This article was first
published
on CLUAS in June 2006
Worthy bands deserving of more attention
Ten acts under the radar that merit a tad more scrutiny...
Talent sometimes hangs around until noticed, or flies under the radar, or is so new that it's yet to be netted. Here, Gareth Maher introduces all of the above.
Wherever there is an active underground music scene, you can be sure there is
an abundance of under-appreciated acts floating under the radar. Not every act
receives the exposure that they deserve. Some get it while others rely on a
small but dedicated legion of fans. Every now and then though, one of the acts
from the underground scene will get a record deal. And not always the most
worthy band are snapped up, but that's just the way it goes sometimes.
To discover one of the better acts in Ireland's underground scene, you need to
take a chance. Take some time to listen to support acts at gigs. Take a gamble on picking up an independently released CD. Who knows, you might even be
pleasantly surprised at the level of talent that some of the acts have. They
could well turn out to be your new favourite band. Below are 10 acts that could
be such candidates. Keep your eye out for them...
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Stand |
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The Rags |
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66e |
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The Urges |
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Wallmark |
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Prison Love |
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Bray Vista |
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Tadhg Cooke |
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Goodtime John |
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Alyana |
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Originally from Dublin, Stand now calls New York home.
That transatlantic switch hasn't been as successful as they had hoped
though. Yes they are favourites on the American college scene but
whenever they come back to Ireland it is only usually their loyal fan
base that turns up to see them live. The excellent 'Transmissions' album
is out now and available from their website.
This is a band that remains largely unknown in Ireland,
despite having played almost every venue in the country. The six-member
band grind hook laden choruses with an indie rock backbone to produce
songs with an acute aftertaste. Having release two cracking EPs so far,
expect a debut album in the near future. 
Comparisons with Radiohead and Explosions In The Sky are
not completely bizarre, but the 66e very much have their own sound. Last
year's debut album 'Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight' showcased the
strength of the songs that they create and won over many new fans.
Having played at both 
You can sum this band up in just one word - energetic.
The energy that they put into their live performances and solid
recordings would make any up and coming band envious. They have one EP
out so far and are working hard on their next release. If you like your
serving of psychedelic themed indie rock fresh and energetic, then The
Urges are the band for you.
Hailing from Birr, Co. Offaly, Wallmark are the type of
band that you could instantly adore. Packed into their songs are enticing
guitar riffs, calculated drumming, catchy lyrics and a bittersweet
feeling that lingers long after the song is over. Check out their superb
album 'Everything, Something, Anything'. 
Proving that the underground scene is not only for the
indie rock bands, Prison Love has been doing things their own way for
quite some time now. The bluegrass seven-piece manages to perfectly
capture the Americana sound of old and give it a modern twist. Their
album 'This Corn Is Awesome' is a great introduction. 
Having recently put out a superb new album in 'Sing My
Darling', Bray Vista is quickly gaining a reputation for being Ireland's
most distinguished country act. The nine band members all play pivotal
roles in creating the gorgeous ballads that they are renowned for. Pick
up their latest effort and make sure to catch them live, as you won't be
disappointed. 
One of the finest singer/songwriters in this country to
not receive the plaudits that he deserves, Tadhg has something a little
special about him. His ability to mould together sensitivity and
elegance with his remarkably distinctive voice casts him high above
similar artists. His album 'Wax & Seal' is a great example of just how
good he is. 
Every once in a while a songwriter of exceptional talent
crops up, and when they do you always wonder how they weren't found out
earlier. Goodtime John is a songwriter of that ilk. He effortlessly
weaves his vocals through delicate melodies and lush harmonies on the
bittersweet tunes that make up his latest album 'I'll Sing Till The Sun
Turns Cold'. Don't let him escape your attention any longer.
Here is a singer/songwriter with the type of sweetly
seductive vocals that will play over in your head all day long. She
writes songs that are at the same time charming and thought-provoking.
Expect to her more of her in the coming months. Gareth Maher
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