Photo: Remy Connolly
Trick Mist / Video Blue Interview, Whelan's, Dublin. 25th of June.
Info: On Saturday I met up with Dundalk solo electronic acts Trick Mist (Gavin Murray) and Video Blue (Jim O'Donoghue Martin) in Whelan's of Wexford Street shortly before they went on stage with Dublin's Participant (Stephen Tiernan). We had a brief chat about how they found setting up in the U.K. after moving from Ireland a few years back, and also future plans.
All three acts were excellent and it was a unique position to be in beforehand that I was looking forward to the entire roster having reviewed Participant's wonderful Content EP at the end of last year. His live performance was not what I expected, the electronic side was put aside for a beautifully tender set of gentle electric guitar and soft but exquisite vocals.
Participant. Photo: Remy Connolly
Like Participant, Video Blue and Trick Mist put everything into their sets, and according to their differing styles, brought energy and calm respectively. VB shifting from guitar to electronic sounds and back again, positively enjoying himself as were the gathered crowd who had filled the room, highlights being the driving beat of 'Filmic', the warm glow of 'Mammies and Daddies' from his More Pop Troubles EP exemplifying his at times cheeky stage presence. Finally the latest single which featured on his shared split 7" double-A side with Trick Mist, 'Disco Nap', it's kinda happy-sad, but mostly happy, and a big step forward in the music he's creating.
Video Blue. Photo: Remy Connolly
Last to take the stage was Trick Mist, initially bringing a sense of serenity and calm to proceedings, as Murray's set went on the verve increased and by the end of it the crowd were elated by his carefully crafted ambient and atmospheric rendering of his music. Chills were had when the incredible 'Tampering Happy' was performed, added strings only enhancing the feeling, and there was also the only time I'll hear a tin whistle and not want it to stop on 'Crackling Settlement', both from last years Jars in Rows EP. Without being too obvious about the two acts singles, I love them both, 'Crumbs Abound' was sinister and haunting to say the very least, its shuddering string effect almost Massive Attack-like, and a perfect vehicle for Trick Mist's vocal tone.
Trick Mist. Photo: Remy Connolly
Three very different acts, three memorable performances and each from individuals who take their music as seriously as they take their passion for it.
'Ya left the immersion on Jim'
'I did on me hole hey!'
