The Goo 1
JAN '25 in the country, the amount of sheer talen
t and technical ability onstage would draw the attentions of any curious ear, but it is the octets knack for shaping all that know how into some truly remarkable songs around the staggering voice of frontwoman Anelise Furkin, a versatile instrument of power and grace. Boasting a full horn section of monster players, including Yankari da man Richard Ng, and one of the finest drummers operating on the island in Keith Jordan, it should be on your list of priorities to catch this gifted group of individuals pack the Whelans stage over the weekend. JESUS LIZARD - BUTTON FACTORY - JAN 15TH & 16TH Second date added on the 16th for this legendary noise rock US outfit who have just released their first album in 26 years. Rack is classic JL, fast and furious guitars underpinned by pounding drums and helter skelter basslines worming through David Yows strangled vocal melodies. It's a glorious noise and the atmosphere in the BF for these two gigs will be special. JEM MITCHELL - ARTHURS - JAN 16TH Very welcome return for the lauded Dublin singer songwriter who has arguably one of the best roots voices in the country. Mitchell is joined onstage by Ken Browne on electric guitar and as an extra special treat they have the blues/ jazz and soul 5 piece The Little Black Book as special guests. Mitchell doesn't perform live much these days so if you like your Americana raw and real this is unmissable. LYLE LOVETT (AND HIS ACOUSTIC GROUP) - NCH - JAN 20TH The singer, composer and actor rolls into town for an intimate concert with his Acoustic Group in tow, featuring the legendary Lee Sklar on bass. Lovett’s band would be worth the admission price alone but the mainman is pure showbiz and never fails to entertain. Fusing elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues, the Texan’s stellar sense of musicianship, his sublime storytelling and his wicked sense of humour are pure gold. THE NEXT BIG THING - WORKMANS MAIN ROOM & CELLAR - JAN 22ND/23RD/24TH Hot on the heels of Whelan's Ones To Watch comes The Next Big Thing, a similar vibe to OTW but PAGE 5 taking place in the Workmans main room and Cellar. Curated by Ex Oh Promotions, it’s the fourth edition and features a host of Goo favourites including Pebbledash, And He, The Fool and Dream Boy. The event takes place over three nights, Wednesday 22nd to Friday 24th of January and provides a great opportunity to spot the new wave of Irish talent. The Next Big Thing is a proudly DIY festival, curated by musicians for musicians to create a space for emerging artists to play to larger audiences for, often, the first time in their careers. Other great acts scheduled to play include Annie and the Witness, yes chef!, Vaticanjail, Teeejuh and AILSHA, showcasing the festival’s diverse tastes. Check out the full line up on Ex O0h insta: @ exohpromotionsxo PLAYBACK PLAY STOP MAKING SENSE - AMBASSADOR THEATRE - JAN 25TH In 1986 the only place us indie kids could go to for a late buzz was The Ambassador Cinema at the top of O’Connell St where they screened Talking Heads masterpiece Stop Making Sense at midnight. There was no bar so you either arrived loaded or snook a spliff in but the euphoria of the performance was always tangible and had us dancing in the aisles whatever state you were in. The cinema became a venue, which is thankfully back in operation and in a nifty piece of symbiosis the bookers have scheduled in a live performance of said classic by Playback, a group of Dublin based musicians who have been executing the movie and its music superbly for the last couple of years. Highly recommended. TEN FÉ - GRAND SOCIAL - JAN 28TH Captained by Irishman Leo Duncan and Englishman Ben Moorhouse, Ten Fé expand to a four piece for their live shows pedalling a very sophisticated take on the type of mid 70’s rock that made Fleetwood Mac global superstars. Lead single and new album title track ‘Still In Love’ showcases the duo penchant for smooth grooves and melodic chops. It’s, as they say, very radio friendly but quality so it’ll be interesting to see how they fly this year.