We want to go to all of these…
If you’re like JOE then we imagine that you are currently staring at your keyboard and trying in vain to do some work but you just can’t see the point of putting your fingertips to the keyboard because you still have the Electric Picnic blues. It’s a week ago tomorrow. Sad face.
The Picnic was amazing but the music doesn’t stop there. Here are some upcoming gigs in 2014 that we think you should definitely check out. In chronological order:
First Aid Kit
Where and when: Mandela Hall and Olympia Theatre, September 17-18
Anyone that saw the Swedish folk-pop duo at Longitude will testify to just how captivating their jaunty pop is. Here’s hoping Conor Oberst doesn’t interrupt them again on stage this time.
Mick Flannery
Where and when: Kavanaghs, Olympia, Wexford Spiegeltent Festival, Roisin Dubh, Dolans, INEC. Various dates.
The Blarney man has established himself as one of the country’s top performers and his powerful, haunting yet poetic sounds can be heard all over Ireland very soon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKwutPPkWwU
Clip via – CheRVeLLo1’s channel
Vance Joy
Where and when: The Limelight and The Academy, September 21-22
The Australian’s upbeat folk pop sound has become a hit on Irish airwaves this summer and we expect these concerts to be bright, breezy and plenty of fun.
The Juan MacLean
Where and when: Bunatee, September 25
Electric Picnic saw a mini-invasion of James Murphy’s DFA label and it seems that they aren’t prepared to let their brilliant dancefloor hold over Irish fans go. The Juan MacLean are the jewel in the labels crown and are not to be missed.
Alt-J
Where and when: The O2, September 27
Their Mercury Prize winning debut ‘An Awesome Wave’ is an instant classic and what we’ve heard of the upcoming album ‘This is All Yours’ is excellent especially the bluesy ‘Left Hand Free’.
Girl Band
Where and when: The Button Factory, September 27
If you missed them at the Picnic then we strongly encourage you to check the Dubliners out. We expect huge things from them and having seen them live, we can safely say that this gig has all the makings of an instant classic.
Damien Dempsey
Where and when: Various places, September 27 – December 29
Fresh from saving lives in Wexford the talented singer songwriter makes a welcome return to the stage.
Clip via – Its all good!
Ed Sheeran
Where and when: The Odyssey and the O2, October 3-6 and October 8-9.
Does he need any introduction?
The Hot Sprockets
Where and when: The Grand Social, October 11.
One of the most exciting live Irish bands that this writer has seen in a long time.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Where and when: Button Factory, October 13.
The Philadelphia indie rocker’s new album ‘Only Run’ is due to be released soon and their back catalogue is incredibly strong. Irish audiences have traditionally been very kind to them and it’s easy to see why. They’re excellent live.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3_u89EwrN4
Clip via – Dr. Nikui
George Ezra
Where and when: Academy and Limelight, October 13-14.
Haven’t heard of him? Take a look at the stunning live set he did for us.
The Subways
Where and when: Cyprus Avenue, Academy, Limelight, October 13-15.
Infectious pop-rock has never sounded as good as it did on their debut album ‘Young for Eternity’. It’s a shame that their follow up albums haven’t matched the same levels but with breakneck tunes as good as ‘Rock ‘n Roll Queen’, ‘Holiday’ and ‘Oh Yeah’ they are certainly worth the admission fee.
Elvis Costello
Where and when: Bord Gais Energy Theatre, October 16
A musical legend and icon.
Clip via – Vincenzo Angileri
The Hold Steady
Where and when: Academy and Limelight, October 17-18
The H Street Band as I like to call them but to be honest it’s hard for any group not to be influenced by Bruce Springsteen. They wear their influences on their sleeves and have some cracking tunes, just like this one.
Clip via – TheHoldSteadyVEVO
Glass Animals
Where and when: Whelans , October 18
Their set at EP was full of trippy guitars, chilled beats and hip swaying rhythms and we fully expect tickets for this gig to be snapped up in a hurry. Don’t wait around.
Shabazz Palaces
Where and when: Twisted Pepper, October 18
If you’ve ever thought that the hip-hop genre has gone stale then we would like to direct you in the direction of Seattle rappers Shabazz Palaces. Their most recent album ‘Less Majesty’ was one of the most original, daring and rewarding pieces of music that we have heard in a long time.
Real Estate
Where and when: Academy, October 22
If you’re ever having a bad day then just stick on any of Real Estate’s three upbeat and unavoidably catchy albums. Their live performances have that unique ability to wash over everyone in attendance whether they are fans of the band or curious newbies.
Eaguuls
Where and when: Limelight and Academy, October 22-23
The Leeds band have been billed as the next big thing for quite some time, you can make your mind up for yourself soon enough.
Bell x1
Where and when: Knocknarea Arena, October 24
The Paul Noonan led band delighted festival goers at Forbidden Fruit a few months ago and we expect the exact same once again.
Clip via – Santiago Puyol
Van Morrsion
Where and when: Europa Hotel, October 25-26
Catch him on a bad night and it’s likely that he could have his back turned to the audience. Catch him on a good night and he can confirm his iconic status as one of Ireland’s most gifted musicians and song writers.
Clip via – SpaceOdyssee0
Royal Blood
Where and when: Academy, October 27.
Very few people can steal a show from the Arctic Monkeys but the Brighton duo did it at Marlay Park. Explosive isn’t the word.
The Antlers
Where and when: Olympia, October 30.
Their latest album ‘Familiars’ is stunningly beautiful and we can’t wait to hear it played in front of a live audience.
Clean Bandit
Where and when: Ulster Hall, November 1
For our money they were one of the best acts at Electric Picnic and their unique mix of classical music, acid house dance and hip-hop works brilliantly live. Not to be missed.
Clip via – cleanbandit
Future Islands
Where and when: Vicar Street, November 2-3
We think it’s impossible to find someone that doesn’t like this song. We still can’t shake the description of Brandon Flowers’ dad from our heads though.
Caribou
Where and when: Vicar Street , November 5.
Their unique mix of electro and psychedelia is sure to go down a treat with dance fans.
Boy and Bear
Where and when: Whelans, November 9.
We’re big fans of the Australian folk-pop duo and their albums ‘Harlequin Dreams’ and ‘Moonfire’. Fans of Feet Foxes or Mumford & Sons might dig this gig.
Clip via – boyandbearVEVO
The Altered Hours
Where and when: Whelans, November 14.
Fresh from a mesmeric set at Electric Picnic the Cork band are back once again to thrill with their brilliant mix of captivating and seductive psychedelia.
Robert Plant
Where and when: Ulster Hall and Olympia, November 23-24.
He was only the lead singer of one of the greatest rock ‘n roll bands of all time, well worth the admission fee.
Clip via – Robert Plant
The Who
Where and when: O2 and Odyssey, November 26 and 28.
Gods when compared to most other musicians.
Clip via – BBVCTom
Kasabian
Where and when: O2 and Odyssey, 8-9/12
The Glastonbury headliners don’t need me to help sell any more tickets to their upcoming gigs. They’ve a huge fan base here and are now justifiably an arena band because they have a back catalogue as good as anyone in the last decade.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
