The Goo 1
RECOMMENDED GIGS Recommended Gigs The Messthetics
- The Grand Social - Feb 7th Anyone who caught these guys when they last played the Social knows we are in for a proper treat. Featuring former Fugazi members Brendan Canty and Joe Lally (we are not worthy), The Messthetics are also bringing the outrageously brilliant American saxophonist/jazz composer James Brandon Lewis with them to create an even bigger noise. Unmissable! Niall Colfer Band - Whelans Upstairs - Feb 13th Former member of the critically acclaimed Wexford band Salthouse, Niall launches his new album, The Coast Of Everywhere tonight. Recorded and produced by Sean Coleman, the album finds Niall ruminating on themes of getting older, caring for loved ones and fast pace of life living and working in the city of Dublin. The title track of the album tells the story of Niall’s grandfather, a merchant seaman, who would send home postcards from all over the world 4 and fuses slow grooves and electric guitar into a delicate beauty. Ryley Walker - Bello Bar - Feb 13th Walker’s 2015 Primrose Green album is a classic of its kind, a massive journey into the sonic spheres traversed by Nice Drake, Tim Buckley, John Martyn & Van Morrison to name a few, all underpinned by Walker’s stunning finger picking guitar chops. His Chicago avant garde roots are always in tow too, so, although it’s a solo outing, the sound emanating from voice and guitar will be massive. The Ocelots - Whelans - Feb 14th Valentines day gig that sees Wexford brothers Ashley and Brandon Watson launch their new album Everything, When Said Slowly. Now residing in Leipzig, Germany the record builds on the folk-rock essence of their debut and is produced by long-time collaborators Cillian and Lorcan Byrne (Ailbhe Reddy, Susan O’Neill). The album was recorded live in Gavin Glass’s Wexford Orphan Studio and the band’s performances help form a driven, energetic scrapbook, coloured by flutes, synths, harmonica and harmonium. Another fine addition to the Irish folk scene. High Llamas - Whelans - Feb 15th Eagerly anticipated here in Goo HQ, this is the first Dublin live performance by Sean O’Hagans sublime outfit in ages and it’s gonna be an emotional one. O’Hagan was a founding member of Microdisney and played in Stereolab, an unbelievable CV. The High Llamas debut album Santa Barbara was released in 1992 and the follow up Gideon Gaye set the template for a superb canon of output, right up until last year’s outstanding comeback album, Hey Panda. With soothing strings, bossa nova rhythms fused with cinematic soundscapes and bubbly electronics, the Llamas were at the vanguard of the mid 90’s easy listening experience but O’Hagans songwriting kept them ahead of the posse. An engaging frontman, O’Hagans return is most welcome.