Hailing from Blanchardstown, You Tell Me have worked hard over the past year and in the meantime produced their debut EP, ‘First Things First‘.
It is safe to say that this is an incredibly palatable EP which sounds as though it may have been a forgotten offering from a 1990s post-grunge band. Lead singer Jim McDonagh’s voice is deep and dark like that of Eddie Vedder’s, with a pleasant curl on the vowels like James Hetfield, adding a rough and ready charm to otherwise quiet touching and meaningful songs. There are no guaranteed hits on this four track EP there is a notion put forward by the clever musicianship, talented vocals and sing-a-long lyrics that they will be one to keep an eye on this year.
‘Saturation point’ is a particularly attention grabbing, McDonagh’s voice at his most professional sounding and perfectly timed with the somewhat passive aggressive beat, honest lyrics and classic guitar. The music certainly not of modern times as the band seem to reject the Indie scene’s restricting stereo types of fast paced, high pitched guitar and shallow lyrics.
‘Courtyard’ is an example of the band’s potential and strengths. It is an angsty number haunted by an intriguing open lick on the guitar and deep and pain-struck vocals singing lamenting lyrics. It is a beautiful song that is delightful easy to listen to, and most importantly easy to relate to, an important trait for any young band attempting to catch the attention of the media and the masses.
It is difficult to predict the band’s fate, considering the climate of the music industry in our fruitful and talent filled island, however if their success matches their talent they could make waves at very least here in Ireland. Based on what is on offer on the E,P they are a gifted, well pulled together band of young men. There is something special about them, something different to what the majority of other unsigned bands have to offer us music lovers.