic Monkeys – ‘AM’

16. Public Service Broadcasting – ‘Inform – Educate – Entertain’

15. Marika Hackman – ‘That Iron Taste’

A collection potent songs of enigmatic beauty, That Iron Taste is a gorgeous and charmed introduction to the delectable talents of Marika Hackman. It is done so with a striking vocal delivery, sounding both wise and beautiful, imbued with a telling level of touching emotion. She channels something beautifully rich and dramatic in telling these rather dark poetic stories. Absolutely no substandard happy-clappy folk pop nonsense on show here, on the contrary, her debut (mini) album is quite frankly a haunting, numinous experience.

[Stream on Spotify]

14. The Pictish Trail – ‘Secret Soundz, Volume 2’

Most likely the greatest album to be recorded solely in a caravan, Secret Soundz, Volume 2, is the second LP from The Pictish Trail, the alter ego of Scottish musician Johnny Lynch. Throughout the LP, he’s in a contemplative, often melancholic mood, concerned with life’s ups and downs. In contrast, musically Secret Sounds is rather chipper, spurred on by a glorious melange of oddball sounds, sparks of frazzled electronics and instrumental breaks. A magnificent record; warm, inviting and full of charming quirks from an exceptional talent.

13. Biggles Flys Again – ‘Remember Saturday’

Ireland produces plenty of great bands but where it falls short, of say our Welsh neighbors, is when it comes to indie bands of the weird and wonderful variety. In Biggles Flys Again, the moniker of Conor Deasy, we’ve got a domestic talent flying that flag. Biggles’ debut album Remember Saturday displays real talent for 3 minute pop gems. It is brimming with enchanting and whimsical good old fashioned pop songs, filled with sinuous melodies and organic arrangement. This is pop in the old fashioned sense, played by a band, and with an assured sense of style.

[Stream on Spotify]

12. Akala – ‘The Thieves Banquet’

Since the release of his debut in 2006, Akala has proven himself as one of the most articulate, intelligent and talented MC’s around, a trend continued on his fourth LP. A potent wave of righteous fury crashes through The Thieves Banquet. The world is beset by many problems, varied and plentiful they may be but Akala manages to take plenty of them head on. He remains passionate, focused and sharp when tackling everything from a sense of powerlessness to change things, to berating imperialism,  slavery, capitalists, 3rd world dictators and the clergy. A very fine record indeed.

[Stream on Spotify]

Best of 2013: Johnny Feeney’s Albums of the Year

The ever knowledgeable Johnny Feeney has frequently featured on the blog throughout this year, popping up time and again to share his musical musings and words of wisdom with us all. So ahead of my own list of albums of the year, Johnny has kindly compiled his top ten albums from 2013.

Before I leave you in Johnny’s very capable hands, I’d like to thank him for this, and all the other posts during the year. He’s a top man. So, without further ado, here are his top ten albums of 2013.

10. Creep – ‘Echoes’

Echoes, the Brooklyn electronic duo Creep’s second album, is a dark, atmospheric record laden with spectral, woozy trip-hop beats and are joined by lots of guest vocalists including Romy-Madeley Croft of the XX and trip-hop royalty in the form of Tricky.

9. Cults – ‘Static’

Static is a tightly packed album of breezy, infectious indie rock with lo-fi production and errs on just the right side of sickly sweet. There are some incredibly catchy songs on here that can lodge in your head for days. Great stuff.

8. Drenge – ‘Drenge’

This debut album from the Loveless brothers, Eoin on guitar/vocals and Rory on drums, is a treat of primal, visceral blues rock. There are some great clattering drums and thundering power riffs throughout. Raw and raucous, this is an excellent rock album.

7. London Grammar – ‘If You Wait’

Ploughing a similar furrow to the XX, Nottingham trio London Grammar specialize in beautifully understated, minimal pop on their debut album. In Hannah Reid, they have a commanding vocal presence that lends a gorgeous intensity throughout. Some real gems on here.

(Recap) Some Highly Recommended Albums: Cian Ciaran, Drenge & Curly Castro

I’ve been struggling to find the opportunity to share some of the albums I have been obsessing over recently so here’s three. A bit like buses my album posts. 

Cian Ciaran – ‘They Are Nothing Without Us’

For many familiar with Cian Ciaran‘s debut last year, Outside In, They Are Nothing Without Us may come as a bit of a surprise. The former was indebted to grandiose orchestral pop of the ’60s / ’70s, in contrast, the Super Furries man’s latest is spiky, angry but with shades of sweetness and sparkling ability for a pop song sewn throughout. This combination, with a dash of idiosyncratic Super Furry sparkle, makes the whole thing even more palatable. Where musically it opens with a rattling and rumbling fury before melting into psychedelic space territory as it progresses, lyrically, Ciaran is filled with anger throughout. He said this was his protest record and he has duly delivered that, while also producing one of his finest records to date (up there with SFA at their very best).

Drenge – ‘Drenge’

Drenge steadily impressed since the turn of the year with track after track of exhilarating punk-rock fury, and the debut album from sibling duo of brothers Eoin (guitar, vocals) and Rory (drums) Loveless, doesn’t disappoint. The record is a frenetic blitz of untamed rock ‘n roll, swathed in splashy cymbals and heavily distorted grungy guitar riffs. There’s a quite menacing threat to it all, hindered in no part by the opening salvo of four, under three minute bursts of coiled up aggression and fury. Although, it becomes more expansive the further through it progresses, climaxing with the eight minute ‘Let’s Pretend’, the album’s slowest and heaviest moment, and the softer, more melancholy of ‘Fuckabout’, which channels Hawley, Cocker & Turner. As spectacular debut record, as impressive as any band could hope for. 

Curly Castro – ‘Fidel’

There is scarcely enough space to pay full tribute to Curly Castro‘s latest album, Fidel, one of the finest hip hop records of the past few years. Raised in Brooklyn but residing in Philadelphia, Curly Castro’s music and lyrics explores a whole array of topics and themes; ranging from Black Nationalism, civil rights, racial issues, drugs, crime and autobiographical tales from his younger days, chronicling his journey to adulthood. Castro has plenty to say, but its not just what he’s saying, its the way he says it. Speaking with authority, an authority that makes you pay attention, his vision is delivered clearly and concisely, without ever sounding preachy or pretentious. His gruff vocal and impassioned delivery ensures added lyrical depth and musically, it doesn’t miss a beat and the production is top notch. You can download ‘Fidel’ from Djbooth.net for free.

(Video) Throwing Up – ‘Medicine’

We’ve dropped in on London punk/grunge band, Throwing Up a few times over the past 18 months or so. On each occasion their scuzzy blasts of distortion have impressed and left a feeling of wanting more.

So, here’s the good news. Throwing Up are going to release their debut album Over You, through Tim Burgess’ O Genesis label on July 8th. Recorded and self produced in London last year, it was mixed by Burgess and Jim Spencer and features eleven tracks including ‘Medicine’. The loud, brash and scuzzy ‘Medicine’ has been around for a while but not in it’s newly more polished form. The production may be sharper but it does little to take away from the snarling nature of the song, thankfully. 

Looking forward to finally getting to hear an album from these noise makers, hopefully it lives up to the early promise. 

Drenge – ‘Necromance Is Dead’

Sheffield based duo Drenge have supplied us with another boneshaker of a tune today, in the shape of the ‘delightfully’ titled ‘Necromance Is Dead’. 

It is the first slice of new music from the Loveless brothers since their superb debut single, ‘Bloodsports’. Constructed along the same punk-blues-rock formula that made their debut single so good, ‘Necromance Is Dead’ is a visceral, snarling, thrilling and menacing squall of noise. In other Drenge related news, the duo have been announced as support for Miles Kane on his upcoming UK tour but you can catch them closer to home when they play Longitude Festival, Dublin on July 21st.

‘Necromance Is Dead’ is available as a free download below.

BarryGruff Presents #14: No Monster Club, The Dead Beat + Be Curious, Kid :: Saturday, April 20th :: Flanagan’s Bar, Newbridge

‘BarryGruff Presents’ returns to Flanagan’s Bar for its 14th Newbridge installment on Saturday, April 20th. 

Over the course of the past 18 months there’s been some really special nights in Flanagan’s. Saturday night’s show promises to be another top night of live music with No Monster Club & The Dead Beat + Be Curious, Kid.

Dublin’s No Monster Club is without doubt, one of the finest and exciting live acts in Ireland right now. Their rough around the edges blend of surf rock/bubblegum pop/lo-fi indie has been compared to The Strokes, The Velvet Underground, The Unicorns and The Libertines and seen them share the stage with the likes of Ariel Pink, Squarehead, Wavves, Girls Names, Abe Vigoda and HEALTH. No Monster Club went down a storm the last time they were in Newbridge with We Are Losers, and this visit promises to be just as brilliant.

Fellow Dubs The Dead Beat are a four piece indie band, whose sound is firmly rooted in that classic indie sound. Far from being straightforward landfill indie, of which there is already too much; this is melodic indie/alternative rock done with a swagger and poise. The band is currently putting the finishing touches to their new EP, Your 19th Revolution, and take some time out for a first show in Newbridge. Joining them on the bill will be Kildare’s own Be Curious, Kid who has been steadily building a rep for themselves locally with their own indie-rock stylings.

It’s FREE in as usual & the show starts at 9pm. Another night of great music in prospect. [RSVP here]

BarryGruff Presents #14: No Monster Club + The Dead Beat + Be Curious, Kid :: Saturday, April 20th – 9pm – Flanagan’s Bar, Newbridge

(Video) No Monster Club – ‘A Better Fit’ + ‘The Community Games’ Compilation

‘A Better Fit’ is one of the three No Monster Club tracks on Popical Island’s The Community Games compilation, which features four EPs from four bands; No Monster Club obviously, Ginnels, Grand Pocket Orchestra & Cave Ghosts.  

There is something delightful about No Monster Club, their rough around the edges blend of surf rock/bubblegum pop/lo-fi indie is just so bloody lovable. Live or on record, NMC never disappoint, there is just a infectious sense of fun to everything they turn their hands too. ‘A Better Fit’ and it’s monkey-suited new video companion (by Narayan Van Maele & David Lester Mooney) is a case in point. The compilation as it goes, is rather excellent, with the Ginnels and NMC inclusions being the pick of the bunch. You can stream The Community Games in full here.

In case you didn’t know, No Monster Club will play ‘BarryGruff Presents’ #14 down here in Newbridge next Saturday, April 20th, but before all that, get to Whelan’s on Saturday for the gig featuring live sets from all four bands. 

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.

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.

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.

[Image: © Michael Gallacher]

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.