For the up-and-comers amongst Ireland’s new wave of bands the question always seems to linger on when is the right time to put out your first EP? It can’t be to early or nobody will know who you are, to late and you’ve wasted time. And releasing a never-ending line of singles will only get you so far. The Dublin five piece The Stoney Brokes thought two years was just right and they made a break for the big time by releasing their debut EP, simply called ‘The Stoney Brokes’.
A busy summer of practicing and gigging as well as a lucrative slot at the Knockanstockan festival was all leading up the EP launch. The run up to the event launch even included radio adverts – not what you get from a band that isn’t planing to make it big.
Arriving at the venue for the night, The Grand Social, I was surprised to see who was lined up to play support; Me And The General and an acoustic set from The Hot Sprockets. You wouldn’t usually see a band of the Sprockets caliber supporting a band on the launch night of their first EP, but by getting The Hot Sprockets you could tell The Stoney Brokes weren’t messing around. They’re clearly looking to use this EP as a launch pad for a career in music.
By the time the Stoney’s got up on stage the venue was packed out. Late comers would have to settle for a spot at the back because their was no pushing through the shoulder-to-shoulder crowed. Old and new songs alike featured in their lengthy set which included fan favourite ‘Counting The Days’, a number they played on Balcony TV.
The atmosphere was buzzing as the jam packed venue had everything from people dancing by the stage and even on the stage at times as some fans couldn’t resist showing off their moves. The sound was crisp as they got things moving to a very quick pace. Midway into the set The Eskies frontman Ian Bermingham got up with the band to perform a duet to the audiences delight. The new EP was of course featured on the night with tracks ‘To Shades Of Red’, ‘You Don’t See Me’ and ‘I’m Not Dying’ all included on the five-track CD.
Having heard the Stoney Brokes set at Knockanstockan, which was widely regarded as their best ever performance, I knew I was in for a treat before I even walked in the door. But even still it certainly seemed like they managed to topple their old best gig, and only a few weeks since. They looked and heard very natural from the get-go and you could just tell that they were enjoying every minute of it. But like all good things the night did eventually have to come to an end. It was a great night for band and fans alike. The Stoney’s really put the effort in and you can’t help but think they might be going somewhere. Definitely one to watch for the future.