THE Sewing Room's brand of lazy, lo fi melancholia might not make for an exciting night out, but there is little doubt that their music hits the right mournful notes. This Dublin band not only has impeccable reference points (Television, The Only Ones, et al), but also the intelligence to use these in the right context, paving a cracked path for lonely people to have a good time together.
The Bedhangers from Ballymena are teenage brats with an infectious love of loud guitars, the by now patented Northern Irish pop/punk sense of melody, and an exuberance that is impossible not to smile broadly at. Lead singer Chris McGahey looks and sings the part, not at all oblivious of the tact that Colt Pop is safe in his very capable hands. These were terrific songs played with arrogance and quite perfect in a raw naive way.
Junkster inevitably, proverbially, blew both bands off the stage. This Dublin band have been playing it slow but sure over the past year, and are surely at the point where they will sign to a (very lucky) major record company, such is their blatant talent. Lead singer, Deirdre O'Neill, weaves a sinuous, sensuous stage performance around songs that are tightly wrought, seamlessly Structured, and really quite superb.
The band's debut single, Going Down, is released at the end of January a taster for more successful times and radio play to come. Here's hoping that lucky record company treats Junkster with the respect they deserve.
