The ever smiling Sharon Shannon was acting as musician, host and even compare tonight. She started the evening’s proceedings by introducing her support act – the consummate and energetic multi-instrumental musicians The Cartoon Thieves. Their blend of American hillbilly rock and blues, which features heavily on Shannon’s new album, set the tone for the evening.…

Punk bastions The Buzzcocks formed in Year Zero (1976) and were at the forefront of the movement during the pivotal years. Clever lyrics and some catchy tunes made them one of the exceptional faces of punk. 2009 may be the year of reunions, but The Buzzcocks have been promoting their wares, on and off for…

The Mexican musical duo who specialize in playing fast, rhythmic classical guitars are back. Formerly Ireland’s own Latino combo they have moved back to Mexico but return with more of their flamenco Spanish guitar power chords and outstanding soloing. Perhaps no surprises to those who have heard (or seen) their earlier work is that there…

Wild Beasts combine indie rock with a folk twist and a vocalist more operatic than Klaus Nomi. Indeed, Hayden Thorpe’s falsetto vocal gymnastics are reminiscent of what Mika and The Scissor Sisters could have been, and are countered with the Richard Thompson-like bass vocals of Tom Fleming. Two Dancers… is less consciously avant-garde and indulgent,

Esua Mwamwaya’s Malawian roots come through strongly on Warm Heart Of Africa…, The Very Best’s first album in collaboration with Radioclit after last year’s excellent free mixtape. The eclectic blend takes all that is good in African tunes and adds a healthy dose of international influences, from Sanyo keyboard-like basics to intricate acapellas. At

The legendary Eric Bogle is coming to Ireland for what he states is categorically his final tour. Last here some three years ago, he vows this is his last tour of Europe. He has as special place in his heart for Ireland, not least because covers by artists from this island have probably paid his…

Like its predecessor (One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This…), the second album by the post-reformation New York Dolls in large respects misses the point of the band. With Todd Rundgren on production duties, their debut LP was a masterstroke in electrifying proto punk. Even with him back at the