So, 'BarryGruff Presents' returns to Flanagan's Bar, Newbridge for its sixth instalment on Friday, May 25th. The first 5 shows have been fantastic & 'BarryGruff Presents' #6 promises to be no less impressive, with the delectable talents of Sive, Padraig McCauley & The P Affection and Sea Area Forecast on show. Sive, the brainchild of [...]
So, it's gig #5 for 'BarryGruff' Presents'. This Thursday (April 26th) we've got The North Sea & Death In The Sickroom, entry is FREE as always and judging by the previous gigs, this is going to be a great night! Dublin 5 piece The North Sea made quite an impression over the past 12 months which [...]
Death In The Sickroom are a four piece Indie band from Dublin. To be frank, they play happy-go-lucky jingle-jangle pop songs with underlying themes of sex, violence and desperation. So far there are just a few demo's and live recordings, nonetheless, 'Tonight' in particularly is worthy of praise. It recalls the sparkling indie brilliance of Echo & The Bunnymen [...]
The blog is two years old today, how did that happen? It's hard to believe BarryGruff is entering its 3rd year in business, but it's been quite a lot of fun. First and foremost, a massive thank you to all the readers of the blog, without you this exercise would be quite pointless. Similarly thanks to everyone who [...]
Gaz Coombes is set to release his debut solo album, Here Come The Bombs, his first material since Supergrass announced their split in 2010. The album was produced alongside Sam Williams, the man with whom he worked with while in Supergrass and is said to have been inspired by the soundtrack works of John Barry and John Carpenter. Heralding this announcement we [...]
It was with great sadness that I discovered The Vagabonds (recently changed to TV) have decided to call it a day, citing "too many problems that were too large to ignore and we felt that we could no longer continue". Regular visitors to the blog may remember The Vagabonds came in for quite a bit [...]
Donegal-based SlowPlaceLikeHo me (aka Keith Mannion) released his second EP, Coastal Hubs for Chivalry in January. This is rich electronic music which slowly builds through vast wandering instrumentals, coupled by expansive, seductive and swirling arrangements to create relaxing, thought provoking music. Mannion isn't afraid to mix things up a little, preferring to work through different electronic styles rather than committing to just one in [...]
Little is known about Faws, an anonymous Dublin-based producer who took the unusual step of releasing the Antonym EP on Christmas Eve. A decision for many that would be deemed commercial suicide but it's admirable to see things been done different in avoiding the usual fanfare and distractions and letting the music speak for itself. He has set [...]
Netlabel Blurry Pup Recordings have very generously served us New Year treat with Blurred Lines, a free compilation showcasing the talents of the various artists from its roster. The label specialises in downtempo ambient electronic music so it is hardly surprising to find this is the staple of the release. It features artists from Canada, USA, [...]
Raglans are Stephen Kelly, Rhos Horan, Conn O' Runaidh and Liam Morrow from Greystones, Co Wicklow and formed into the four-man-ensemble during the summer of last year. Through a variety of handclaps and guitar swaying twangynes infused with dashes of folk and punk, their's is energetic, chipper and catchy indie channeling in parts The Rifles, The View, [...]
2011 has been a great year for Irish music, there has been a fantastic amount of great albums, EPs, songs and shows. It has been particularly good year for new and breakthrough artists with the likes of Sertone, Moths, REID, We Are Losers, Girl Band and Monto all impressing so much. Irish music is alive, well and more [...]
So, it's gig #3 for 'BarryGruff' Presents' in Flanagan's, Newbridge on Wednesday, December 14th. Entry is FREE as always and judging by the gigs #1 and #2, this is going to be immense! Now based between their native Dublin and Berlin, The Last Tycoons have taken time out of their busy schedule for a headline show in [...]
How could I not post about these guys, us 'Gruffs' must stick together right? This isn't nepotism of any kind, most importantly the songs are great and deserving of your time. Danny Gruff and the Peacemakers are a five piece Folk/Rock band formed by singer songwriter Danny Gruff in Wrexham. Danny has been playing solo [...]
For many people of a certain age 'Trap Door' will be forever associated with cult claymation animated television series. Dublin trio Trap Door (formerly Triple Drop) are doing the level best to change the situation, releasing an excellent debut EP, Lata Town. Similarities with Jamie T are undeniable, they like he, take the listener rumbustious rattle through urban life, combing a rich [...]
It's Hard Working Class Heroes time again in Dublin this weekend (October 6th - 8th), with many of Ireland's best and brightest emerging talents playing in venues across the city. It has become an important part of Irish music now, not only for allowing artists to showcase their talents but there's always a great buzz too. [...]
In the months following the break-up of Supergrass, bassist Mick Quinn with Paul Wilson and Mikey Dean-Smith formed dB band. Fronted by Quinn under the pseudonym of 'Barry McQueen', the trio have just released their debut EP, Stranger In The Alps. dB Band's sound elicits memories of Supergrass's earlier, harder edged and punkier songs with a touch of catchy [...]
Electric Picnic returns to Stradbally this weekend and as always there is a nice balance right between international and homegrown acts. After doing an overall preview I decided to put together a wee mix as a snap shot of some of the Irish acts playing this year. You can download the mix and listen to [...]
With the astounding depth of talent coming out of Newbridge right now, introducing this talent is becoming something of a regular occurrence. Kaleid (aka Peter Fleming) is a 19 year old musician originally from Dublin but now living in Newbridge. His sound is heavily indebted to dubstep and bass and evolved from a love of hip-hop, drum and bass and house. He [...]
Steel Horse is a solo side-project from Dublin troubadour Stefan Murphy (AKA The Mighty Stef). Stef has just unveiled a brand new EP, On A Steel Horse We Ride which sees him embracing his punk Id and influences like The Things, Devo, Moldy Peaches, Jeff Lewis and Magazine. We are introduced to new side of Stef, [...]
Have you got enough riffage in your life? If not Event Horses are the answer to all your problems. Formed in April 2010, the punk-pock and hardcore trio have already become a hot favourite within the North of Ireland music scene following some high-profile gigs and their critically acclaimed debut EP, Faces. The Antrim 3-piece's second EP, Dance [...]
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Summer (Or What It Sounds Like) Vol. 3
Pusha T – Exodus 23:1 (Teaser) [Video]
Foxygen - "Make It Known"
