• Q+A: Mylets

    April 29, 2015 - By 

    At just 20 years of age, Henry Kohen AKA Mylets’ debut album has just been released via Sargent House. Having received exceptionally warm reviews from the likes of NPR and the New York Times, he’s just left California to tour Europe with And So I Watch You From Afar. Koken talks to Niamh Hegarty about some of his time at Sargent House to date and the evolution of his new album, Arizona. Your standard of musicianship is particularly high. When did you first pick up a guitar? I found my dad’s old 3/4 scale off-brand acoustic in a closet when I was…

  • Q+A: The Vincent(s)

    April 7, 2015 - By 

    It’s a gorgeous, sunny afternoon in Cork City and I’m about to interview a band that describe themselves as death pop and bleak drag. In person, they are far from bleak but some of the most uplifting people you could ever meet. Cork’s The Vincent(s) had me in stitches laughing. Tell me a bit about your musical background. How did you all start getting into making music? Marc: My mother bought me a four track, when I was really young – it was like one of those Fisher-Price four tracks with drums and stuff, I started messing around with that. It…

  • Girl Band @ Triskel Arts Centre

    October 21, 2014 - By 

    Since when is a Cork based live event sold out? Since Girl Band are in town. The Dublin based four-piece are making a long-awaited appearance tonight courtesy of Aisling and Caoilian at Southern Hospitality (formerly of the Pavilion, Cork) and it’s very sold out. Many casually stroll up to the door of the Triskel Arts Centre assuming business as usual only to be turned away. Many a disappointed fan is spotted with their heads in their hands. Sure, Girl Band have a reputation for turning out an incredible live show but a reception of this magnitude wasn’t expected. To put…

  • Interview: Adebisi Shank

    August 25, 2014 - By 

    With sold-out shows in London and their eagerly-anticipated Irish return on the horizon, Niamh Hegarty speaks to bassist Vinny McCreith of Adebisi Shank about everything from This is the Album… to the brand new, critically-acclaimed This the Third Album of a Band Called Adebisi Shank. So, your third album went on release here in Ireland, UK and US releases to follow this week. How have you been feeling about the reaction so far? It’s really positive so far and thinking back, it makes me think back to the second release and a lot of people have it in their heads that a lot…

  • Electric Picnic 2014: Must-See Acts

    June 25, 2014 - By 

    Electric Picnic is possibly one of the most eclectic festivals in the country. Each year the line up strives to provide something for every palate. In the picturesque surroundings of Stradbally, Co. Laois it began as a daylong event with Groove Armada in 2004 and has grown each year since. So what has this summer’s weekend event got in store? Headlining are Portishead, Outkast and Beck with each artist representing different aspects of the musical spectrum. In recent years, Portishead have almost leant toward noise music with their most recent album Third. The aforementioned Third is a far cry from…

  • Kick Ass 2

    August 30, 2013 - By 

    The long awaited sequel hit the screens to mixed reviews and with one of its stars Jim Carrey boycotting the film, it begs the question; where does Kick Ass 2 falter? It’s been said that Kick Ass 2 is a sequel with nowhere to go, perhaps a slightly unfair statement. The premise of what a superhero might be like in the real world holds weight, and is still a thoroughly enjoyable aspect of the film. What would one do? It’s almost like starting a band; you build a persona set up a Facebook page, Twitter and get blogging. These are…

  • Blondes – Swisher

    July 19, 2013 - By 

    Blondes are Sam Haar and Zach Steinman, a Brooklyn-based electronic duo that met while studying composition at Oberlin Music College. Blondes have quite a following, and this reviewer’s reason for delving into their back catalogue followed a conversation with a rather prolific Irish electronic producer who claims he “only listens to Blondes” – sold. Prior releases include the seriously awe – inspiring Touched EP and a series of 12” singles, as well as their 2012 self-titled debut. The duo have been classed as “hipster-house”; perhaps a little debasing considering the brilliance behind their discography to date. Swisher is their latest…

  • Man of Steel – Triumph or Washout?

    June 18, 2013 - By 

    There are mixed reports circulating the blogosphere with many flat out flunking Zack Snyder’s attempt to shape the controversial Superman franchise. Man of Steel has a dream team of Hollywood’s elite behind it but could it be a case of too many cooks? It’s easy to see where this film fails and the problem seems to lie almost solely with the direction. The pace of the film is completely off; a labored and awkward introduction eats into the film’s running time creating a knock on affect on the overall development of the plot. Throughout the film, time is allocated to…