Chasing What?
June 3, 2010 No Comments
Have Snow Patrol become too big for our under-dog loving boots?
When people are questioned about the recent Northern Irish music scene, who are the names that consistently spring to mind? Snow Patrol? The Answer? ASH? Oppenheimer maybe?
Much as we can be proud of these bands and their success, they are but the first wave of a wealth of new talent on the local scene just waiting to emerge. These new bands are the future of Northern Irish music, and what a bright future it is.
The next time I hear ‘Chasing Cars,’ be it a remix, a cover by the next X-Factor victim or by Mr. Lightbody himself, I think I’ll probably lose my mind: a far cry from the euphoria set to permeate Ward Park this weekend.
‘We Are The Foolish’ by General Fiasco? ‘I Don’t Want To Die’ by the Panama Kings? I’ll take these any day, longing for their three minutes of musical bliss to last longer and longer each time. General Fiasco are the latest of several local bands to be signed, and they really are on the verge of hitting the big time. Headlining the Ulster Hall brought their rise in 2009 to an epic climax and 2010 promises even greater things. Panama Kings are another band on the cusp of fame despite a less conventional sound. More along the lines of Modest Mouse, their exciting sound and exhilarating live performances have won them a legion of supporters and a UK tour.
Two Door Cinema Club
Very soon, bands like General Fiasco, Panama Kings and Two Door Cinema Club (Who were featured in last month’s Q Magazine), will be the first name in Northern Irish music. Surely this can only be a good thing.
Two Door Cinema Club have cemented themselves as one of the top upcoming UK acts. Signing with French label Kitsuné has opened a huge European market and the trio are set for a summer of European dates along with a venture to the US in October. Along with General Fiasco, they are aired almost daily on top radio stations and their rise is indicative of the wealth of talent available here in Northern Ireland.
Although still touring the circuit at home, bands like A Plastic Rose are embarking on UK tours and gaining a momentum overseas. With a ringing endorsement from local music guru Rory McConnell, playing Radio 1’s Unsigned Stage at the Reading and Leeds festival and a UK tour this summer, A Plastic Rose’s reputation will soon sky-rocket into much deserved national recognition.
A Plastic Rose
Last time round, Yes Cadets, among others, appeared at Oxegen, while this year, Two Door Cinema Club are one of the highest up Irish bands on the bill. More locally however, festivals such as PigStock and Glasgowbury give home-grown bands a platform to really showcase what they can do on the big stage. Such events give them the vital experience needed to hold their own when it comes to performing bigger festivals.
Just as the proud legacy of Teenage Kicks was challenged by the monotony of pursuing automobiles, our new music can challenge and conquer.
The range of bands currently on the local circuit is nothing short of astounding. Hard rock in the form of Bandwagon and Swanee River, punk activism from Axis Of, experimental ska brought forth by Pocket Billiards or radio friendly light rock from Pocket Promise and the Good Fight all have their place in the local scene. Less than a decade ago, such variety was simply not present.
General Fiasco
A Plastic Rose flew the flag at Reading and Leeds festival last year. Our very own Glasgowbury festival, coming this summer on the 24th July, gives local bands a chance to shine on the big stage, while local media allows opportunities for upcoming artists to have their music played on a national level.
Like never before Northern Ireland has the facilities, the infrastructure and the talent to make an impact on an international scale. With rising gig attendances, the global audience provided by the Internet and local promoters providing gigs and events, record labels have no choice but to take notice of our talent and recognise that the next big thing could be on our doorstep.
The snow has started to melt and a new wave of Northern Irish bands are emerging with the drive, determination and, most importantly, the talent to eclipse nearly everything that has gone before them.
By Daniel Lynch