REVIEW: LITTLE GREEN CARS ☆☆☆☆☆

Venue: The Pavilion, Cork, Ireland.

Little Green Cars are an indie rock band from (our very own) Dublin. Following the release of their first and ragingly successful album 'Absolute Zero' in 2013, they seem to be selling out pretty much every Irish date they announce.

With support from Gypsies on the Autobahn, who- despite the dodgey Dodgey DODGEY haircuts- had all elements required to make a decent alternative indie band. Perhaps dodgey haircuts are also included in those set requirements. They're a mishmash between Villagers and Two Door Cinema Club, and yano what else? I kinda like 'um.

Little Green Cars graced the stage not long after. Their music is totally diverse, fronted by Faye O'Rourke and Stevie Appleby. Songs alternate between leading man and woman, but quality certainly doesn't vary. With magical diversity accompanying each tune, I could have listened to their set for hours. Five part harmonies accompanied each melody, with personality shining through each member of the band. There was a tangible friendship in the group, which made their performance all the more mesmerizing.

They gave me goosebumps.

With this leg of the tour finished, they have already announced dates across Ireland in March. It's not too late to add another pair of tickets to your Santa list, is it?

REVIEW: JAGERMEISTER FREEZER SESSIONS ☆☆☆

Hotpress magazine hosted their Cork contribution of the annual Jagermeister Freezer sessions in Crane Lane, Thursday 28th November. The sessions take place in various venues around Ireland and showcase only the best of what our beautiful nation has to offer. I was shnakey enough to apply for tickets and, as luck would have it, was given a pair. The Freezer Sessions are yet to hit Dublin, Limerick or Waterford- so it's not too late for you to apply for yours. With acts like The Hot Sprockets, The Riptide Movement and O Emperor- I really can't see why you would want to miss out.

The line-up in Cork consisted of some real gems. Raglans (my new favourite band), Leaders of Men and the INFAMOUS Hot Sprockets.

(Crane Lane is one of those venues where the phrase "likeminded people" is used frighteningly often, and the Freezer Session was no exception. If you are unfamiliar with this terminology, you've obviously never strayed far enough from the mainstream to encounter these feral "likeminded people". Don't fret, they're all the same anyway.)

The Raglans are an up-and-coming indie band consisting of Stephan Kelly, Rhos Horan, Conn O'Runaidh and Sean O'Brien. Words just don't do them justice....

My money is on these guys.

Next up were Leaders of Men, described as the Irish answer to Kings of Leon stroke Stereophonics. I wasn't overly impressed, but still, I can see LOM going far in the Irish rock scene. Nothing on the Raglans though. And, alas, frontman Brian Ashe has a really distracting blinking-thing going on, that, unfortunately, makes their performance look like its inflicting horrific pain upon him.

Last on stage were the headlining Hot Sprockets. The HS's are on everyone lips at the moment. They seem to have an attribute of some kind that grants eternal popularity upon you if you publicly admire them. Five friends from Dublin; Wayne Soper, Timmy Cullen, Joey Lynch, Frankie Kelly and Andy Sutton; that are forever going to shake it down and do-see-do in the ripe old days of Rock'n'Roll. Their rocking blues put me right into festival spirit, and I can't wait to catch them live again over the summer.

As one would expect, Hotpress selected only the best Irish acts for this marvelous showcase of Irish musical elitism- 'coz let's be honest, we are elite- and they certainly didn't disappoint.

REVIEW: BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB ☆☆☆☆

Venue: INEC Killarney, Ireland.

'Bombay Bicycle Club', an indie chat up line, almost.

But don't let the cardiganed, tophatted, Bleach(with a capital B)haired fans turn you off. That crowd generally tend to know what they're at.

BBC are an English indie/alternative/hipster(we were all thinking it) band based in London.The band is composed of Jack Steadman, Jamie MacColl, Suren de Saram and Ed Nash.

On November 21st, 2013, the INEC hosted Bombay Bicycle Club, with support act Soak, as a part of their 'Acoustic Club' initiative. The 'Club' is laid out with candlelit round tables, surrounded by chairs that all (awkwardly) face the same direction. It creates a cosy, intimate atmosphere; but disallows raucous displays of enjoyment. And makes the evening most unpleasant for poor Johnny-No-Mates that only ever wanted to blend in.

Soak, the supporting act, while not my cup of tea entirely, filled the room with harmonious, soft melodies that had us sipping our Coronas with raised pinkies. Her distinctive voice, tangible emotions, creative lyrics and soothing guitar accompaniment simply COULD NOT distract me from the fact that she is just merely SEVENTEEN- and has more than likely already achieved more than you or I ever will. Yes; that means you.

Not that I don't support those that overachieve wholeheartedly but.... Well. Who does?

Bombay Bicycle Club graced the stage not long after. Between the four band members and their novelty lady for the evening, their equipment, instruments and dodgey dancemoves; the majority of the performance was spent just nearly spilling over the edges. Their setlist was wonderfully varied, with hints of new material, right up to their classic hits, and songs from their acoustic album 'Flaws'. I've never seen such diversity in a band- they could go from headbanging drum solos and heavy guitar riffs to indie scha-waps and synth loops- with no friction or resistance. It just worked. With up to three drummers and up to four guitarists playing at any one time, you can't deny that these guys are courageous. It seemed that is no end to their comfort zone; a quality that I, as a regular 'connoisseur' of live music, really appreciate.

They effervesced enthusiasm, and their energy was catching. They brought so much fun to the stage that it would have been difficult not to enjoy it.

Apart from Johnny-No-Mates, who had to endure the entire gig sitting at an unused table surrounded by empty chairs. Poor guy.

REVIEW: GLEN HANSARD ☆☆☆☆☆

Venue: Cyprus Avenue, Cork, Ireland.

The last performance of his intimate, selective tour of Ireland, Glen Hansard played in Cyprus Avenue, on October 28th; neatly coinciding with the final day of the Cork Jazz. (for more info on the Cork Jazz read my review of Hermitage Green.)

Glen Hansard is one of those artists who has gigs in small venues with limited ticket numbers; and it's left to the hardcore fans to fight to the death in a Hunger Games scenario for said tickets.

What can I say, the odds are ever in my favour.

Lisa O'Neill, the absolute legend, had the room packed, hanging on her every word; a quality rarely found in supporting acts. Her tangy, sean nos voice and quirky lyrics had me hooked the second she opened her mouth. As Glen Hansard himself put it; it's a rare thing these days when new music makes you stop in your tracks- and that's pretty much what Lisa O'Neill is all about.



   
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grjdV7O2siM



Glen Hansard's set list was smattered with all things good; from his newest albums to the oldest, and from songs taken from the Once soundtrack to The Frames' back catalogue. He chatted with (with, not to) the crowd- and even pulled up a friend to tell a couple of stories. The evening was spent with as much emphasis on the music itself, as upon sharing background and context to each melody, imparting wisdom that touched the heart.

"This is a song about having a friend, and they...well, this is a song about having a friend fuck off on you. And...yeah, that's really it."
"It seems to sound like I lie to people that I love a lot. I don't. I just...tend to tell the truth about things that never happened."
"When you share a day that's so fantastic with someone who's side you never want to leave, and then realise that you love her, and that maybe you should have told her that you have a girlfriend."

His good humoured performance was interrupted briefly by moments of genuine sadness; raw emotion that was so sincere that it was frightening to stand so close to. "Lamb to the Slaughter", as the name suggests, is a pretty goddamn grim tune- and it was played on the ukelele, which kind of made it even more eerie. The crowd stood in uncomfortable silence, when he proudly announced: 'A friend of mine bet me that I couldn't write a sad song on the ukelele. I fuckin' showed him-' and we were laughing again.

When he had finished the set list, it being the final night of the tour, he politely asked the bar staff if it would be okay to play a few more. They kindly agreed, and the hour and a half show somehow morphed into an almost four hour long masterpiece. Lisa O'Neill returned to the stage, and together they played a few Elvis numbers- (we all did the high-pitched schoo-wap bits when appropriate.)

Everybody, from the sound guy, to the lights guy, to 'you, in the pink cardigan', to some guy called Mick that I think drove them around- EVERYBODY was called up for a tune. The crowd was packed like a mine field with explosively talented friends of Glen's. The whole tech team was dragged up on stage for a rendition of The Auld Triangle, a tribute to how feckin' great being Irish is.

They finished up, for the fourth and final time, with 12 people on stage, singing Leonard Cohen's 'Passing Through'. It had been such a personal gig that towards the end, it became simply a session between friends.We left feeling as though we had witnessed something majestic. Hansard surpassed my wildest expectations, and he is number 1 on my 'See Again' list.

REVIEW: HERMITAGE GREEN ☆☆☆

Venue: Cyprus Avenue, Cork, Ireland.



Hermitage Green are an unsigned, Limerick bred, Irish acoustic rock band. They certainly have an 'I'll bate ya' look about them, and they probably met in a rugby club's changing room, but still; I reckon they're one to keep an eye on.

The Cork Guiness Jazz Festival, (running this year from October 25th to 28th), prides itself upon bringing as many bands as possible out of the woodwork; and bringing as many people into as many venues as adhereable; all while boycotting any non-Diageo products, including cornflakes and toilet paper.

Personally, I don't give a rat's pajamas about Diageo's ingenius marketing ploys. Here's to Arthur, as far as I'm concerned. And since they're supplying our city with upward of 1000 bands, a lot of which have free entry, albeit once a year, I don't think you should be too hard on the poor aul' billion-dollar-industry either. The dotes.

Since their definition of 'Jazz' is so majestically broad, pretty much everything from opera to heavy metal is shoehorned into the weekend. Who's complaining?

Hermitage Green are a fine example of a band that people are only gagging for an excuse to see. They sold out two performances, both in Cyprus Avenue, within a few hours of each other.

I saw their first gig. But, judging by the size of them, I doubt a couple of hours of performing affected their second show. Have I mentioned how buff these lads are?

Guitar, banjo, djembe, bodhran; the whole nine yards. Stunning harmonies and solid beats- they're kind of like a decent, Irish version of Mumford and Sons. Their cover of Florence & the Machine 'Cosmic Love' brings the bands talents together; a rare mix of sheer brute power, and (well, not 'delicate' but close enough) almost angelic vibes.

If you like an auld Irish power ballad but similarly fancy yourself as a fan of the bongo, then these are the lads for you. I was particularly impressed by Dermot Sheedy, the bodhran-ist. Who knew an Irish frame drum could be made to sound like an ENTIRE drum kit?? While the rest of the band left the stage for their encore; he remained soloing his beaut of a bodhran, wielding huge respect from the crowd.

Hermitage Green do what they say on the tin. A decent band, they'll keep a crowd going, and leave you wanting more. Their album, 'Hermitage Green- Live at Whelans' will be released Friday, November 22nd.

Watch this space. 

REVIEW: INDIEPENDENCE ☆☆☆☆

Venue: Deer Farm, Mitschelstown, Cork, Ireland.

August 2nd-4th, 2013



INDIEPENDENCE. A small Music & Arts Festival, nominated for 'Best Small Festival' at European Awards 2013.

 'The Farm', as it's fondly known, is absolutely ideal for a festival of it's kind. 

• The ground is flat, and the earth is pretty absorbing (i.e. it'll take a nice bit of downpour before your tent goes the full Titanic). Something to do with the mountainous Galtee region it lies in.....or something that sounds a lot cooler than what I just said.
• There are lots (and lots and lots) of trees- behind which one can escape the dreaded port-a-loos, or just escape in general. 
• The campsites are spread out and well signposted, for when you've been kicked out of the main arena at 4am and you realise that everyone else went with the cheapest possible option of tent in the Argos catalogue too.

The Arena was totally diverse, there was something for absolutely everybody -

even this guy.

• The Canadian Main Stage was where all the 'big acts' played. By 'big acts' I mean headliners such as De La Soul, The Fratellis, Bell X1, Bastille, Kodaline; the list goes on.
• The Maxol Big Top Stage, a circus tent, essentially, housed the likes of Beardyman (AMAAAZING), And So I Watch You From Afar and Hudson Taylor.
• Bacardi Oakheart Arena (who, for the record, made a damn good mojito) and the Darkness Graveyard catered for the dance/house/techno lunatics within us all, the latter being more.....well, "Darkness Graveyard"-y.
• The Bier Halle- complete with Oktoberfest benches- was my personal favourite. Upside down umbrellas decorated the ceiling, the acts were mainly unsigned, up-and-coming bands (such as Walking On Cars).
• The Hot Press Tent interviewed most of the line-up in front of whoever wanted to come along could do so. (Not to be recommended when it's 2 o' clock in the afternoon, you're still drunk, and the most intelligent thing you can thing of saying to the Fratellis is 'The Fratellis are so-'*runs away*)
• There was also a Silent Disco- which you should totally consider sneaking into without headphones and dancing in the silence- it is practically an outer-body experience. Or so I'm told.

Even the food was top class.

Cleverly, I bought an early-bird ticket, so the whole weekend only cost me €70.

As goes with the territory, festivals are pretty objective. 
So while I had the time of my life, and did some pretty ridiculous stuff, and would recommend it wholeheartedly- not everybody would agree, and there were some downsides too.

• The port-a-loos were di-sgust-ing. I understand that it is nobody's fault (apart from those charming sink vomiters) but jeeesus, they were septic. 
• I was unsure/uncomfortable with the presence of the family campsite/the kids, running around with earmuffs on. I mean, really?? Is your 4 year old son going to thank you for seeing drunken twenty-something-year-old-guys declaring their love for each other in a pile of vomit and Canadian beer glasses?
• There weren't enough bad points to make my bullet-pointed argument seem necessary. This is unacceptable, please adhere to this complaint for next year.

Overall, it was sheer brilliance. The lineup, while nothing spectacular, had some real diamonds. It was the extra touches, the "festivities" that really made it stand out. Check out www.indiependencefestival.com, and keep an eye on when early bird tickets for next year go onsale.

It's definitely worth the gamble. 

REVIEW: KINGS OF LEON ☆☆☆☆☆

Venue: Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast, Northern Ireland.


The first day of Belfast's Tennents Vital Festival,  August 14th 2013, brought with it a fantastic line up, Northern accents and shoddy, shoddy weather. The bill consisted of Dublin band 'The Minutes', legendary Derry boys 'The Undertones', the old reliable supporting band 'The Vaccines', and our eponymous legends, 'Kings of Leon'.

The grounds were glorious; littered with Tennents pint glasses and plastic Bulmers bottles. (They call it Magners up there, typically complicated of them). As the name suggests, the festival is sponsered by Tennents lager, a beer that tastes mainly of poo and barley, but they put on a good enough fest so I won't be too hard on them.

The festival generally caters to all tastes, and consists of three days, each headlined by (and I'm being hugely stereotypical here) a popular band that have been shoehorned into satisfying a wider target market. A rock/alternative day (KOL), soft pop/indie(Snow Patrol), and lastly a bit of techno(Avicii)- for the diehards like. See where I'm going with this? As a whole package, it lacked personality. Not to mention the OUTRAGEOUS downgrade in quality of acts from 2012 to 2013. 2012 saw the Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, The Stone Roses and Florence & the Machine headlining- the lineups are barely comparable.

LUCKILY, I am an extremist KOL fan. Therefore the day was going to be the best of my life regardless of what happened. The rain, the portaloos- the discovery of the "she-wee" (don't get me started), my boyfriend drunkenly trying to end partition- NOTHING could have ruined this day for me.


The Minutes kicked off. Nothing groundbreaking, the crowd was sparse, we sat with pints on the grass feeling like something was on it's way; the calm (The Minutes aren't calm, at all, but the 'metophorical' calm) before the show.

Next, The Undertones had us all on our feet. The crowd was starting to fill out a bit, and nothing spreads the love more than a couple of rounds of "I WANNA HOLD YA- WANNA HOLD YOU TIGHT, AND GET TEENAGE KICKS RIGHT THROUGH THE NIGHT-" and god love him, Paul McLoone does his name justice.

The Vaccines, a band I've seen a lot live over the last few years, really are influenced by the crowds interest. When the crush is on their side; they can be electric. Alas, it just wasn't working out for them that day in Belfast; wrong crowd (bad craics), and people were really only waiting for the big boys to start performing.

Finally, Kings of Leon hit the stage; and, my gosh; it was a sight to behold. They sound even better live (if that's possible). The set was top class, and the setlist was gorgeous. It seemed as though it had been planned in accordance with intervals of the rain getting torrential. The heavens opened as 'Radioactive' osciallated through the grounds- and I doubt I'll ever again feel so completely necessary amongst a crowd of 13,000 people ever again.

I have heard people say that KOL are a disappointment to see live because of their lack of interaction with the crowd. Well, I can tell you that that is absolute cadswallop- I bet Caleb even knew my eye colour by the end the gig.


They were spectacular. Honestly.

My name is Jess; and I am a Gig Pig.

My name is Jess; and I am a Gig Pig.

The first step is admitting it.

It'll take courage, willpower, familial support, and an acceptance of your ATM being constantly overdrawn. 

Not sure what I'm talking about? Never fear; Jess is near. Who said internet diagnosis was unreliable?

• Have you used the expression "They might never play in *insert city where said band will most definitely reappear at* again!!?"
• Do you find yourself equating restaurant meal prices to gig tickets?
• Have tried to make someone go to an event with you that you described as "that guy that plays that thing with the hair and the eyes in a venue only 4 hours and 2 buses away from our house"??
• Is your alcohol consumtion indirecty proportional to how much you like what you're listening to?
• Do you have recurring nightmares that that album you've been listening to on repeat just won't sound the same live?
• Do you feel anxious that somehow everyone else knows that your last question refers to AM and that they'll judge you for it?
• Do you feel IRRATIONAL ANGER towards GIG CUDDLERS that LITERALLY COULD HAVE STAYED AT HOME and CUDDLED THERE instead of in the front row?
• Have you ever sympathetically offered to take over for the barman for a few minutes, 'cause he was really missing out on a fantastic night, it didn't seem fair, his manager wouldn't have noticed, and no, I didn't need to be escorted out by security; I was just trying to be nice.
• Do you choose to ignore that almost everyone in the music industry is a knob and choose to accept that, actually; if he ever met you, Glen Hansard would be totally interested in your university course, and actually; Winston Marshall really fancies you.
• Have you had regular doctors appointments/funerals on Friday mornings for the past while now?
• Is your love/hate relationship with ticketmaster.ie really upsetting the feng shui in your flat?

(I'm sorry, I take back that last one. Just don't cut me off. I need the hit, come on, I'm sorry, just don't cut me off. I don't care about your ridiculous booking fees, I just wish you'd  advertise at the actual price, not the profit you're making on it. But please, don't cut me off, I'll have the money soon, I swear.)

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions....then I think you and I will get along just fine.