The Hovercraft Pirates from Ireland, have, in quick time (i.e. since 2007) got their act, sound and apparently, career on the go. having already released an EP and an album under their own steam. They have also appeared on the bill with Turbonegro and (a bizarrely mismatched) Snoop Dogg and will be appearing at all points in Ireland during 2008. They go with, that increasingly rare beast, a three piece band which produce the pleasing qualities of a larger group. From the very accomplished and unrelenting pop/punk vocals of Paul Bluemel to the overdriven power punch of the guitar/bass/drums comb THP produce a modern approach to pop/punk rock. You can definitely lift a variety of musical flavours out of what they do in their tracks from MCR, The Used, Muse ('Rica', 'We're Pirates') to a more commercial Rancid ('Happy Free') or a more masculine Placebo/Panic at the disco ('Prison Break'). But the important thing is that they are far better than just the sum of their influences.
THP have commerciality, punch and likability that can cut across a number of current day genres and they still remain fresh. With the current rate of progress they have the key to greater things.
Limerick based band Highwired introduce their sounds with the collection, Seem Familiar. These songs are filled with epic, climbing drum beats, with some well-presented pop melodies. Though the tracks could benefit from the use of more vocal harmonies to give a fuller recorded sound quality, the songs are otherwise well furnished and Highwired have the ability to make some festival-pleasing pop anthems.
This is a five piece band from Wicklow Ireland, The Monkey Pole is a eleven tracks of electronic indie rock melodies and superb vocal abilities, "We got music" has a cool vibe leaks a bit like a happy Mondays tune but with a great rock vocal, this track will get your head moving in all directions. "San fran" great intro with the vocals, the drums holds down a great hypnotic beat, sounds a bit like an early Blur tune but with one step better than them. "Heads up" this tune has more of an 80" feel maybe it’s the strait disco beat on the drums or the progressive synth its unique ill say that. "Getchoo" beat for beat note for note and word for word this tune has it all pure ambient with an indie twist. "A million moments" not one of my favs on the album but great vocals this is more of a suttle tune and laid back, maybe it’s the chill out song. "Love is in you" this is a great concept for a tune with elements of a great rock guitar riff and indie dynamics its nice the way the vocal does a talking walking vibe through out this tune. "Gorillas" if you like Beck you will like this song it has a great 60's peaceful tone and kicks with a electronic grunge tone coming from the guitar, sweet. "God bless the devil" this is Hybrasil wrapped up in one package electronic synth melodies great solid beat and vocals to die for and I love the eastern vibe in the background. "If you feel" the peace revolution is here this has a great indie rock feel with fantastic vocals and backing vocals the harmony guitars work great, this track is were the keys go free and wild, peace. "When I’m yawning" this is where Beck meets Happy Monday’s great vocals and the melody works fantastic with the tune. "Binary love" this song is more of an expression nice and laid back a bit different from Hybrasil has a hint of grunge to the vocals a bit like Nirvana but keeping the trade mark of electronic effects. Overall I found this album both very exciting and very enjoyable to listen to this one goes into the Musicreview cd rack.
