The Minutes at The Workmans Club on May 21st 2011
Review by Saranne Murray
Photos: Kieran Frost
One of Ireland’s most hotly tipped bands The Minutes took to the stage at The Workmans Club Saturday night for the launch of their highly anticipated debut album Marcata. Mark, Tom and Shane have really been putting the effort in these last few years and it’s great to see it finally paying off. The album has long been anticipated and when it was finally announced that an album was on the cards The Minutes fans everywhere rejoiced. As I arrived for the gig I was informed it was sold out, not surprising as their popularity has sky rocketed in recent months. As I glanced around there were more hipsters present than Fern Cottons phone book. The venue was the perfect choice to showcase their masterpiece, big enough to allow a large following in but small enough that even at the very back of the venue it felt intimate.
As the opening notes of Black keys drifted from the stage it was suddenly mayhem as eager fans rushed to get a glimpse of the Dublin trio. They commanded the stage and all eyes were on them, it was easy to tell how thrilled they were to finally be releasing their masterpiece to the masses. They ploughed through the album, fans thrilled with the energy of their set, Secret history in particular was popular with the crowd, already hyped up from Fleetwood, the joy on their faces was easy to see. Marks banter with the audience throughout the gig provided a welcome break so people could catch their breath, and hear what the front man had to say about their proudest achievement to date.
The sound was a bit patchy at times with the band struggling to be heard over the roar of the crowd and the feedback from the microphones. But this was all easily forgotten as they pumped out hit after hit. It would have been nice to hear a few of the older classics, Ukraine would have been a nice addition to the set, popular with the fans and arguably the song that launched The minutes. But the night was all about Marcata, and we were not to forget it. Ultimately the launch couldn’t have went better for the trio, and with their history of going from strength to strength it’s fair to say that they are definitely a band to keep your eye on. Marcata is one hell of a first album, let’s hope they keep it up.