Review: The Minutes at Harrison’s, Dundalk

Over the last year, The Minutes have been blazing an almost ceaseless trail across the UK and Ireland and last Friday night it took them to Harrisons of Dundalk.  The night was a birthday celebration for New Day Rising, a promotions company based in Dundalk that has been putting on shows in the city for the past number of years. Synonymous for giving new local bands their first shows, and often in support of some of Ireland’s best up and coming bands, the organisation was giving back on the night and The Minutes are their gift to the patrons of the night.

In keeping with New Day Rising’s ethos, two fresh-faced bands opened proceedings in Harrisons, 2minutes 2midnight, Tin Pot Rising and The Holy Ghost Explosion. They’re all certainly still finding their feet and the quality of the music waxed and waned, but their performances on the night were commendable and they gave the crowd a taste of what New Day Rising have to offer.

Taking to the stage a little late and plying the crowd with their heady mix of grit, rock and swagger, The Minutes were well worth the wait.

They’re showing the signs of their rigorous touring schedule as the band were tight as a nut as they rocked the low ceiling venue. The band’s set was comprised almost fully of songs from their debut album Marcata and each track kicked as must as the last. Particular standouts were their first single ‘Black Keys’ and the Dylan cover, ‘I.M.T.O.D. (In My Time Of Dyin’).

Great on record and even better live, The Minutes are just one of the stand out bands in Ireland at the moment. The way they hold themselves, the way they play, and the quality of their songs are all a product of a group of supremely talented musicians. They can only go up from here.