Showing posts with label Torgas Valley Reds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Torgas Valley Reds. Show all posts
Putting 2005 to bed, part 2, highlights from Northern Ireland
I haven't been able to pay a lot of attention to local RECORDED output over the last year, but the Tracer AMC 12" and the Oppenheimer 3-song demo/ promo would be my two highlights. Embarrassingly, I haven't had a listen to either the new Tracer album 'Islands' or the Robyn G Shiels, both of which I am looking forward to hearing.
As far as gigs are concerned I have fared slightly better as I've seen a lot of really good shows. Old faves like the aforementioned Tracer AMC and Desert Hearts didn't disappoint the few times I've seen them this year, and Clone Quartet have undergone yet another transformation and were one of my highlights of BelFEST 05. Another highlight from the same night were Delaware who I had seen a couple of times before and I wasn't bothered about, but they really rose to the occasion on the BelFEST gig in the Empire. Those vocal harmonies are so sweet.
Ultimately though my two live highlights are bands I have seen a lot in 2005 and I have always been impressed by - We Are Knives (twice) and Oppenheimer (four times). In particular, Oppenheimer wowed the masses passing through the tented stage at the Vital show in Botanic Gardens, and We Are Knives supported some visiting emo-band one night in Auntie Annies and they really couln't be followed. I hope to hear loads more from these guys in 2006.
One sad final note as 2005 saw the demise of Torgas Valley Reds, one of the finest bands to come from these shores this decade. They left us a solitary 7" and a handful of great live memories.
Review: BelFEST showcase 24th November 2004
Review: BelFEST showcase 24th November 2004
(Disclaimer: I have tried to compile this review without comparing anyone directly to another band!)
The previous night (Desert Hearts, Contraband) is reviewed here.
After last night's subdued show in the Pavilion, this free four-venue event had a lot more atmosphere and a huge variety of music. Obviously I couldn't see all of it, in fact I couldn't even stick to my provisional timetable!
What I did see was a lot of enthusiastic people turning out to watch (mostly) unsigned local acts, and overall I got a better feeling about this than BelFEST 2002 which is the only other one I had attended.
Although the opening slot at any of these showcases is often the booby prize, the venues are already pretty full, so there was no loss in going on first.
The Embers were the first band that I saw, in their self-confessed bogey venue Katy Dalys, and it turned into one of the best shows I've seen them do. This was shorter than their normal set, although they still managed to show off a range of their best material - a good mix of their pop songs and the more intricate pieces. Best of all, they hung on their crowd and it actually grew by the end of the set.
Unfortunately Driving By Night are on next door in the Spring and AirBrake at a similar time and although I only caught the last three songs they were a pleasant surprise. It's great when a band that you have never heard before impresses you. I was told that I had seen the slower part of the set so it would be interesting to hear more of them. The vocals in particular stood out, but as I didn't see the whole set I'll not compare the band to anyone in particular, I'll just recommend that you go and see them.
I catch a few songs by Duke Special in the Limelight. This was a solo show, a bit refreshing amongst all these guitar based bands, and a good show it was too. The velvet drapes and the old gramophone gave him a bit of an eccentric edge and he went down very well with the crowd. He also plays with a band under the same name, and as a result of this performance they could also be worth a look.
Torgas Valley Reds follow soon after in the Spring and Airbrake and once again they deliver the goods. Starting off slowly with the keyboard based 'Appalachia', they soon step things up a notch and the crowd starts to build up as well. You can only review a band so many times before becoming repetitive, so all I can say is that TVR were the best on offer tonight - great songs and a great performance.
There is a bit of a lull next and I get distracted as there is no-one to really grab
my attention in the three connected venues. I should mention that because I watched TVR I missed Le Scenes who impressed a lot of the people I was with and could be worth a further look. Sadly we miss Foamboy in Auntie Annies, but we arrive in time for Tom McShane. His set is a great end to the night - gentle, slightly melancholic songs which are well worth checking out. His band are subtle and understated as well, and they do the songs justice.
Although I had seen some of tonight's bands before, I still left feeling very positive about the local music scene. Lots of good performances over the last two days, and although the record companies may not have been here in force, generally the acts that I saw got very good feedback from the crowd. Now if only the accompanying CD had been released in time I would be very happy indeed!
(Disclaimer: I have tried to compile this review without comparing anyone directly to another band!)
The previous night (Desert Hearts, Contraband) is reviewed here.
After last night's subdued show in the Pavilion, this free four-venue event had a lot more atmosphere and a huge variety of music. Obviously I couldn't see all of it, in fact I couldn't even stick to my provisional timetable!
What I did see was a lot of enthusiastic people turning out to watch (mostly) unsigned local acts, and overall I got a better feeling about this than BelFEST 2002 which is the only other one I had attended.
Although the opening slot at any of these showcases is often the booby prize, the venues are already pretty full, so there was no loss in going on first.
The Embers were the first band that I saw, in their self-confessed bogey venue Katy Dalys, and it turned into one of the best shows I've seen them do. This was shorter than their normal set, although they still managed to show off a range of their best material - a good mix of their pop songs and the more intricate pieces. Best of all, they hung on their crowd and it actually grew by the end of the set.
Unfortunately Driving By Night are on next door in the Spring and AirBrake at a similar time and although I only caught the last three songs they were a pleasant surprise. It's great when a band that you have never heard before impresses you. I was told that I had seen the slower part of the set so it would be interesting to hear more of them. The vocals in particular stood out, but as I didn't see the whole set I'll not compare the band to anyone in particular, I'll just recommend that you go and see them.
I catch a few songs by Duke Special in the Limelight. This was a solo show, a bit refreshing amongst all these guitar based bands, and a good show it was too. The velvet drapes and the old gramophone gave him a bit of an eccentric edge and he went down very well with the crowd. He also plays with a band under the same name, and as a result of this performance they could also be worth a look.
Torgas Valley Reds follow soon after in the Spring and Airbrake and once again they deliver the goods. Starting off slowly with the keyboard based 'Appalachia', they soon step things up a notch and the crowd starts to build up as well. You can only review a band so many times before becoming repetitive, so all I can say is that TVR were the best on offer tonight - great songs and a great performance.
There is a bit of a lull next and I get distracted as there is no-one to really grab
my attention in the three connected venues. I should mention that because I watched TVR I missed Le Scenes who impressed a lot of the people I was with and could be worth a further look. Sadly we miss Foamboy in Auntie Annies, but we arrive in time for Tom McShane. His set is a great end to the night - gentle, slightly melancholic songs which are well worth checking out. His band are subtle and understated as well, and they do the songs justice.
Although I had seen some of tonight's bands before, I still left feeling very positive about the local music scene. Lots of good performances over the last two days, and although the record companies may not have been here in force, generally the acts that I saw got very good feedback from the crowd. Now if only the accompanying CD had been released in time I would be very happy indeed!
Review: TRACER AMC + TORGAS VALLEY REDS Belfast Auntie Annie's 5th September 2004
Review: TRACER AMC + TORGAS VALLEY REDS
Belfast Auntie Annie's 5th September 2004
The difficult thing about local music is that the good bands are spread so thin that you end up seeing them far more often than you might like. In my opinion, Tracer and Torgas are head and shoulders above any other acts from Northern Ireland and consequently I have seen both of them an awful lot.
Tonight they are both sound fresh to me as I haven't seen either of them in a few months, plus the PA in Auntie Annie's has been beefed up a bit and this gives both bands an extra kick.
Having started off this review by lumping both bands together I should point out that they are actually quite different in terms of the music they play. Torgas Valley Reds are a powerful three-piece who play infectiously catchy punk rock, coming across as a reinvigorated version of their earlier band Backwater with better songs. The debut single 'Torgas Valley Blue'/ ' Me and My Buddies Would Vote For You' is a good place to start, and judging by tonight's set there's a lot more where that came from. They have been very prolific during their brief existence and I've watched their set expand and contract as they add and drop songs each time they play, although I get the feeling it is now shaping up to be a very strong half hour of songs.
Tracer AMC by contrast are an all instrumental four piece who earlier this released their debut album 'Flux and Form' to healthy acclaim from radio and press types all over the place. They do fit broadly into the post-rock pigeonhole with long songs, time changes and intricate guitar parts, but instead of just copying a formula Tracer have something distinct. Tonight they ignore most of the debut album to concentrate on new material, most of which is being heard for the first time. On initial hearing it seems rawer, edgier than the album material, and it goes down well. It will be interesting to hear how the recorded versions sound, but it bodes very well for the follow-up to 'Flux and Form'.
Belfast Auntie Annie's 5th September 2004
The difficult thing about local music is that the good bands are spread so thin that you end up seeing them far more often than you might like. In my opinion, Tracer and Torgas are head and shoulders above any other acts from Northern Ireland and consequently I have seen both of them an awful lot.
Tonight they are both sound fresh to me as I haven't seen either of them in a few months, plus the PA in Auntie Annie's has been beefed up a bit and this gives both bands an extra kick.
Having started off this review by lumping both bands together I should point out that they are actually quite different in terms of the music they play. Torgas Valley Reds are a powerful three-piece who play infectiously catchy punk rock, coming across as a reinvigorated version of their earlier band Backwater with better songs. The debut single 'Torgas Valley Blue'/ ' Me and My Buddies Would Vote For You' is a good place to start, and judging by tonight's set there's a lot more where that came from. They have been very prolific during their brief existence and I've watched their set expand and contract as they add and drop songs each time they play, although I get the feeling it is now shaping up to be a very strong half hour of songs.
Tracer AMC by contrast are an all instrumental four piece who earlier this released their debut album 'Flux and Form' to healthy acclaim from radio and press types all over the place. They do fit broadly into the post-rock pigeonhole with long songs, time changes and intricate guitar parts, but instead of just copying a formula Tracer have something distinct. Tonight they ignore most of the debut album to concentrate on new material, most of which is being heard for the first time. On initial hearing it seems rawer, edgier than the album material, and it goes down well. It will be interesting to hear how the recorded versions sound, but it bodes very well for the follow-up to 'Flux and Form'.
REVIEW: Fiery Furnaces + Torgas Valley Reds, Belfast Auntie Annies 19th February 2004
REVIEW: Fiery Furnaces + Torgas Valley Reds, Belfast Auntie Annies 19th February 2004
With one truly awesome show already in 2004, TVR are again on great form tonight. For those of you who don't know or realise, this three-piece used to be known as Backwater and they released an album on Che Records in 1996. They were good then but they're even better now. There are no Backwater songs of course as TVR have been writing material at an alarming rate, and even for someone like myself who goes to most of their gigs, there are usually a couple of fresh additions to the setlist at every show. Sure enough, two new songs appear tonight - uptempo poppier pieces that hint that the Fugazi/ Wire influences that dominated the very first TVR material is taking a backseat to more straightforward noisy pop. Best of all though, TVR over the last few months have started to grow out of their obvious influences and begin to sound like themselves. The debut single, the first release on the new Howl label, should do a lot to convince people how good they've become.
On any ordinary night, TVR would have stolen the show, but the Fiery Furnaces are my new favourite band AND they play one of the best gigs I've seen in months, so.....
Actually, I'm a little thrown at the start of their set when I struggle to recognise the first few songs. I assume that this is an introduction to the forthcoming album 'Blueberry Boat' but then some of the lyrics start to sound familiar and I realise that the Furnaces have a less strict approach to arrangements compared to some other bands. I particularly like the slightly puzzled expressions of Eleanor's brother Matt as they tinker around with the arrangements as they go. A lot of people are here because of the White Stripes comparison (the main two FFs really are brother and sister, both bands have an eccentric approach to the blues and traditional songs in general, but ultimately neither band sounds alike).
Fiery Furnaces are a lot closer to Captain Beefheart and the Fall than I had previously realised, and Eleanor, the main vocalist, manages to look like Patti Smith and Karen Carpenter at the same time!
The first three or four songs use keyboards an awful lot and it isn't until they switch to more guitar based songs that the crowd really respond. It all works though, and they run through most of their classic debut album 'Gallowsbird's Bark', giving the songs a freshen up along the way. Single 'Tropical Iceland' sounds very different to the recorded version, and you get the feeling that no two Fiery Furnaces shows will be the same, especially as they sometimes play as a two-piece, instead of this busy, playful five piece line-up we saw tonight. It was a slight disappointment that they didn't play their great cover version of 'Winter' by the Fall, but you can't have everything. Overall, it was the best gig I've been to since I moved back to Belfast eighteen months ago so I'm not complaining.
With one truly awesome show already in 2004, TVR are again on great form tonight. For those of you who don't know or realise, this three-piece used to be known as Backwater and they released an album on Che Records in 1996. They were good then but they're even better now. There are no Backwater songs of course as TVR have been writing material at an alarming rate, and even for someone like myself who goes to most of their gigs, there are usually a couple of fresh additions to the setlist at every show. Sure enough, two new songs appear tonight - uptempo poppier pieces that hint that the Fugazi/ Wire influences that dominated the very first TVR material is taking a backseat to more straightforward noisy pop. Best of all though, TVR over the last few months have started to grow out of their obvious influences and begin to sound like themselves. The debut single, the first release on the new Howl label, should do a lot to convince people how good they've become.
On any ordinary night, TVR would have stolen the show, but the Fiery Furnaces are my new favourite band AND they play one of the best gigs I've seen in months, so.....
Actually, I'm a little thrown at the start of their set when I struggle to recognise the first few songs. I assume that this is an introduction to the forthcoming album 'Blueberry Boat' but then some of the lyrics start to sound familiar and I realise that the Furnaces have a less strict approach to arrangements compared to some other bands. I particularly like the slightly puzzled expressions of Eleanor's brother Matt as they tinker around with the arrangements as they go. A lot of people are here because of the White Stripes comparison (the main two FFs really are brother and sister, both bands have an eccentric approach to the blues and traditional songs in general, but ultimately neither band sounds alike).
Fiery Furnaces are a lot closer to Captain Beefheart and the Fall than I had previously realised, and Eleanor, the main vocalist, manages to look like Patti Smith and Karen Carpenter at the same time!
The first three or four songs use keyboards an awful lot and it isn't until they switch to more guitar based songs that the crowd really respond. It all works though, and they run through most of their classic debut album 'Gallowsbird's Bark', giving the songs a freshen up along the way. Single 'Tropical Iceland' sounds very different to the recorded version, and you get the feeling that no two Fiery Furnaces shows will be the same, especially as they sometimes play as a two-piece, instead of this busy, playful five piece line-up we saw tonight. It was a slight disappointment that they didn't play their great cover version of 'Winter' by the Fall, but you can't have everything. Overall, it was the best gig I've been to since I moved back to Belfast eighteen months ago so I'm not complaining.
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