Hard Working Class Heroics
thursday of HWCH 2011 in review.
a rollicking show that, aesthetically, had a somewhat 90’s grunge feel, despite the band’s dance music billing. high energy gesticulations and head-banging to the electro-feuled beats made for a fantastically entertaining experience, save for their early billing which meant that the crowd was possibly not quite ready to reciprocate fully to such unremitting beats. Great showing by SOSB.
a superb show by a group of young lads from dundrum, the spies show was one that caught me off guard. with an arcade fire like appeal, distorted guitars and powerful solos create an intense backdrop to the baritone lyrical musings of the lead singer. Also noteworthy for the skillful off-beat pulsing of one very talented drummer.
undoubtedly one of my highlights of the entire festival, we cut corners fill out any arena with exponentially more presence than would be thought possible, being a band made up of only two members. gorgeously harmonized lyrics are both heartbreaking and powerful in their delivery, set to beautifully thought out arrangements on both guitar and drums. a set that delivered both intensity and quietly thoughtful melody, we cut corners are a band that will certainly have garnered the respect of anyone lucky enough to catch their show.
synth infused rock at its very best, the funeral suits always put on a captivating show, and their appearance at HWCH was no different. thudding, all pervasive drum beats betwixt with off kilter electro synth, all swirling around powerful vocals and beautiful lyrics make each showing by the funeral suits an experience that is both poignant and vigorous.
another gorgeous performance by the beautiful elaine mai, she held a captivated audience in the palm of her hand at the shebeen chic on thursday. layers of perfectly pitched vocals wafted over an elixir of looped, atmospheric beats. her bewilderingly honest lyrics delivered with heart wrenching simplicity never cease to amaze.
with a californian surf pop quality, little x’s are a gorgeously harmonic band, that infuse a myriad of instruments into their dream like songs. with beautiful and simple song arrangements, the female voices that front the band shine, and they are utterly adorable to see and hear.
