I can be very cynical when it comes to singer-songwriters. I often feel that the Irish music scene is saturated with them. They’re everywhere. This can be proved with a simple stroll up Grafton Street, where you’re destined to pass at least a handful of men and women, blaring out songs about long lost loves, their feelings and whatnot. Because [...]

Hudson Taylor at the Academy 2 on the 21st December, 2012. While it may take some bands half-a-decade or so to truly ‘make it’ past the pub circuit, Hudson Taylor are one of those whose stats just keep going up on the line-chart. Having formed around this time last year, the band take to the stage in the Academy 2 [...]

While the name Bennet Vs Matrix may conjure up the exact opposite, this band is a delightful five piece, soft-rock band with an infusion of Morrisette-style folk. Their second release, ‘Moonshine’, is not something to scream and shout about, however it has got a certain quaint quality that renders it endearing. Opening song Steps is a charming number with a favourable “boy vs girl” feel. The opposing [...]

Damien Dempsey at Vicar Street on the 22nd of December, 2012. A Damien Dempsey gig around Christmas time just has all the right elements to be one of the most tempting shows on the gig calendar for the year. The people’s musical mayor of Dublin brings his nationwide sell out tour to Vicar Street to aid us in our yuletide [...]

 Mumford and Sons at The O2 on 16th December 2012  Ah well, sure isn’t it only those band of nu-folk rapscallions that go by the name of Mumford and Sons. Coming into town, riding the crest of the pop folk wave they now inhabit. A seat in The O2 was the nights hot ticket as throngs flocked through the doors [...]

Bitter, self-consciously beautiful and occasionally haunting; ‘Holden And Jane Holding Hands’ is the third release from Aphrodite Lion. A five song EP that’s more of a mini concept album about love and relationships, it’s a challenging release from a duo who possess obvious strengths but, perhaps wilfully, fail to always use them. Opening track Abelard And Heloise begins with an [...]

Heathers in The Pepper Canister Church on December 11th 2012 2012 has been a pretty successful year for Dublin twins Heathers. It saw the release of their second studio album, the critically acclaimed ‘Kingdom’ and two sold out Irish tours. Tomorrow they play the DCU Christmas Ball but tonight essentially ended their touring for the year and there aren’t many [...]

Richard Hawley at Vicar Street, Dublin, 3rd of December 2012 Vicar Street is filling nicely on a Monday night in anticipation of Richard Hawley. Right now though, John Smith and his band are on stage. Smith’s deep, velvet vocals are earning him a few fans in the room and his song writing isn’t too bad either. Closer In the Winter, [...]

 Ben Folds at Vicar Street on November 26th 2012  The maestro that is Ben Folds came, saw and conquered all before him once again in Vicar Street, as he laid out another quirky offbeat set. He’s revived the Ben Folds Five after nearly thirteen years without a major record. They launched themselves back upon the world with ‘Do It Anyway‘, [...]

One thing that stands out about singer/songwriter Mick Flannery during his live show is his immense ability to endear himself to a crowd. Whether it be his modest disposition or his Irish upbringing, there is no doubt that this is one man that the Irish love. Sitting bashfully by his piano, he says very little before easing into opening track Safety Rope, but is [...]