nessymon.com

Blog

  • Von Shakes: My Side Review

    vonshakesWhen I reviewed Von Shakes‘ debut album last year, it was a good start but I felt I wanted a little more UMPH! Looks like I got it!

    ‘My Side’ shows how much the band have come on and learned since then. They have sorted a decent indie rock sound for themselves and more noticeable is how strong singer, Paddy Brazel’s vocals have become.

    The track starts with guitar and drums before the band’s updated contemporary sounds are unleashed. There are hints of KOL here but Von Shakes are moving in the right direction to place themselves in the ballpark as bands like Sound of Guns and develop their sound more.

    Impressed with their progress! The single will be released on April 8th and will be preceded by a launch gig in the Workman’s Club, Dublin, on April 5th.

  • The Wombats: Live at The Academy, Dublin

    I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from The Wombats. I knew some of their singles but after that I’d be at a loss, so March 20th in The Academy was going to be a little adventure.

    The Minutes had the job to open for The Wombats, when I heard this, I was a little surprised, I would have presumed they would be a much heavier band. They opened with their new single ‘Black Keys’ and within minutes the Dublin three piece has stamped their authority on the stage. Big, brash, bold, contemporary with nod at old school garage rock.

    Lead singer, Mark Austin says that he hopes the audience all went to Mass  because ‘it’s Sunday’. Throughout the show he lets his wit shine with occasional little quirks but you can see he’s not up for bull$hit and is happier playing music. (more…)

  • Confession: I Love The Giants

    The countdown to the new season is on. The opening game against the Dodgers is at the next of next week, April 1st. My subscription to MLB.TV is all topped up, my browser points constantly to KNBR.  My insomniac sleep patterns are switching to ‘Baseball’.  It’s Giants time and I’ve been waiting since last November.

    When the Giants won the World Series, it seemed like the bunch of misfits were invincible.  I so didn’t want last season to end.  Spring Training games aren’t just for the players, they’re also for me to get back in sync with PST… ten days early, I’m ready, Let’s Defend this title! (more…)

  • Gavin Friday: Able – Free Download

    Gavin-Friday-Able-PromoI don’t know what it is about Gavin Friday, I just love him. Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet soundtrack really got me switched on his music. I never really cared if he was in the Virgin Prunes or if he was Bono’s mate or whatever, the airy ‘Angel’ got me hooked.

    His new album ‘Catholic’ is out on April 22nd and in the run up to the release of the album, the ggod man is giving away a track on his website. Able doesn’t disappoint  as he puts his own style down with flickers of Bowie, to my ears. (more…)