Review of The Redneck Manifesto, and Somadrone at Whelan’s on November 3rd
Review: Paul Gilgunn
Photos: Alan Moore
The Redneck Manifesto, and special guests Somadrone, gave an electrifying show in Whelan’s in preparation for their joint upcoming Japanese tour, this gig being organised to raise funds for miso soup and second-hand underwear, according to the bands.
Somadrone’s short set was mightily impressive. The group managed to fit a kaleidoscopic range of styles, textures, and moods into their brief appearance, their refusal to be tied down to any one style resulting in compositions that ranged from electronic mini-symphonies, to laconic dream-pop songs, to minimalistic dance-inflected tunes. Neil O’Connor and Glen Keating were also joined on stage for the evening by David Kit, who provided additional instrumentation and vocals to the already meticulously layered soundscapes. The last song in the all-too-brief set was striking, repetitive melodic patterns built to a sustained climax using effects-processed vocals and long-held notes that melded together to create a massive wall of sound that momentarily hushed the audience.
When The Redneck Manifesto took to the stage, the band did not disappoint the assembled throng, immediately locking into the groove of ‘Weird Waters’. With the quintet playing on top form, they produced a set spanning all four of their studio albums, laying down their distinctive sound: the energetic rhythms of the hardcore scene augmented by absorbed influences from a multitude of genres. Suitably, when it arrived, ‘Break Your Fingers Laughing’ was a blast, a reminder that the band can still bring the noise alongside their subtler musical moments. The set also featured a storming version of ‘Little Nose’, replete with funky bass line and intertwining guitar figures, maintaining the buoyant atmosphere inside the venue; Mattie Bolger’s guitar lines also providing the audience with an opportunity to sing along, at times. And, indeed, the good times rolled, and continued afterwards until late o’clock, with many of the band and crowd attending the Magic Pockets/Last Days of 1984/Ital gig, upstairs in Whelan’s.
TRM remain one of Ireland’s top acts: their studio recordings, live appearances, and the members’ various side-projects — Somadrone, Jape, and Vision Air — have enhanced Irish music immeasurably; hopefully, they will return to these shores, unscathed from their Asian expedition, to make more memorable music.