All It's Worth - 'These Things Take Time' review

Those familiar with the Irish pop-punk scene may recognise this band - but under a different name and a slight line-up change.

StoryBoard, as they were called, changed their name to All It's Worth late last year, and if their new EP is anything to go by, it seems to have been for the better. Members Kiefer, Oscar, David and Ross take influence and the best bits from bands such as New Found Glory, The Story So Far and Four Year Strong to create their own unique sound.

The 6 track EP, on sale now for whatever you wish to pay for it (yes, that means free, too!), is already receiving rave reviews from fans, both old and new, and this reviewer was pleasantly surprised with their new songs. It begins with 'Pieces', a perfect and opener for the band, one to show everyone just what they're made of. For me, personally, the stand out track is 'Two Months Too Short Of Two Years' (try and say it fast ten times in a row - go on!) It is heavy in all the right places, and simply infectious. 'Backbone' is another excellent song, with the right mixture of riffs and drum beats to compliment one another.
Overall, the fantastic and polished E.P could easily take the boys to great heights in the music scene.

Take a listen and download for FREE from the band's Bandcamp now!

Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon

You won't need an introduction to this next band - you've most certainly heard at least one of their songs played all across television adverts - but let me introduce them anyway.

Forming in 2007, Northern Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club, singer Alex Trimble, bassist Kevin Baird and Sam Halliday on lead guitar, have gone from strength to strength over these few years with their numerous catchy singles from amazing debut album 'Tourist History', released in 2010. There's no wonder it won countless awards, including the Choice Music award in 2011 for Best Album in Ireland. Their popularity has quickly increased because to it, and they have engaged in what seems like a never-ending tour on all corners of the world. Now their time has come, after a long wait, and they have finally released a new album.

Thanks to the huge success of 'Tourist History', can people expect a step-down from this on their new release 'Beacon'? Certainly not.
Their debut was all about experimentation, and the indie group setting out to find their sound without ever really capturing it. Beacon is the band finding themselves, and becoming more mature in their own sound, while still keeping with the same catchiness that made their first album so popular. It was 'Tourist History' that cemented Two Door's place as 'the ones to watch' in the charts and the music scene, but it will be 'Beacon' that makes people stand up, sing along and remember their name.

Singer Alex Trimble has said that he "opened up" in this album and it is "more honest", and it definitely shows. The first lines to open the album (from 'Next Year') are "I don't know where I am going to rest my head tonight", perhaps showing Trimble's worry from their non-stop touring. On this record we hear songs with an added depth in the lyrics, something that was noticeably missing from Tourist History.

The best tracks from it are 'Handshake', 'Next Year', 'Sun' and stand out track and first single 'Sleep Alone', the one that could lead the band to worldwide success. Watch their (sometimes strange and trippy!) video for it now:



'Beacon' is out now on Kitsúne records. A must-buy for all fans and music lovers.

What do you think of the album?

All It's Worth

Dublin pop punk band All It's Worth have finally released one of the songs from their upcoming EP.



The heavy and infectious 'Backbone' is from their EP "These Things Take Time", which is up for FREE DOWNLOAD from tomorrow, 2nd of September on their website www.allitsworth.ie

Solar Taxi - Gung Ho

Now here's a band that will certainly grab your attention.

Waterford's very own electro-pop band, Solar Taxi are ready to take the scene by storm with their sensational new single Gung Ho. And wow, is it good.
Released on 14th September, it is the second of a long line of singles to be taken from upcoming debut album 'Broken Brother's Secret Bells', out 21st September.

Having recently aired on MTV's teen comedy 'Awkward' and currently getting well deserved radio play on Irish stations, it is a song that simply cannot be listened to just once. Insanely catchy and energetic, this band, fronted by flame-haired Aisling Browne and her amazing vocals, seem to have it all.

Quick, start listening to them now so you can say you liked them before they were huge.

Two Door Cinema Club announce date at The Academy

Indie favourites Two Door Cinema Club have announced they will play an intimate show at The Academy, Dublin next month.

The band will perform in the up close and personal venue on Friday 7th of September, with support from The Cast Of Cheers
Following the recent leak of the bands upcoming album 'Beacon', single Alex Trimble has urged fans to keep the music scene alive and wait for August 31st to purchase the album that they have worked so hard for, instead of downloading it before its release.

Here's the video for their latest single in all it's glory:



EDIT: this show is now sold out!

Two Door Cinema Club unveil first single

Northern Irish band Two Door Cinema Club have announced their brand new single will be 'Sleep Alone'. The song is from upcoming album 'Beacon' which is set to be released on 3rd September, and is available for free download exclusively from their website http://twodoorcinemaclub.com for 24 hours only.

It may come as a disappointment to some people that the trio haven't changed their tactics, and instead stick to what they know. As a huge fan of the band, I was delighted at the first listening to hear the single would have fitted perfectly onto debut album 'Tourist History'.

Download Sleep Alone for free now

Check out the trailer for upcoming album below:

Fox Avenue split up

Dublin three piece Fox Avenue are no more, it was announced in a statement on the band's official website today.

The statement from members Dara Quilty, Sean Maxx and Patrick Rhatigan says

For three years Fox Avenue have played together around the country, recorded together & have had an exceptional fan base. For personal reasons the band have decided to part ways.

"We are blessed to have stood on stage next to some of the biggest artists in the world & can not thank you enough for your support & thanks to everyone who's worked with us along the way. We are sorry that it has come to this."

Personally I would like to thank the boys for having the best time over their years, making all the fans feel so welcome, and making friends with each and every one of us. I wish them the best of luck in the future.

Kickstart The Season single BestDamnThing

Considering they only formed in the summer of 2011, pop-punkers Kickstart The Season have made an impact on the Irish music scene lately, and soon will be heading out on their first mini headline tour this month with In Elegance and Boy Versus Romeo, in Cork, Belfast and their hometown Dublin.

Their debut single Take Me Out from EP "It's A Thing! It Happened!" is what first caught people's attentions, but now the 5 piece have gone one better and, after many teasers and much waiting from fans, have finally released BestDamnThing! for free download.

Without a doubt, it is one of the catchiest, toe-tappingly brilliant songs I've heard from a band in quite a while. It begins on a high, and continues to get bigger throughout, topping it off with a tremendous chorus. It is simply impossible to listen to just once.
With a girl-fronted rock band these days, it could be very easy for the band to be labelled Paramore-esque, but give it time and these guys could be giving Hayley Willians and co. a run for their money. Definitely recommend it to anyone, as this band deserve to get bigger and bigger.

StayOkay!

I can easily say that this was the most excited I had been about a release in a very long time, and judging by the comments of anticipation in the weeks leading up to it on Facebook and Twitter, I was not alone. I am, of course, talking about the release of StayOkay!'s second EP, Disperse.

First song and EP title Disperse is an immense, bold beginning to the highly powerful three tracks. It is such an all round impressive and infectious single that just one listen isn't enough. Possibly the best song the group has released to date.

What is on a high must come down however, as next track Little Voice shows. It may be slowing down the pace, but it does not lack any power, and is still as emotion filled as before, if not more.

This wonderful EP is completed by final song Homebird, a beautiful ending to a perfect but so different 3 tracks. The acoustic guitar compliments Tim Chadwick’s vocals so well.  It’s almost the bands signature to open with a big song, move onto a more emotion filled song, while finishing off with a tender acoustic – just look at their fantastic debut Time To Grow.

It is impossible not to get entertained or excited at these three songs, each of them so different from the last. They could have just released any old song at the time and get it over with, like other bands may do, but not this band. They cleverly took their time and wrote about things important to them, and it worked for them. With this simply outstanding offering, the boys have made their mark on Irish soil, and are a breath of fresh air.

StayOkay! are four of the most gracious young men I have had the pleasure of meeting, and seeing live. This band is one of, if not the most talented Irish band around at the moment.

The guys have grown so much in the last year between both EPs. The music, the lyrics. Everything about these songs scream big things for Tim, Kevin, Alan and Irtiza. And if they don’t get huge, well I really worry about the future of music.

Download their music now from http://stayokay.bandcamp.com/

Time Is A Thief announce album launch

Cork rockers Time Is A Thief have announced their album launch date!

On the 6th of May the four piece will play their first ever headline all-ages show in the Academy 2, Dublin.
Support comes from Taking Hayley and StayOkay!, and tickets are €10.
Their debut album "We're Not Strangers" will be out on the 27th of April.

I for one am very excited!

Evergreen

Evergreen are a 4 piece, young band having formed in early 2011. The boys, from Co. Offaly, play rock music with a lot of variety, and now releasing their new four track EP "This One Time". The band consists of Noel Brennan, Jason Maleney, Darren Molloy, and Oisin Clarke.

Starting us off is Way To Comedown. It is a lively and catchy song, and both the back up and main vocals work together extremely well together towards the finished product. This leads into a fabulous name for a song - Only A Hippo Quits, a heavier complete rock track from the get go. A personal favourite of mine, it mixes in slower verses and fast choruses with ease. 

Walks At Midnight begins much calmer, slower and from the impression I get of the title, is quite a tender song. The chorus even has a slight groove or blues feel to it showing the band aren't just another one trick pony. Last but not least, Imaginary You ends the mini album on a high, keeping up with the fast pace of their debut offering.

I really enjoyed listening to this band; they're energetic, infectious and best of all, all four tracks are completely different to each other. Hope for big things for the guys in 2012!

Download their music now from http://evergreenoffical.bandcamp.com/

New Age Extinction

New Age Extinction are a 5 piece band from Dublin - all ready to melt some faces with their metalcore music. They formed in 2011, and they're not here to mess around. This relatively new band haven't done too badly for themselves as this new release shows.

The first track Consumed By Vanity takes listeners into the action straight away. With strong screaming from the very beginning, it works extremely well against the backdrop of the guitars.

The next song is brilliant and even if they are a young band, Sweating The Tension doesn't show it. There is just no holding back with these lads. It's a whirlwind of noises together, but it all works perfectly.


Make Your Own Life is much calmer, catchy, and my personal favourite, with clean backing vocals up against screaming. The guitar solo in the middle is just fantastic, but it also could be said that sticking to screaming vocals would make the band even bigger and better than they are.
The Quest slows down for just the beginning, but then we are brought back with a bang, and even heavier than the last two songs, only to end on a softer note. This brings a whole new level to the song, and makes it different from previous tracks. Ditto the last track on the EP, and brings back the two different sets of vocals.  It is catchy and certainly leaves us wanting more

I really enjoyed listening to these guys, and that's coming from a person not massively into metal. The EP as a whole is as if the group has long time experience, and their music should be already getting played on metal /hardcore shows already. 

Download their music on their Facebook page NOW

Possibly Intoxicated Gents

With a slightly debatable name like Possibly Intoxicated Gents, this Dublin band won't be forgotten easily. This four piece, with Eoin McGowan on vocals and guitar, Ben Graham on vocals and bass, Dave McPartland on backing vocals and guitar, and Fin Reilly on drums, play 'garage punk', are like no other band around at the moment, and the total opposite of the indie groups of which there are just too many to count.

The band formed in late 2008, and their latest EP "With Sufficient Thrust, Pigs Fly Just Fine" combines a great mixture of rock, indie, and alternative music.
Magic Bag is a fantastic opener; enthusiastic and fast-paced, just oozing with energy. This leads into Second Hand Fun, a cheekier side to the band. It is easy to tell the guys have fun playing together, especially with this song. Black Rain keeps up with the energy, with infectious chants of 'freak, freak, freak!', a wonderful addition to the song.
Finishing the EP is VIP, showing there is not one slow song in here; PIG just bring chaos into all of their songs.

This group need to be seen live to appreciate their energy and power. Download the above EP from http://possiblyintoxicatedgents.bandcamp.com/

We Collide EP

We Collide are a 5 piece alternative metal band from Larne, Northern Ireland who formed at the beginning of last year, and now releasing their self titled EP. The group consist of Ricky Baird, Scott Ross on drums, Conor McKillon on bass, and Jordan Hamill and James Popple on guitar.

The band were in the Northern Ireland download chart for a whopping 5 weeks with their debut single 'Pilots', and also managed to stay at the no. 1 spot for two weeks.
The band take their inspiration from a lot of genres, mostly metal. While it may seem that metal music won't appeal to everyone, the group (and I, after listening to their music) completely disagree.
Opening up their 4 piece offering is Pilots - a simply fantastic debut single, impressively with both screaming and clean vocal duties from Ricky. Next track A Lot Can Happen In A Year is my personal favourite. With chants of "you'll never know what you have until it's gone", the song sticks with the listener and gets even more addictive after each listen, much like the other songs.

This moves onto the even heavier sound of How Does It Feel To Be Made Of Glass? In the song, the two guitars from Jordan and James work extremely well together to create the mood. Near the end of the song comes a sentimental moment of vocals from Ricky, but not to worry, we are brought right back into the action. Get Low Or Get Out is a perfect way to finish the debut, with a long instrumental ending, and a slow, tender acoustic guitar, leaving us wanting much more.
What sets this band apart from others in the genre is the stylish way they write and perform their music;  The guys need to be seen live to witness the full action. And I think they're going to be big.


Download their EP now from http://officialwecollide.bandcamp.com/!

Nuke The Fridge EP

Nuke The Fridge are a 3 piece up-and-coming band from Dublin, consisting of Frank Chambers on guitar, bass and vocals, Tom Dalton on drums, and Dónal Kennedy on guitar, bass and vocals.

The group formed in November 2010, making them relatively new on the scene.
Now their debut EP, recorded in summer 2011 and produced by blog favourites Dwelling For Jackals singer and guitarist Cathal McKeon in Cloak & Dagger studios, is the result of 7 months hard graft from the boys.

The band say they are a mixture of hard rock, alternative, blues and power pop, and this 6 track offering certainly shows off their best work.



Opening song Sandcastles brings the listener into a chilled out, bluesy mood, and eventually getting heavier, into a hard rock song, quite the same as next track Bear Trap Blues.

Title track Fugitives is another rock song, with moments of even heavier guitar working against the vocals to create an infectious, energetic song.

Solitaire is a much slower song, a ballad on an album so full of blues rock.

Not many bands might release an interlude on an EP, but it works for these guys, with their instrumental funk/rock, showing their influences as And So I Watch You From Afar and Adebisi Shank.

Slowly brings us back into the mood of things, with Race To Yonder, reminiscent of a Biffy Clyro song. A solid finish to the album, that leaves us wanting more.

Download their EP from http://nukethefridge.bandcamp.com/ for pay-what-you-want now!

StayOkay! release new EP

StayOkay! have finally released their new 3 track EP, Disperse.
And it is fantastic.

And free. DOWNLOAD NOWWWW.




YAY

Subject Matter album review

Subject Matter are a 4 piece rock band from Dublin consisting of Paul O'Keefe, Tommy Devine, Ste Brennan, and Paul Carey.

With a fresh new sound and now an album to back it up, Smash The Mould sets the bar high for other bands. What firstly stands out for me with Subject Matter is they released an album, not just an EP or a few songs, as most bands do. It's a 12 track album, which shows the band are serious about musicianship and what they do.

Beginning their debut is 'Funky Coloured Pitfalls', a catchy number with heavy riffs and chants throughout the whole song you can easily sing (or shout) along to. This leads listeners into 'Give It To Me Straight' and brings us straight into the action, with a slightly punk sound with more chants of 'hey! hey! hey!'

Next, 'What I Know' could be written off as repetitive, but is catchy in places, with a good bass line. An acoustic song is a rarity for this rock band, but 'Dressed to Depress' works extremely well. For me 'See Thru Souls' is the standout track from the album. The intro matches the chorus, and with verses of almost no guitar, they show off the clean cut vocals from the start.

'Keep Me With You' is a tender slow song, displaying that acoustic songs can often be the most powerful from a band. 'The Pass At Dark' has a slight country twang to it, while this is not a bad thing. Shouting lyrics to do with sex and dick, it's one to be remembered. 'O Nani Ama' ends the album with an almost African chant for the title, with a big bold song to finish it all off.

Collectively, the songs are all well written and sound like no Irish band, or any other band right now. The album takes a while to get into, but after a few listens it's very good. I think the band will make a name for themselves on the scene, and they need to be seen live to witness their full potential.



Head to http://subjectmatteronline.com and download their album for free!

Dwelling For Jackals EP review

Having recently just finished supporting Young Guns on their Irish dates, Dublin based Dwelling for Jackals are getting bigger and bigger. The alternative rock 3 piece as of now consists of Cathal Mckeon, Niall Johnson and Dylan Martin and between the three, have a range of influences, including Avenged Sevenfold and 30 Seconds To Mars.

Starting their debut EP off  is 'Last Sleep', the group's big tune, their leading number that fans, if not everyone, will definitely know. The rhythm works perfectly behind the vocals, and builds up to the high point of the chorus.
This brings us into 'Solitary Confinement (City of Kings)', a slow song that gets huge. The piano beautifully sets the tone for the song, and again leads into the climax of the chorus.
'Apocalypse, When You're Ready' is a small acoustic number, with quiet vocals matched perfectly to the music, and will make you want to listen over and over again. This is one reason why acoustic songs can stand out the most.
Finally, 'I Am Bedlam' makes a lasting impression on the listener with a bold and energetic finish, and once again with those big choruses.

Unlike some other bands, none of the songs get repetitive or monotonous. This band show off their flare for writing powerful melodies that have a climactic chorus. After the first time listening to it, I loved it already.
With great songs like this, the group should be even bigger than they already are. Expect huge things!

Listen to their debut EP here or download it from iTunes!

The Cold 100

With a fresh sound like no other band right now, The Cold 100 are a 4 piece band playing "Rhythm and Blooze" as they call it. While it's hard for other bands to recreate the sounds from the 60s and 70s, this group get it exactly right.


Sharing a love for the blues, they have a strong influence from the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Stones and Fleetwood Mac, although the band don't fit into any one particular genre. They play loud, fast rock music, with a powerful rhythm and with great feeling.

Their video for Mr Westcoast Man, the lead single from their debut EP 'Into The Parlour' is trippy and is one to be remembered - certainly something the band would want.



The band need to be seen live to witness their full potential. Expect big things.

Download their EP on the 3rd of March!
http://www.thecold100.com/

In Elegance release video for single

Belfast rockers In Elegance have released their video for new single, Easier Said Than Done!


Review of their latest EP: http://themusicandthemic.blogspot.com/2012/02/in-elegance-ep.html


Check out the band's Facebook page HERE and download their EP from HERE!

Fox Avenue - 18/02/12

After a long wait from the postponed headline November show, Fox Avenue and Jody Has A Hitlist finally made a welcome return to Dublin and Belfast this week. The early matinee show was most likely the reason there wasn't overwhelming liveliness inside the venue of The Academy, Dublin on a cold February day, but that didn't spoil the show for the bands and the audience. With doors opening at 12 noon, I arrived just before 11am, and there were already about 50 to 60 people queuing for the highly in demand place at the barrier.

Broken Glass on Broadway

Starting the show off on a great note were young Irish band Broken Glass on Broadway from Clonmel and Dublin. Considering this was most likely their biggest gig of their short career, the band interacted extremely well with the crowd, and have gained quite a few fans from it. Doing original songs, I think they have a unique sound, as it's nothing quite like anything else in the Irish scene right now.

Kelan; Jody Has A Hitlist

Octane Ok literally had the audience on the floor at one point, and straight away connected with the audience. They put on a great set even if a little repetitive, but sadly it was obvious that the crowd were not here to see them.

Next, Jody Has A Hitlist put on a fantastic live set, beginning with old favourite Nobody's Looking At You, playing the singles from their latest Choose Your Battles EP and older songs. Padraig McAlister, (vocals, guitar) and Kelan O'Reilly (keyboard, vocals) took to the stage with humerous banter that was self called "awkward" at times. The highlight of their hour was Comebacks Aren't Your Thing (I finally heard it live -yes! But it's no Steer Clear - sad face) and the group ended breaking fans hearts (almost) but saying it would be their last Dublin show of the year.

Patrick; Fox Avenue

Even though it was a joint headliner between Jody Has A Hitlist and Fox Avenue, Fox Avenue completely stole the show.

With talk of dead grandma’s and verging on racist comments, you’d think this would make it awkward for the audience. Not for Fox Avenue. Their dedicated fan base know that the boys are only having the banter, and are well known and loved for it.

Dara; Fox Avenue

Playing a brand new song – White Lies – they later showed off their hip hop groove to covers of Hello, Paper Planes by M.I.A, and even teasing the audience by beginning What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction, ending with We Found Love by Rihanna. Ended the show with the big radio hit Tonight.

The guys afterwards were nothing but grateful for everyone staying back to meet them afterwards, thanking everyone individually, with lots of hugs thrown in. I hadn't seen them in almost two years so I was delighted after the day. Definitely worth the wait.

Snow Patrol and Florence and the Machine announce Phoenix Park date

Snow Patrol and Florence and the Machine have confirmed they will play Dublin's Phoenix Park on the 8th of July!


The major concert is the second announcement of the kind, the first being The Stone Roses playing three days previous on the 5th of July as part of their reunion tour. The concerts are a replacement to Oxegen festival being cancelled for this year.


Tickets will go on sale from 8am on Friday 24th February at the price of €59.50.

Kickstart The Season

Kickstart the Season are a Dublin 5 piece, in the middle of releasing a new EP.

The pop-punk band share joint vocals between Ciara Walker and Sean Hodson, giving us a new sound we haven't heard before - in a good way, of course!

Having only formed in the middle of 2011, the band are already up and coming in the Irish scene, and will play their release show in Whelan's on the 16th of February with other favourite Irish acts such as Boy Versus Romeo and Alice Can't Turn Left.

The lead single from their release Take Me Out has strong vocals, with the guitar against it perfectly and leaves listeners wanting more. They are an energetic and simply catchy song, and we can be sure to hear more from them soon!




Make sure to catch their EP Launch show, details here
Expect big things from these guys.
Check out their Facebook page HERE and download the two tracks HERE!

In Elegance EP

When you think of girl fronted rock bands, you think of Paramore, Evanescence, maybe even The Pretty Reckless. Not in this case. Here, In Elegance come into their own. With their newly released 3 track self-titled EP, the Belfast 5-piece have found their own sound, and won’t be giving it up anytime soon.

The vocals are simple, yet powerful, with perfectly fitting guitar sounds and drums for the finished product.

Putting Easier Said Than Done as the opener to this release is perfect, it takes listeners right in to the action, which leads into heavier sound of Burn Bright, Fade Fast which is a completely different sound altogether. As stated before, the vocals on Open Your Eyes are haunting and my, what an addictive song.

The three tracks as a whole have the ability to leave you wanting more, much more.

A brilliant new sound, exactly what we need. I'm glad they don't sound like anyone else and aren't just going down the same route. They are going to be huge. 5/5

Check out their Facebook page HERE and download their EP from HERE!

Kodakid new single and video

Before they set off on their tour for their new single, Shake Skin, Waterford band Kodakid have released the video for it. I had high hopes for this single as The Music & The Mic had already reviewed them before, and let me tell you, my hopes were met. And then some.

The video has a very retro style to it, which fits the song with it's slow rhythmic drum beat, and stand out, heavy bass line. There is definitely a traditional rock 'n' roll feel to this band, and then the vocals come in, keeping with the tempo of the song. And as the song closes, slowly, again with the beat of the drum and quieter vocals, it leaves you wanting more. A simple yet powerful song.




Make sure you check these guys out before they're big.
Check out their Facebook page HERE and the new single will be released as a free download from 9th February HERE!

StayOkay! release new teaser

The boys have released another teaser for their upcoming EP, out in March!

Be excited!

(Note: seriously how do these guys only have 1600 Likes on Facebook?!

You know what to do.. http://facebook.com/stayokay)