The Midnight Hour #4, Upstairs at Whelan’s on February 27th 2014
The Midnight Hour is an event hosted by Pickled Onion Records, an independent label based in Dublin, to showcase up and coming artists in the cosy and intimate surroundings of the upstairs venue at Whelans. While the crowd that gathered were mostly friends of the band, all in attendance were in for a treat from all three of the bands on the schedule.
First on the bill was Dublin three-piece, Fears. They are an atmospheric band that are as humble as musicians come, and fill the space between songs with silly jokes and at one point exclaiming “We are Fears, and we are awesome!” Creating beautiful sounding music through a cacophony of drums, gliding guitars and delicate vocals, Fears are a captivating live performance from start to finish. Vocal duties are shared between the drummer, Connie, and guitarist, Aisling. The girl’s vocals contrast gloriously, especially during their second track, Tampered.
The only downside during their set was people talking throughout it, taking away from the ambient vibe that the band worked so hard to create. That said, Fears are a band that are oozing with potential and will surely continue to develop and captivate many audiences to come.
Skyward Rifles are a band who’s sound is straight from the 80’s new wave movement, and similarities to The Cure, Depeche Mode and The Stone Roses are heard from the offset.
The first notable thing about the band is their ability to fill the room with shimmering guitars and a pounding rhythm section, despite only being a three-piece. In their third track, Nightlife, the delay soaked lead vocals are coupled with backing vocals that really add an extra layer to track, making it a high point of their set.
Showcasing an eight song set, featuring a stunning cover of The Stone Roses – I Wanna Be Adored, as well as a range of sublime originals, it’s hard to see what’s going to stand in the way of Skyward Rifles this year.
Hailing from Greystones, Redwoods closed the night out on a high note. They are the kind of band you expect to stumble across at a festival, and you’ll kick yourself for not knowing of them prior to that day.
Redwoods make music beyond their years, supplying a selection of watertight originals and nearly taking the roof off the venue on more than one occasion with explosive choruses. Each song is uplifting and infectious, and provides something new to like about the band. Their fourth track of the night, Don’t Take Me Down, is an upbeat and contagious track that erupts into a radiant chorus. From the way they finish each other’s sentences between songs to the polished harmonies, Redwoods are already a band worthy of a bigger things that they’ll surely achieve in the future.