Applause Music Reviews: Belfast and Northern Ireland

Who could have guessed that sounding like you’re from the late 60’s would become so utterly and necessarily refreshing? I have great admiration for the works of the Alex Turner’s and Miles Kane’s of the world and their insistence on talent over appearance, but it's so invigorating to hear a new band that is so unapologetically in your face, and this is what Rotten Royalty has brought to the table. No funny business, no gimmicks or tricks, just pure unadulterated prehistoric sounding rock (in a good way). Let the show commence. Aforementioned talent comes from Sam Morgan (on Guitar, vocals and occasionally keyboard), Jack Walsh (on Bass) and Richard Scott (Drums/Percussion), while a guest appearance from Robbie Marrs (Tenor Saxophone) rounds out the line up on this Punky and Psychic new EP “At The Door”. Groovy riffs abound and the accompaniment of snarling vocals and sludgy rock sound combine to give the group a sound that has not been exploited nearly enough in recent years....

So The Strypes played The Black Box on Friday there (Friday 29th that is). Who are The Strypes I hear you ask? Let me respond to that query with a question of my own. Where have you been? I first became aware of The Strypes back on their first appearance on RTE’s “The Late Late Show” and really the rest, as they say, has been history. Going from strength to strength on the back of their unique combination of pseudo-Dr Feelgood Pub Rock sound, indie sensibilities (as evident on their latest album “Little Victories” which featured a tonal shift away from the repetitiveness of first album “Snapshot”, and created a much more rounded rock style), refreshing ‘old-is-new’ sheen and rip-roaring live sets, they’ve quickly become one of the most popular and entertaining young acts in Ireland and the UK. I went along on Friday to ascertain if the hype was real or if you could judge this book by its cover. Besides, a sold-out show in The Black Box, where tickets were only £14? What have I go...

Succulent riffs and tap-along melodies are the order of the day following newly released EP of Belfast’s own genre-smashing Treehome. They introduce a unique skill set and sound, and by doing so set the bar high for any follow-ups to come. What a desirable problem to have. The trio features the talents of  Ben Flavelle Cobain on both guitar and vocals, Sam Green on bass and Micheal Culbert on Drums (the EP also features local talents Andy Ferguson on Keyboard and Linley Hamilton on Trumpet) rounds out the lineup. Formed back in 2013 (for those who need reference, ‘Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ won  the MTV ‘Best New Artist’ award in 2013, so yeah it might as well have been 100 years ago), the group have two strong years of experience and comradery under their belts, (as well as a runner-up prize in the ‘Jagermeister Battle of the Bands competition’),  and the musical chemistry is evident after just a few listens of this short EP. The first song on aforementioned EP...

Zak Whitefield - to anywhere Belfast singer/songwriter uses honey-smooth vocals that soothe and shout simultaneously, creating a “calm before the storm” ambience that woos lovers and listeners alike. Combined with ghostly lyrics and guitar proficiency, EP To Anywhere leave you a crying wreck, but in a good way. Journeyman bard Zak Whitefield may be the best-kept secret of the Belfast music scene, with several years of experience under his belt and a musical mind to match it. In a period of time where so many are content to take any shortcut to the recognition they can, EP ‘To Anywhere’ is a breath of fresh air especially in the ever-growing acoustic singer-songwriter scene, wherein originality among artist is few and far between. Part of this stems from his regular jaunts to Europe, which has had noticeable influences on his craft, but also from growing up in Belfast (with notable landmarks of the city interwoven in the lyrics), a city which has affected all the artists to come ...

Given the Indie revolution/ New world order that was established by Arctic Monkeys and Razorlight back in the early days of the new millennium and prolonged by the arrival of such bands like Foals, it is always strange to receive an indie band that surprises in a good way. The Left Backs do just that, and they do it without sounding anything like The Strokes. No, really! Fresh of the release of their New EP The Morning After The Night Before, the young band cops themselves a swagger and sound that suggest experience beyond their young age (having only formed in 2013), with songs and themes that give a reassuring sense of familiarity without cut-copy and pasting riffs and lyrics, a pitfall that many young bands usually fall into. The Left Backs, although borrowing heavily in influences from the pro’s (who doesn’t), maintain a feeling of electric originality and freshness that is guaranteed to have your fingers drumming and your feet tapping in the first 20-seconds of each single. ...

Alpha is defined in the dictionary as “the highest grade or mark” that something can achieve. Twin is defined in urban dictionary as the dangerous characters in any horror movie. Ladies and gentlemen,  Alpha Twin . Followers of Royal Blood and Nothing but Thieves secret revolution against indie bands and other manners of ‘fluff rock’, stand up and be counted. You are not alone. The Screech Rock revolution has come, and I do not use the word screech lightly. Any human can scream but it takes a certain primal being to screech. Herbivores scream. Predators screech. If you are a predator in this war against quiffs, suspenders and smoking jackets, take your place at your closest Alpha Twin gig, kneel down in prayer and screech Hallelujah. Homegrown rockers from the Northern capital,  Alpha Twin  (AT) consists of singer/guitarist Tomas Fisher, master of all things stringed and wooden, bassist Eoin Bannon, musical jack-of-all-trades and Belfast’s own answer to Keith Mo...

Adam Grant - My World County Down native Adam Grant announced his arrival into the world of albums with his debut My World . A local at heart and in his  work, Grants songs are funny and human in equal measure, with folky lyrics and a punky vibe providing an image not unlike a poor mans Frank Turner . Influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan , Bruce Springsteen and Green Day , My World is a quirky and enjoyable album with some faults. Occasionally, Grant comes across as muted or lacking in his score arrangement, and (as with most debut albums) repetition is noticeable. The saving grace lies within the lyrics, wherein Grant flexes his writing chops to create some relatable and mortal musical poetry. Album opener My Crowd sets the tone of the album. With its use of colloquial language, sang in Grants vernacular (side note: singing in your natural accent will always put you in my good books), My Crowd is , at its essence, a love song dedicated to Grant’s friends and hi...