Review: FMC Tour June 11th 2011 feat. Adebisi Shank, Heathers, O Emperor and The Crayon Set – Live at Whelans
Reviewer: Stephen Coyle.
After a fantastic FMC November tour, I was anxious to see if First Music Contacts latest offering would live up to my high expectations. The bands on the tour include two of the most well known Irish acts at the moment Adebisi Shank and Heathers along with up and coming alternative/folk stars O Emperor.
Due to travelling constraints I missed the support act for the night, “The Crayon Set” although I did hear they played a decent set.
Second up was O Emperor. The five piece drew a surprisingly small crowd, although this may have been due to the early time of their set. The crowd seemed quite reserved, but this didn’t throw off the band. O Emperor really showed cohesion as they played through their set. Arpeggiated and sliding guitar chords laced with reverb, glistening keys, solid bass lines, soft but meaningful vocals and drums serving as the backbone to it all. O Emperor certainly put on a show, although they lacked one crucial element…energy. It all came off a bit flat, and the crowd reacted accordingly. Things did pick up towards the end, especially for the well known single “Don Quixote”. With its infectious drum beat and memorable vocal performance, it certainly was the “crowd pleaser” in the bands set.
Heathers were up next and Whelans was now starting to fill up. The floor was almost full for the two sisters and their band. I was hoping they would lift the subdued atmosphere, and they certainly did. They opened with by far their most well known song “Remember When”. I found it a little strange that they played their most famous song first, but then I realised the girls were sending a message out to the audience, that they were not just a “one hit wonder”. Their second song proved this, implementing cello and drums excellently. The cello in particular really complimented the song and the drums were used just the right amount. However I found the electric guitar a bit out of place and in my opinion added nothing. Overall the girls really impressed me, I was not expecting the performance I was given. Their distinctive vocals and virtuosic harmonising really captured your attention. Their fun presence on stage emanated to the audience who were singing along in no time. The softer moments of their set were ruined by the noise coming from the bar which was a pity.
The final act of the night was the band I was most excited to see, the Irish music scenes heavy weights Adebisi Shank. The band did not waste any time, (as they mentioned later on they were under strict time constraints) they came out on stage, the bassist wearing the iconic red mask brandishing a bottle of tesco’s finest wine, offering it to the crowd. Was certainly an entertaining way to get the ball rolling! Starting with the first off their latest album (aptly titled “This is the Second Album of a band called Adebisi Shank”) International Dreambeat, the kick drum triggered “synth driven dancing robotic fun sounds” were a welcomed beginning to set. Seconds later the song kicked into fifth gear and the three piece unleashed a sound so loud, so distinctive and so electric that the crowd had no option but to dance, jump, clap and in some cases mosh. The band bombarded the oh so willing crowd with songs laced with energy and excitement. The only word I can use to describe the atmosphere at the time is – fun. With an excellent mix between old and new, Adebisi played flawlessly. The bassist (Vinny) came out into the crowd on two occasions which fuelled everyone even more. I really cannot fault Adebisi’s performance or energy, everything was spot on and as an added bonus I wasn’t deaf upon leaving.
All in all the three bands on the night brought their own flavour and individuality to the gig making it a highly enjoyable experience. FMC have set the bar high; let’s hope they continue to showcase the best of Ireland’s ever growing music scene all across the country.