Don’t forget we’re running a competition to win tickets to Forbidden Fruit. Really struggling for tickets. The good folk over at the Bulmers Facebook page are also giving away tickets.
ASIWYFA
They’re loud, they’re very noisy and they jump around a lot. That’s the general description of Northern Irelands finest instrumental rock quartet. And So I Watch You From Afar have been getting a lot of practice in for their performance at Forbidden Fruit this year, after leaving their mark on Europe and Asia in 2014 already. With the All Hail Bright Futures album turning one year old this month and the band tearing the roof off Whelan’s at the album launch, one would be crazy to miss the opportunity to see these guys tear it up on a big stage. Even if their sound is too noisy for you, their stage antics alone won’t fail to entertain you. Rory may even pop into the crowd to say hello, he’s not shy, so there’s no reason for you to be either. Check them out. – Shaun Neary
Public Enemy
Public Enemy made hip-hop political. In Chuck D the group had a conscience and in Flava Flav it had an energetic hype-man who was always happy to underscore whatever Chuck had to say. It’s rare to get a rap act from the ’80s whose message is still relevant, and tracks like Fight the Power, Don’t Believe the Hype and Bring the Noise the retain the punk ethos of their original conception, across all these years.
Any opportunity to catch these legends in action is one to take. – Stephen Murphy
Wild Beasts
Looking for your hit of sexy, good-time music over the weekend? Well look no further: it doesn’t get much sexier than Wild Beasts. Between their big, rolling rhythms, electronic and synth-y effects, and velvety vocals of Hayden Thorpe, you couldn’t ask for too much more of a Sunday evening in Kilmainham.
Whether you’ve checked out their newest album ‘Present Tense’ or not, these guys are well worth a listen in a live setting – Alice Goodwin
Little Dragon
If you’re feeling a little sluggish by day two of the festivies, Gothenberg’s finest Little Dragon will get you back in the game. Their unique and infectious blend of electro/indie/pop/rnb combined with their energetic live show (one of the highlights of Body & Soul 2012) will be the perfect Sunday curer.
If you’re new to the Little Dragon party, dip your toes in by listening to Paris, from their latest album Nabuma Rubberband. – Claire Beck
Lisa O’Neill
Lisa O’Neill is the point at which the traditions of American and Irish folk music converge. Her distinctive voice is reminiscent of the great singers of the pre-’60s folk era such as Woody Guthrie and Odetta, but her Cavan accent defines her persona, making her very much a product of the modern Irish music scene. Her songs vary from the ridiculous to the sublime, and her live performances always give a glimpse of just how brilliant she can be.
A truly unique performer, in every sense. – Stephen Murphy
New Secret Weapon
New Secret Weapon are our new not so secret band to keep an eye on. We got the pleasure of launching their album here on the site and our love for them has only grown since then. They traverse genre’s while managing to keep you hooked and engaged and thoroughly are one of the gem finds of 2014 so far.
Forbidden Fruit is a great place to discover new bands and these are Irish and on the rise. Go check them out. – Aidan Cuffe
Thundercat
A virtuosic bassist with a wry sense of humour and a unique ear for textures that string links between electronica, jazz and rock, Thundercat has been making leaps and bounds as of late, with a critically-lauded sophomore record, an ever-fruitful collaborative partnership with Flying Lotus, covering bass duties for Suicidal Tendencies, and a penchant for increasingly vivid outfits.
His presence alongside Flying Lotus on Forbidden Fruit’s bill will have many looking forward to a collaborative set from the pair. Whether dancefloor funk, jazz fusion, or electronic freak-outs, Thundercat is an undeniable musical force that must be seen to be believed. Make sure to catch what’s sure to be a mind-boggling set. – Martin O’Regan
Flying Lotus
Steven Ellison – aka Flying Lotus – has been steadily becoming the alt-granddaddy of the US electronic hip-hop scene. Be it collaborating with Erykah Badu and Thom Yorke, helping to expand Brainfeeder’s catalogue with his signature production style, or manning his own radio station on Grand Theft Auto 5, Flying Lotus is only becoming more popular and Forbidden Fruit is the perfect venue for him to unleash his stunning 3D live show on the Irish masses.
His first Irish appearance since 2011’s Electric Picnic, Ellison has built up a hefty back catalogue, from the galactic-symphony of Cosmogramma, to the fluid textures of Until The Quiet Comes (as well as Duality, released under his rap alter-ego, Captain Murphy). Fly-Lo’s sound palette is almost indescribable, from nonsensical noise to beats that lock together and come apart as they bounce along.
This is an absolute must-see act for those who enjoy loud, clattering, massive grooves. Don’t miss it. – Martin O’Regan
The Flaming Lips
Don’t be alarmed if you see dancing mushrooms, singing trees or really happy looking rainbows sauntering about Kilmainham next week. The Bulmers is fine- falling down the rabbit hole is all in a standard day’s work for Saturday’s very worthy Headliners. True veterans, these Oklahomans have been in the psychedelic rock game for over 30 years now but with every year they become a little more psychedelic and indeed, a little more rock ‘n’ roll. Expect to hear favourites like Do You Realise? and She Don’t Use Jelly interspersed with their newer projects such as their recent remake of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’.
There’ll be glitter. There’ll be flamboyance. There might even be gigantic inflatable rubber duckies floating above your head, but we’re absolutely certain that Wayne Coyne and Co’s spectacle is sure to bring smiles all round. – Maria Buckley
Gavin James
There’s very little plaudits left for us to use about Gavin James. He’s a one man powerhouse, with a voice that would make you wilt. His songs are colourful with a summer lilt and every time we’ve caught him live, it has been nothing but a pleasure.
Well worth a visit over the weekend. He’ll leave you absolutely charmed.
Now you know you want to go. Make sure to enter our competition to win tickets to Forbidden Fruit 2014.
Really struggling for tickets. The good folk over at the Bulmers Facebook page are also giving away tickets.