The Midnight Union Band, New Album, 'Of Life & Lesser Evils'

The Midnight Union Band, 'I'm Your Leader'

Info: Kilkenny band, The Midnight Union Band have recently released the first single from their upcoming album, Of Life and Lesser Evils (out on the 27th of September), the above track, 'I'm Your Leader'. 

If there was some way in the future that albums could be designed for individuals according to their personal tastes and artists they like, I'd be handing over Of Life and Lesser Evils and telling them they'll be doing very well if they can get closer than this for me. Normally when I review an album I'll listen to see if there are any other bands or artists that the music reminds me of to give an idea of what the listener can expect and just keep them in my head, but there are so many here I had to write them all down. It's not that the songs here remind me of the entire works of particular bands, but more a pinpoint in their discographies, or a specific phase. Vocally I'm reminded a lot of Mike Scott from The Waterboys, and at times even Leonard Cohen (in tone only!), on the track 'The People', which I will come back to later. Musically I was dizzyingly drawn across the decades from the early 60's to the 90's and back again, in a very, very good way. From Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The James Gang and Van Morrison, to later Bob Dylan around the time of Time Out of Mind (1997), and even Primal Scream's 'Movin' On Up' on Screamadelica, Of Life and Lesser Evils pings around so many different styles with ease.

The array of instruments on display, and all of the band members evident playing ability, along with intelligent lyrics only add further to what a complete album this is. The mandolin intro on second track 'Just A Scar' (and throughout the album) wouldn't be amiss on Rumours, and the accompanying electric guitar solos are a fine example of the blues style we hear repeatedly on different tracks. On tracks such as 'Note to Self' and 'Behind the Truth' the harmonica adds significantly to the country-folk feel of the tracks and now that I think of it also recalls early Dylan and that well-known group that The Midnight Union Band have been compared to previously, The Band. At the mid point of the album, on track, 'Gospel According To.....' we are treated to barnstorming, Jerry Lee Lewis-esque, rockabilly piano playing and manic drumming.

The Midnight Union Band, 'Behind The Truth'

Two tracks that resonated with me in particular were 'The People' and the album's finale, 'But I Am The Night'. Lead singer Shane Joyce's vocals are painfully heartfelt, and the track is the best example of a theme that is central to the album, social consciousness, or a lack thereof. The song tells of a downtrodden but seemingly apathetic people who are so worn down by their masters that they cannot summon the strength to fight back, a succinct summary of Ireland since 2008 perhaps. The following two tracks 'Behind The Truth' and 'Law Ain't Justice', as the titles suggest, ably continue with this theme, giving a modern take on 60's protest songs from the US or the UK punk-era's anti-Thatcher sentiments. Finally, to 'But I Am The Night', a fine example of a 7 minute track that is too short, a dirge very reminiscent of contemporary New York band, The Walkmen, seeing us out with an uplifting mix of brass instruments and shuffling percussion that you don't want to end. 

From my own perspective, it will require something exceptional between now and the end of the year to surpass Of Life and Lesser Evils as the best Irish album I've reviewed in 2014. I am certain the band will receive very positive reviews from other music sites and print publications, which they will have fully earned. 

The Midnight Union Band are:

Shane Joyce   - Vocals, Harmonica, Acoustic Guitar 

Peter Flynn     - Piano, Mandolin, Electric Guitar, Lap Steel, Hammond 

Cian Doolan    - Mandolin, Electric Guitar 

Brian McGrath - Bass Guitar 

John Wallace   - Vocals, Drums

Look / Listen / Like / Follow:

Website - http://themidnightunionband.com/

Breaking Tunes - http://www.breakingtunes.com/themidnightunionband

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/themidnightunionband

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MidnightUnion

Mail Order Messiah's Album Out Today & New Video, 'New Stuff'

Mail Order Messiahs, 'New Stuff'

Info: Mail Order Messiahs new album, Practical, which was reviewed here a couple of weeks ago, is finally out today, along with new single and great video for the second track on the album, 'New Stuff', check it out above. It's like a surreal scene from Koyaanisqatsi and goes perfectly with the theme of the track, obsession with consumerism. Also big congratulations to Mike Liffey, the man behind the music for the great write-up he got in the Culture section of yesterday's Sunday Times, for the past 15 years or so the album recommendations in that publication have been my music bible for checking out new bands and albums. If you'd like to purchase MOM's album you can get it via Bandcamp or iTunes, links below.

(Photo via Mail Order Messiah's Facebook page)

Purchase Practical, here: 

http://mailordermessiahs.bandcamp.com/album/practical

https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/practical/id909321983

Introducing Brooklyn Band, Late Cambrian's New Album, 'Golden Time' & Irish Tour

Late Cambrian, 'Golden Time'

Info: The opening bars of 'Throwing Shade' immediately leave you in no doubt as to where you're going to be going when listening to New York band, Late Cambrian's third album, Golden Time. From the swaggering bass-line to the call to arms vocals of front-man John Wlaysewski, added to some great guitar riffs and lovely synth playing from the mysteriously named O. Title track 'Golden Time' follows and is the definition of sun-drenched indie-pop with a simple but effective guitar hook complimenting driven drum rolls and nice vocal harmonies. 'Game Show', the LP's fourth track has a distinctively 90's feel about it and reminded me very much of Weezer around the time of their Blue album, ending abruptly, but not before we're treated to some more spacey synths, I can never get enough of those synthesizers! The seventh track on the album, 'DYBIL', is a weird and wonderful mix of 70's disco and a more contemporary electronic sound as well as some lovely Chic-esque guitar playing scattered throughout the track. Continuing the electro vibe is the perfect closer, 'Shiny Cars', my favourite track on the album, and where I personally feel Late Cambrian excel in terms of style. The song captures their ability to write good catchy songs but also an experimental side from the half-way point onwards, which I would love to see more of on a forthcoming album. There's plenty of time for that though, and at present Late Cambrian should enjoy the achievement of putting together a highly appealing and accomplished album in Golden Time.

Additional info: Golden Time is due for release in November, 2014, and Late Cambrian will be touring Europe for the first time in tandem with the release. The band will be supporting MC Frontalot, and, wait for it Irish fans...the legendary Wheatus on tour, so you can dust off your yellow-tinted glasses, fishing hats and Adidas tracksuit tops. In addition, I will be catching up with Late Cambrian when they play in Café en Seine in Dublin on the 9th of October and doing an interview and if they're not too camera-shy we might have a little photo shoot too, all of which will be up on the blog afterwards. Here are the Irish tour dates and, as usual, do show the band some love on social media! Oh, and here's another track for your pleasure;

Late Cambrian, 'Throwing Shade'

Tour Dates: 

October 7, Whiskey Faire, Dun Laoghaire, Ireland

October 8, Cyprus Avenue, Cork, Ireland

October 9, Café en Seine, Dublin, Ireland

October 10, Magnet Young Adult Centre, Newry, UK

October 11, 5th on Teeling, Sligo, Ireland


* all concerts are w/Wheatus, MC Frontalot & others.


Look / Like / Listen / Follow:

Instagram: LATECAMBRIAN

Website: http://www.latecambrian.com/

Bookface: https://www.facebook.com/LateCambrian

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/latecambrian

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LateCambrian << these guys are serious tweeters!