The Maladies (launch gig for new album 'a whole bunch of rivers') Groom Kieron Black whelans saturday 24th Sept. doors 8.00pm adm: 12 blips (lame, but we still gotta pay for digipacks + a gazillion other things, coke & hookers mainly) crap: Dublin 6 piece The Maladies were formed in 1999 by childhood friends, acquaintences and a guy they met at a party. Early days were spent playing shambolic gigs in every venue that would have them, while also building up a small but dedicated following. In 2003 the band decided it was time to take a serious step foward and record an album. Recorded in Richmond studios by Bobby Boughton, ‘The Maladies' was an eclectic mix of schmaltzy ballads and riotous rockers and evertything in between, leading one lazy reviewer to compare them to The Birthday Party, Coldplay, Gallon Drunk and Tom Waits. The album was well recieved and was picked up by some of Irelands coolest DJs like Dan Hegarty, Tom Dunne, Dave Fanning, Paul Clarke and eh... Pat Kenny. In October 2003 the band set out on their first nationwide tour, travelling the length and breadth of Ireland playing gigs wherever they could and getting a great reception wherever they went (except Enniskillen). In November the Band decamped to Homestead Studios in Antrim to record their second album with producer Mudd Wallace (Therapy?, Watercress). If the first album genre hopped a little, the second takes huge bounds between different styles, mixing elements of funk, folk, garage-pop, and...(whisper it)...jazz into what as an already eclectic sound. The Album, titled ‘A Whole Bunch Of Rivers’ will be released on the 23rd semptember 2005. www.themaladies.net Groom play an eclectic mix of progressive rock, electronic, synth-pop and folk. Formed out of the ashes of alt pop band Settler, the sound has been described as "like descending a wooden staircase on your ass - bumpy". So there you go. To wit: Mike and Wilbert from Settler were joined in a practice room by electronic wiz LMD64 and drummer and Pantera enthusiast El Flatulo in 2004. It was a curious mix. Time hasn't made it any less curious. With one electropop album, Stitch, and a remix EP, The Groom and Wave EP, as well as some rather distinguished videos and even an Irish tour already under their belts, Groom are presently recording a new album. And buying new belts. www.gettaroom.com Keiron Black is an american guy with a guitar who doesnt sing sad songs about girls. thanks.