The community that is the Irish music scene at the moment is most likely as close-knit as it’s ever been. This was abundantly clear at Knockanstockan over the past few years where you could see members of Gypsy Rebel Rabble providing backing vocals for Conor Linnie, members of Wyvern Lingo providing the same for Cocaine Ponytail whilst The Eskies’ Ian Bermingham had a brief stint in the aforementioned Gypsy Rebel Rabble. Further afield Lar Kaye and Conor Adams of Adebisi Shank and The Cast Of Cheers respectively have joined force to form Tvvins who are hurtling towards stardom.

The #1s are no different. All four members have been or are still part of other bands over the past years. Seán Goucher featured in Cheap Freaks, Cian Nugent of course is the frontman of Cian Nugent & The Cosmos, Eddie Kendrick played guitar for The Pacifics and Conor Lumsden fronted IX. The wealth of experience behind them shines through in their debut self-titled album. It’s a short, snappy, power pop offering that’s over before you have time to take a breath. Another breath taken and you’ll be hitting play once more.

Opener I Wish I Was Lonely is immediately reminiscent of the theme of Nickelodeon’s Renford Rejects, better known of course as Manic Street Preacher’s Australia. Worry not, the Manics similarities disappear within 10 seconds as Lumsden’s drums kick in and pierce the moment of nostalgia in an instant. Heartsmash is the perfect lead single. The listener is instantly taken back in time to late ‘70s/early ‘80s punk as Goucher’s vocals lead us through a whirlwind of emotion as he croons and yelps.

The frenetic pace is slowed down somewhat by Girl before we’re treated to the bouncy Sharon Shouldn’t which previously featured on the #1s debut, self-titled 7″ EP. It’s a song that was written to be played live to a crowd bulging with raised fists and tilted heads screaming along with the chorus. He’s Too Good For Everyone Else But He’s Not Good Enough For You; another track which featured on previous releases is the pick of the bunch. It’s fast-paced, fun and oh so fucking cynical. The perfect recipe for a punk song no?

The #1s have been around for quite some time and it shows in what is one of the most exciting debuts in recent years. Watch this space.