The Goo 1
MAY-JUNE 23 ADHAMH O’CAOIMH LUKE HOWARD Workmans
Vintage Room This evening saw Dublin based musician Luke Howard bring his complex, pop imbued jazz to The Workmans Vintage Room, with drummer Dylan Lynch and bassist Aiden Gray joining the stage after the solo piano and voice opening number. The second composition blossomed into subdued shades of Omar Sosa, an incredible showing by the young combo which melded some analog electronic elements with deft and sophisticated musicianship. Following this with ‘The Maze’, which in its beginnings betrayed an obvious Nick Drake influence, soft singing soon gave way to ADHAMH O’CAOIMH JINX LENNON Workmans Cellar The Deadlians desert rock by-way-of-Dublin lit a fuse under the evening, performing a tight, short set of crunchy punk. Guitarist Tommy Foster, who also runs the excellent, excellent Turning Earth podcast, dexterously navigated the heady mix of trad, punk and blues with aplomb, as singer Sean Fitzgerald took to seemingly playing a different instrument for every song of a brief, beautiful show. Jinx Lennon took to the stage on the heels of newest album LISA MULLALY FIRST CLASS & COACH Workmans Cellar First Class and Coach mark the release day of their second album Neon Hip with an intimate gig in Workman’s Cellar to kick off their album release tour. The eclectic repurposed space decorated with couches, vintage wallpaper and soft candles served as a comforting venue for the alt indie-rock band’s return to Dublin City. The atmosphere was mirrored by the crowd, with fans lying lazily against walls and sitting cross-legged swaying to the group’s repetitive rhythmic sound. Starting off with ‘Lullaby’ from their first album ‘The Truth about Honey’, the Cork-based group showcased music from their new album as well as a selection of songs from their first album. Lead vocalist, Geraldine Thomas, supplied the room with a sense of passion and emotion dancing around her limited space on the crowded stage. Although they got off to a somewhat subdued start, First Class and Coach hit their stride after a few songs blasting a blend of squalling guitar, distorted keyboard and a grimy bassline, all driven by punching drum beats. Thomas’ statement yelp punctuates the simple melodies. Her whirring drone is reminiscent of a hybrid King Krule and The Cranberries. The 4-piece group closed out their 60-minute set with ‘Neon Hip’ the title track of their new album which provided a boost of energy and enthusiasm to the mellow atmosphere. ‘Walk Lightly When The Jug Is Full’, with a beautiful acoustic piece entitled ‘Atlantic Coast Woman’ from the record. The pastoral peace soon gave way to the hooky, harsh ‘Bonus Ball’ to set off the sold out Workmans Cellar. Peppered with sonic inserts of field recordings from a day in the Dundalk natives life, or spoken poetry, we were treated to choice cuts such as ‘You’re Still Going To Have To Meet Them Up The Street’ and its insistent pulse and trad driven guitar. His distinctive, signature Sprechgesang spared no horses in calling out folks like Andy Irvine, secretive about their tunings on ‘Tyrants of the Open String’. His singular poetry deals with important topics: those aforementioned tyrants, where one's eyes might fall in the gym. There is a different sort of earnestness about him than the sort most singer songwriters ply as their sole trade. Genuine. A touching instrumental dedicated to his wife (get well soon Mrs. Lennon) and new track ‘Show Your Claws’ were personal highlights, but his relentless charisma ensured revellers saw it as as much of a sermon as a show. Ever effortless is our Jinx. Here’s to Lennonism. a subtle bossa nova groove. The complex interplay between the musicians proved a highlight throughout, especially during the instrumental tunes. We enjoyed a mid-set change of pace, somewhat perkier piece currently entitled ‘Jazz Jig’ became a highlight, centred around a 6/8 rhythm with some interesting synthesis and dynamic range, a tastefully employed Dave Smith Prophet ‘08 and a section that reaffirmed the double bass as my favourite instrument to listen to. Following on with a sublime John Martyn cover and closing number, ‘Labyrinth’ Luke Howard established himself a talented songwriter and piano player, with dense thoughtful chords, a mysterious quality to his voicings, and an outstanding rhythm section behind him to boot. The composer mentioned that he is currently recording and with luck, listeners will have something to digest at leisure in good time. This concert series, organised by the Dublin Jazz CoOp, has been a welcome addition to the Dublin showscape. PAGE 15