Band Of The Week: The Upgrades
Probably the best known unknown band in Dublin, The Upgrades have been playing gigs for what seems like an age. It’ll come as a surprise to some, therefore, that their first album will be released this May. The 5-piece ska-punk band recorded ‘Take a Risk’ with Neal Calderwood in Manor Park Studios. Couple that with the fact it’s taken so long to complete and you can easily see why so many people are eagerly anticipating the May 4th release.
Despite not having a debut album, The Upgrades have already played Electric Picnic as well as Ska Festival MIGHTY SOUNDS 2008 in Prague. Their track ‘Nothing’ (which you can hear on their MySpace) was also selected to represent Ireland on the “United Colours Of Ska Volume 4″ compilation, featuring 40 of the best ska bands from around the world.
For people who have memories of these being a ‘Blast Band’ I urge you to go see them again. Their live performances can only be described as energetic (at one gig even climaxing into a ‘Wiggle Pit’, involving about 20 people lying down on the ground wiggling like they were at some sort of epileptic disco.)
In the meantime, check out their MySpace for 3 great tracks. I’m sure you’ll be hearing plenty about them in the months to come.
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