Well theres only 3 days to go to Castlepalooza and we thought we would give you a run down on what we think is worth seeing down in beautiful Tullamore, County Offaly.
As you all know, CastlePalooza is held in Charleville Castle on the Bank Holiday August Weekend, This year its the 1st and 2nd of August.
There’s a lot more at the festival than just music, but being a music site we’ll focus on just that for the moment until we get more information regarding what will be there.
First things first, the lineup and stage breakdown can be viewed here
STAGE BREAKDOWN AND LINEUP
The Festival is broken down into 2 stages over 2 days, so at any one time you can only be clashing with one other band, which is a nice thing compared to the huge festivals like Oxegen where you have to choose between 5 acts for who gets your time often only giving 20 minutes or so to each set as you race between stages, none of that malarky here, you can relax and enjoy the music.
Like any group of music lovers, Goldenplec has a few favourites that always stick out from a crowd, and here follows some of whom will be our highlights at the festival this weekend, we obviously cant cover everyone but we’ll give our opinions on a few that we should be at ourselves…
Le Galaxie
Le Galaxie was formed from the ashes of the 66e or 66 Electric, a band whom we had the pleasure of having play at our Charity gigs in 04. We loved their sound then and Le Galaxie is like the next step or progression of what they were doing. The robot like rock of Guitars and Synths makes for a musical adventure, they’ll most definitely have you stamping your feet and bopping around like an idiot, make sure you check them out.
R.S.A.G.
This showpiece is one Jeremy Hickey who is just unbelievably talented to the point that he records, performs and produces all his own stuff. In a live show (which i only managed to catch at the trinity ball where the crowd wasnt his most favourable) he plays drums and sings along with backing tracks created in studio. To me R.S.A.G. is the irish version of Little Boots (in the multi instrumental extremely talented kind of 1 person showpiece link) and i feel it could only be a matter of time before R.S.A.G. makes a big breakthrough.
Dark Room Notes
This Dublin 4 piece play both Castlepalooza (sat) and Indiependence (sun) this weekend, such is their popularity at the moment, these guys are an intrigueing electro rock act, The album has reviewed numerous glowing reviews and if we had ever been bothered reviewing albums and singles we’d have said just as much.
The Red Labels
I hadnt seen these guys play before last week when i caught them at “Rock the House” a charity gig in aid of the Niall Melon Fund. In a way they were unfortunate with the crowd as the GLAM Rock Cops played before them and got everyone up dancing and having a laugh so much so that the heat in dorans had everyone gasping for air right after, so it wasnt till towards the middle-end of their set that they got the numbers back which this band so very much deserve. A fun dance along band with fast and catchy riffs which will have you nodding your head and tapping your feet.
GLAM Rock Cops
Technically they are a cover band, but as cover bands go, they are one who put in a bit of effort, They will get you up and dancing to some classic 70’s tracks (i apologise, i had them down as 80’s and have since been corrected) and you will definitely enjoy their attire, if your looking for a bit of fun with some songs you can sing along to, the GLAM Rock Cops should most definitely provide this in abundance, The outfits are outrageous, the songs are instant classics you will know word for word and not even realise. Give these guys 10 minutes of your time and i reckon you’ll stay for the entire set.
Channel One
This 5 Piece from Dublin are 2 EP’s Deep and self producing a debut album which really should be out by now if previous press is to be believed, alas its not but when it is it should be worth a listen. This band have been most of the way around the world gigging on 2 EP’s, i find that to be one of the most impressive facts about the band having played in Berlin, Brighton, Grenoble, The Viper Room L.A. and our own boutique festival EP. Ive not seen these guys live which is why i’ll definitely be there this time as im told they are worth a peek live.
Killer Chloe
Along with The Red Labels they were selected by hotpress to play castlepalooza by vote on the hotpress site. Another band ive not seen live but intended to, Killer Chloe just do their talking on stage with engaging performances live, if reviews are to be believed then i will just have to be there.
The Spikes
The Spikes are an Energetic Irish Rock band whom have garnered both success and support over recent times as they push towards the release of their second album later this year. They are releasing a new EP “We Are” and are fast becoming renowned for their live shows. 4 Singles have recieved some chart success and this EP is their push towards a sound that suits their style of show better. They are influenced by The Doors, Led Zepplin and The Rolling Stones, so if your game for rocking out, These guys might be your best bet at Castlepalooza.
Listen @ Myspace
David Kitt
His album “Nightsaver” was born out of adversity, he was shifted from his record company is a culling and has had to DIY this album which might just be career saving, all the reviews are glowing and he certainly needs it as he is pimping the album a lot. With David Kitt you know what to expect and with any luck his live show will complement the CD and will be an engaging experience.
Super Extra Bonus Party
Riding off the back of success with their first album “Super Extra Bonus Party LP” these guys have gotten acclaim from all quarters with a Choice Music Prize along the way, The New Album was released 2 months ago called “Night Horses” which features contributions from Cadence Weapon, Mr. Lif, Heathers, May Kay of Fight Like Apes, R.S.A.G, Captain Moonlight, Ann Scott and White Noise. An impressive use of Irish Talent if ever there was one. The Live shows are said to be infectious, eclectic and downright fun. I’ll be heading along, you should too.
Robotnik
Acoustic Guitar and gentle background synths makeup most of this guys sound, and its proper good easy listening too, Robotniks sound is gentle on the ear but is so melodic and catchy that you cant help but listening. Im probably bandying the same words out over and over about all these bands but its hard to describe good bands without re-using certain adjectives, definitely worth a few minutes of your time at least
Listen @ Myspace
We hope this little preview helps you decide who to go see down at castlepalooza, for those who want more than music you will have options of…….
Rainforest Day Spa
located inside the castle provides massage; reflexology; facials and manicures & pedicures by an open fire.
Workshops
Disco, Burlesque, Bollywood & Circus trick workshops all available in the ballroom both days!
Rocky Horror Picture Show
BoBo Productions will play host to the Rocky Horror Picture
Show Sizzling Summer Spectacle
Ceili
The talented musicians in Rahan Comhaltas play accordians, fiddles, flutes, tin whistles, guitars, banjos, bodhrans, mandolins and keyboards. On Sunday afternoon they will play on the main stage, encouraging all to get involved in an outdoor hooley!
Re-Dress
Re-dress will be hosting visual exhibitions, upcycling demonstrations and a participatory art
project ‘TACTILE TEXTILE’ – There’ll be tea and cakes too!
www.re-dress.ie
Art Exhibition
Every year we put on different art exhibitions within Charleville Castle. Situated in the Main Hall, everyone can access and browse the exhibition for free or relax beside the open fire with friends. Open daily from 12 noon to 8pm.
The Poetry Divas
This year at Castle Palooza, The Poetry Divas feature Kate Dempsey, Niamh Bagnell and Tríona Walsh in a deliciously infectious show that’s bound to touch a nerve and blur the wobbly boundaries between page and stage.
So to finish off, if you havnt got a ticket, from what we believe they are still on sale so try you local ticket agent or ticketmaster, Tickets are 89.50 and include 2 day camping and all the above mentioned musical audio delights so why not heard down to charleville castle for a fun filled bank holiday weekend, if not for anything else but to do something a bit different.
Aidan Cuffe