A Casanova is defined as “a man with a reputation for having many amorous adventures; rake; Don Juan.” Our Casanova hails from Tramore in Waterford, but his shimmering amorous adventures are documented for all to enjoy on his debut album, Joy of Being. Brian McCartan is our man, releasing his creative urges under the guise of The Casanova Wave. Joy of [...]

Of all the occasions that one could wear a suit for, a funeral is probably the least celebratory. Building up connotations of death with your band name is usually a trait reserved for murderous gothic metal. Funeral Suits are no such thing. They’re not quite wedding material, but nothing to cough-up blood to. In fact, Lily of the Valley is [...]

Review: Nicola Byrne I was on a coach last Friday at 4am, listening to a ‘night bus’ playlist on which SBTRKT featured heavily. Fans of such playlists will know the specific mood they’re going for; melancholic, ambient and minimalist beats. SBTRKT deliver on all accounts, so to experience their live show as the complete opposite of the mood on that [...]

Liz Lawrence has some Irish blood, but probably not enough for us to claim her. ‘Bedroom Hero’ is a jaunty record with obvious comparisons thrown to a certain Ms. Marling. However, this only results in the failure to realise what’s special about Lawrence, and instead focus on what’s better about Marling. There are no real standout moments on ‘Bedroom Hero’, it [...]

Moments of singer-songwriter Conor Ebbs’ début album, Drifters, are a bit like the wind. Inoffensive, static, and nice to listen to as long as you’re drifting off to sleep. However, a vigorous breeze is not something you’d be diving to put on your stereo in other circumstances. ‘Alliance’ is a soft opener, but instantly waves frantically in our direction to [...]

The 1922s began life as the Evil Harrisons, releasing their funky EP “In If It Is” in 2007. After a few years of ups-and-downs, originals, Ronan Murphy, Paul Carolan and Nicolas Puyane later reformed with Paul Campbell and Paul Mallon to create a re-branded, 1922s. The Very Lotust is somehow different to their old material, but still very much the [...]

Review of Primal Scream at The O2, Dublin on December 29th 2011 Review: Nicola Byrne Photos: Alan Moore I’m not sure which was worse. The fact that I was probably the youngest person present in the o2, or that I was practically the only person present in the O2. Screaming psychedelic scenes are on the menu tonight, with Primal Scream [...]

General Fiasco are a four-piece from Bellaghy, Co. Derry. They formed in 2006 as a trio, but failed to release an album until 2010. ‘Buildings’ was released that March, followed by prominent dates at Reading and Leeds, T in the Park and a support slot for Snow Patrol. While ‘Buildings’ introduced us to a grittier, indie-rock band, ‘Waves’ sounds as [...]

Review of Sinead O’Connor at The Olympia Theatre on December 18th 2011 Review: Nicola Byrne Photos: Natalie Byrne It’s been a good year for Sinead O’Connor, depending on how you look at it. She may have been resigned to flirting with Ryan Tubridy at one stage, but now she seems happier than ever. Why? A Vegas wedding earlier this month, [...]

Beyond Olden Acre are a four piece from the west of Ireland, now living in the east. Judging by the title and atmosphere of their new EP, The Western Seaboard, the band are experiencing a case of premature nostalgia. Danny Sheeran, Colin Walsh, Brian Nally and Caitríona Ross sound more mature in years than they actually are, delivering a short [...]