These four Dubliners aren’t lacking in passion: “It’s hard for ordinary people to understand that this is our fucking life. It’s not whowe are, it’s whatwe are,” says multi-instrumentalist Brian James. “If we do get a bad review or even if someone says something a little bit negative I personally just fucking flip out,” he continues. Thank God this is a Ones To Watch piece then.
They formed four years ago, using a disused office block as a studio. There the band crafted their sound, fusing distorted guitars and throbbing synths together in a powerful eardrum assault. After recording an EP Brian emailed esteemed producer Stephen Street, who has previously worked with The Smiths, Blur, and The Cranberries. “I just went on his ‘fan email’ section [of his website] and then a year-and-a-half later we’re walking out with an album,” he explains.
And what an album ‘Lily Of The Valley’ is. Each member is proficient with many instruments so there are few limitations. ‘Colour Fade’ is an epic track teetering on the divide between indie and dance. Equally ‘Mary’s Revenge’ is a bold opener with a huge synth at its core, and frontman Mik McKeogh shouting “Desires” over the top.
Further evidence of their desire is that large parts of the recording were self-funded. “We didn’t have a lot of cash,” explains Mik. “We were renting our asses out to find the money,” he laughs. They’re a jovial bunch considering the chosen connection to death. “I used to work in a bank but hated wearing a suit, and wanted to call the band The Suits, but that was gone and there was a copy of Arcade Fire’s ‘Funeral’ in front of me,” says Mik. They’re now living life to the full with plans underway for the follow-up already.
Words by Simon Butcher
Photo by Samuel John Butt
Where: Dublin
What: Synth indie
Get 3 songs: ‘Colour Fade’, ‘Mary’s Revenge’, ‘Adventures/Misadventures’
Unique Fact: The band met their drummer, Greg, in an Internet chat-room.
