East Cork seems to have had a knack of turning out some great acts in recent times, and last night at Midleton’s McDaids some of its best bands took to the stage for a full-on showcase. With four amazing acts, four diverse styles and some genuine legends on the bill, the show promised much and delivered even more.
First up were Electro-pop group Toy Soldier. With one third of the three-piece suffering from a stomach bug, you would expect at least a minor falter in the show, but none could be seen. The band breezed through their set that included their recent single Sunset Girl and the band’s future classics, Summertime and So Far Away.
Their live setup is in a bit of a transitional phase, as they move from a rock sound to a more electronic sound. The stripped back sound takes out the majority of the live kit, leaving behind a kick drum and a variety of cymbals, and combines them with a multitude of triggers and pads. This setup seems to be still in its early stages, so there are a couple of hiccups here and there, but once they crack that sound, it’s going to be massive. (8/10)
Next up were hard-rock four-piece, and Drop-D favourites, Time Is A Thief. Conducting their set with their trademark tightness, efficiency and energy, TIAT blew the crowd away with their short set.
Following the recent release of their single Our Game, the band have been playing incessantly. In fact, they’ve been playing incessantly even when they didn’t have a single to promote. They are quite possibly one of the most hard working unsigned bands in the country when it comes to gigging and it shows. Their stage presence, crowd interaction and tightness are all at an extremely high level, and that’s experience that only coming from touring. Great things lie ahead for this band. (8/10)
Third on the bill were MAKO and in all truth, they were the band this reviewer was most excited to see, having heard a lot about this band over the last couple of years. Spearheaded by Declan O’ Shea and Christian Montagne, two members of the legendary group CYCLEFLY, the band is the artistic and creative outlet for the two, and a very possible return to the limelight. Declan and Christian were joined onstage by Rulers of the Planet guitarist and drummer, Ian O’ Connell and Kieran O’ Neill, and by CYCLEFLY guitarist, producer, and brother to Declan, Ciarán O’ Shea.
With such a line-up, they were sure to give one hell of a show, and they did. Playing for just about fourty-five minutes, MAKO made their way through a set of songs that they performed with an such proficiency, such style, and such class that showcased their combined experience and skill. There really isn’t much more to say about them. They are almost beyond description. They are simply one of the best bands this reviewer has seen in a long, long time. (10/10)
Closing the show were straight up alt-rock aficionados Goldfish Syndrome. A set of nicely pinned rock songs, with a tinge of Oasis and early Radiohead, they performed as skilfully as any of the other acts on the night. Unfortunately for them, MAKO seemed to be a tough act to follow, and by the time they took to the stage, the once receptive crowd had morphed into a loud and drunken one, so they weren’t received as well as they could have been. Still, they’re a meticulously crafted band have some greats songs, and play them expertly. (9/10)
It was a night that showcased the talent of some of the up-and-comers, some of the staples, and some of the legends of East Cork music. But taking it a bit further, this was a showcase of great Irish music. The future is bright.
Published on Drop-D.ie - August 29th, 2011
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