Introducing: The Young Folk

Dublin five-piece The Young Folk were on my radar at KnockanStockan recently and they impressed me quite a bit. Rattling through their set, they performed with a level of confidence and assurance that befits only a group of extremely talented, like-minded musicians and the crowd lapped it up. 

Anthony Furey's vocals are the linchpin of the operation here, his smooth and powerful tones wrapping themselves around a number of folk anthems, each imbued with a slight country twist and a general fondness for a stirring, throat-clearing melody. They're more than capable of making a nice breakthrough with these tunes.

Both of these tracks are taken from the album I've Been Here Before... which is available now from Bandcamp.

Breaking Tunes // MySpace // Facebook 

  Sad Day by TheYoungFolk 

  Way Down South by TheYoungFolk

Festival Review: KnockanStockan 2011

Within seconds of arriving at KnockanStockan, it's clear that I'm in for a different kind of weekend. Shunning the nondescript sea of endless land that befalls many of the larger festivals, KnockanStockan instead takes place on a downright beautiful site overlooking the Blessington Lakes. As the night looms, Friday's eager punters are treated to a stunning sunset worthy of a thousand postcards. Punchestown this most certainly aint. 


Sadly, such beauty also comes with a price. The picturesque location means the car park is located a reasonable distance away from the campsite itself. This would be perfectly fine if there were enough buses available to shuttle people up and down but on Friday there wasn't. The choice was to either wait on a bus - for what transpired to be well over an hour - or to take your chances on the walk while weighed down with camping gear. Such an unnecessary predicament can often be the precursor to a torrid festival experience but thankfully, it proved to be nothing more than an initial blip on an otherwise top-notch weekend.

Now in its fifth year, KnockanStockan has developed and grown through a commendable independent and DIY ethos, serving as a vital cog in the unsigned Irish music scene. A cursory glance at the stage times shows no mention of the Black Eyes Peas but beyond the fireworks and extravagant light-shows that would accompany such big hitters, there lies real talent and depth on show here. Enemies note-perfect post-rock workings were the highlight of the Friday night, dominating the Moon stage with an admirable confidence, while Scarecrow Disco blew the roof off a packed Circus Tent after sadly announcing it was to be their final gig. The arena itself was perfectly balanced, with the large Circus Tent and two outdoor stages ensuring there was always something to catch, with little noise overpsill evident. The real master-stroke however was the addition of the Faerie Fields. Similar to the other-worldly environs of Body and Soul, this little haven was adorned with chill-out areas, sanctual teepees and a performance area that played host to numerous DJs, hoola-hoopers and jaw-dropping fire performers. As well as offering another area to immerse oneself in, it also balanced the site perfectly, serving as an idyllic sanctuary away from the main stage and hectic confines of the camping area.  

Ghostbusters: Moon Stage

Sunshine and Irish festivals are normally mutually exclusive beings so it was no surprise that the scorching heat of Saturday raised the collective spirits. Ghostbusters were the perfect soundtrack to such a sunny disposition, treating us to an array of 80s guilty pleasures such as 'Gold' and 'Footloose', before The Gorgeous Colours lived up to their name with a smashing, uplifting set on the Sun stage. Come On Live Long were among my most anticipated acts of the weekend and they didn't disappoint, delivering a host of anthems with a slight folk-touch and a lovely use of synths throughout. Sun Stage headliners The Hot Sprockets also excelled, justifying their headline status and delivering a solid run-through of their alt-blues hits, which got the sizeable crowd going.  

Come On Live Long

The good weather may have disappeared come Sunday but that didn't stop Attention Bebe from having a ball. Specialising in funky reworkings of 90s cult hits, the 15 (I may have lost count...) of them opened the final day with a memorable bang. Leaders Of Men were also impressive and having reined in the sound issues which blighted their debut Workman's gig, the Tallaght lads now possess a handful of powerful numbers worthy any festival. Later on, The Young Folk were a revelation. Part O Emperor and part Fleet Foxes, the sterling vocals were the pinnacle of a set bursting with a rousing underbelly that demanded attention - this is a band more than capable of making a big breakthrough. Before The Stoney Brokes took to the stage the MC referred to front-woman Amy Kelly as having "one of the best voices in Ireland" and within minutes it's clear she wasn't mistaken. Kelly's powerful vocals propelled an energetic set that was brimming with catchy tunes and despite their youth this five-piece already have a number of radio friendly hits bubbling under the surface - a set that ensured smiles galore amid the exiting crowd.

Kudos must be paid for the reasonably priced alcohol (not to mention the ability to carry your own as you see fit), the diverse food selection, the designated family camping area and the general organisation and commitment from the team of volunteers (and the bands themselves) - none of whom get paid. It may seem trite to continually flaunt the organic, wholesome ethos on which KnockanStockan is based but when it is so undeniably palpable it really is hard to ignore. There are no haughty restrictions, nor heavy handed security, just a reasonable, balanced attitude towards having fun while catching some great, great bands. In a world of rising ticket prices and generic superstar names, KnockanStockan occupies an enviable, untainted little niche; one devoid of corporate pull or spin and one which proves the cliché of 'being in it for the music' is more than worthless hyperbole.

As word of mouth regarding this friendly, relaxed vibe gets out, more and more will undoubtedly flock to Wicklow to sample it. Never the less, the organisers should resist the temptation to grow too big. Its main strength lies in its intimacy, with a larger scale only likely to present logistical headaches that would ultimately deviate from its core values. As it stands, with the current locale, size and set-up, KnockanStockan has found the perfect mould and it's one that makes it the best kept secret on the Irish festival circuit.

The arena towards the Circus Tent

Fire Performers: Faerie Fields

The Stoney Brokes

Festival Preview: CastlePalooza 2011

The Irish festival season is in full flow and this weekend sees the return of the Castlepalooza Music and Arts Festival. Now in its sixth year the action again takes place in Charleville Castle in Tullamore, County Offaly and having not made it down since 2009 I'm looking forward to another slice of the action. Special credit must go to the organisers this year for plucking the finest home-grown talent and giving them great slots. There's quality across the whole line-up but here's a selection of acts I'm particularly excited about. 

For tickets etc see the official site // for the full stage times see this link.


Ghost Estates :: Friday :: Main Stage @ 8.30pm 

  Paris by GHOST ESTATES


The Casanova Wave :: Saturday :: Main Stage @ 3.30pm 

  The Casanova Wave by The Casanova Wave



Moths :: Saturday :: Big Top Stage @ 5.15pm 

Jaysus, it's hard to believe this is Moths' first gig. The brainchild of 18 year old Jack Colleran, Moths has enjoyed a phenomenal year in which every track he uploaded was devoured and salivated over by what seemed to be the entire internet.  He also managed to sneak in an official Interpol remix too...all while doing his Leaving Cert. Impressed? Well, you should be. The craft and ingenuity shown at such an early age means such acclaim is deserved and this performance, from a guy who was unknown last year, is easily my most anticipated of the weekend.

  <3 by MOTHS 

  blisters by MOTHS


The Minutes :: Saturday :: Main Stage @ 8.30pm 

This year's Temple House festival convinced me of The Minutes worth. There, with a tent barely half full, they performed with a level of blistering intensity worthy of a career-defining headline slot at Wembley Arena. Forever playing out of their skins, this is ferocious rock and roll imbued with a level of enthusiasm that is simply impossible to ignore. 

Clock Opera :: Saturday :: Main Stage @ 11.30pm 

Without any shadow of a doubt 'Belongings' is one of my favourite tracks of the year. A beautiful, stirring piece of music, it has infected my pores and left me dumbstruck in its simplicity and romanticism. In truth, I know little else of these Londoners but a track this sublime warrants further inspection all on its own.

  Clock Opera - Belongings by moshi moshi music 


Jape :: Saturday :: Main Stage @ 12.30am 

At Forbidden Fruit Mr Egan was given an unenviable slot. As he took to the stage early in the day, people were either just arriving, wiping sleep from their eyes from the previous nights antics or still queuing at the bar. All of this culminated in a nice but ultimately restrained atmosphere bur this time around things will be different. Classics like 'Floating' and 'I Was A Man' were made for headlining festivals, and when you factor in exciting new creations such as 'Hands Of Fire' and 'Please Don't Turn That Record On' and well, every other track Richie has debuted in recent months, you know it's going to be a little bit special. 

  Hands Of Fire / Lying on a Deathbed by Jape



Kid Karate :: Sunday :: The Big Top @ 12pm 

A ferocious live force - the Dublin duo have consistently managed to transfer the energy and swagger of their debut Heart EP onto the stage. Such a feat is particularly commendable when you consider the insatiable energy required to create the pulsating splendour of tracks like 'Black and Beige' and 'Feel For You'. A later slot would suit a bit better but this will kick Sunday's hangover into touch that's for sure.

  Feel For You by Kid Karate



Dogs :: Sunday :: Big Top Stage @ 3pm 

Underbeats by dogs - the band


The Young Folk :: Sunday :: Main Stage @ 4.45pm 

They made it into my KnockanStockan Ones To Watch last week and having caught that enthralling live show my adoration for this folk-infused Dubliners has only heightened. Rousing, accomplished and earnest - think Mumford and Sons with a touch of class.

  The Young Folk - Way Down South by RisingStars 


Sacred Animals :: Sunday :: Main Stage @ 6.30pm 

Last year's debut EP was a sublime creation that I waxed lyrical about at the time. Flickering between light and dark, Sacred Animals deals with delicate yet expansive landscapes, jumping from pin-pricks to lush tones repeatedly to create a moving, compelling experience. 

  Sacred Animals by RootMusic 


Squarehead :: Sunday :: Main Stage @ 8.30pm 

  Squarehead - Fake Blood by lizpelly


These Charming Men :: Sunday :: Main Stage @ 10.30pm 

Lets face facts: I'm an avid Morrissey fan, so a tribute act like this was always going to be on my list. I caught TCM at The Village earlier in the year and I was blown away by their authenticity and their faithful restoration of both the Smiths' hits and the lesser-known tracks from Moz's solo catalogue. See you up front with the gladioli...

Onra :: Sunday :: Courtyard Stage @ 1.30am

  Onra - L.O.V.E by Onra


Toby Kaar :: Sunday :: Courtyard Stage @ 2.30.am

  Crank by TobyKaar

KnockanStockan 2011 Preview: Full Timetable and Ones To Watch

Now in its fifth year the KnockanStockan festival returns to its picturesque site overlooking the Blessington lakes this weekend - primed with another batch of the country's finest underground bands. As you can see from the final timetable below there's a mammoth amount on offer so to help ease the 'who-to-see' conundrum here's a selection of artists that come with the STL seal of approval. Naturally, this kind of festival is all about being blown away by someone you've never heard of before but these acts are a good place to start and as ever, recommendations are welcome...

___________________________________________________________________________________

Enemies - Friday @ 11pm :: Moon Stage 

Superb post-rock workings from a ferocious live force. As supremely tight a band as you're likely to see all weekend.  

  Coco et Moi by Richter Collective  



The Hot Sprockets - Saturday @ 12.30am :: Sun Stage 

Accomplished blues-rockers with the songs to match their gusto and swagger.





Ross Breen - Saturday @ 7.30pm :: Sun Stage 

A burgeoning singer-songwriter from Kildare who I caught in a random pub in town a while back. Expect lashings of clever melodies and a strong, distinctive voice.

  When I Met The Devil (sample) by Ross Breen 



The Gorgeous Colours - Saturday @ 3.30pm :: Sun Stage 

Recent single ’It’s OK To Be Normal’ is the finest work yet from an outfit who specialise in expansive creations decorated with beautiful stirring melodies.

  It's Ok To Be Normal by The Gorgeous Colours 



Sounds of System Breakdown - Saturday @ 12am :: Moon Stage 

Strident electro-funk with a catchy underbelly. The perfect soundtrack to the beginning of the late night adventure.

  Colour by SOSB


Come On Live Long - Saturday @ 7.30pm :: Circus Tent 

Introduced on STL a short while back, I fell for this 'folk-tronic' outfit from the off. A brilliant mix of misty synths and guitars, which reward repeated listens.

  Animal by ComeOnLiveLong 


Bipolar Empire - Sunday @ 9pm :: Sun Stage

These lads are festival veterans at this stage and always deliver an anthemic, rousing set filled with the finest cuts from their recent debut album.

  Feel That You Own It by Bipolar Empire 



I Draw Slow - Sunday @ 8pm :: Sun Stage 

When I interviewed G-Star from the festival recently he chose I Draw Slow as the act he was most looking forward to seeing this year -  and when you consider the beautiful single ‘Goldmine’ it’s easy to see why. Mature country roots propelled by a delectable voice.




We Cut Corners - Sunday @ 5pm :: Moon Stage 

Promising two piece with a knack for a pop hook and bundles of clever harmonies. 

  dumb blonde by we cut corners  


Leaders Of Men - Sunday @1pm :: Moon Stage 

Interesting new Dublin creation whose debut tracks hinted at something special. Intelligent indie with a keen eye for building things up nicely.

  Up Against The Wall by damaged_audio 


The Stoney Brokes - Sunday @ 10pm :: Circus Tent 

Emerging Tallght five piece whose lovely debut track ‘You Don’t See Me' bodes well for their debut EP which is out next month.


Stoney Brokes - You Don't See Me by RisingStars 


The Young Folk - Sunday @ 8pm :: Circus Tent 

Acclaimed Dublin band whose thoughtful, layered Americana vibes have seen them gain much praise recently.

  The Young Folk - Way Down South by RisingStars 


The Altered Hours - Sunday @ 6pm :: Circus Tent  

Their bio says they aim for an ‘altered world’ and these Cork natives are true to their word, dipping a toe into a mish-mash of haunting styles. There’s a lot to take in here but the overriding theme is a psychedelic fusion that augurs well for a compelling live experience. 

  Daydream Parade by The Altered Hours by alteredhours 


Attention Bebé - Sunday @ 12pm :: Sun Stage

A sprawling collective bound by a love for reworking 90s cult hits and bringing a smile to the faces of those lucky enough to catch ‘em live. The perfect way sounds to kick off the final day.

  Ice Ice Bébé by Attention Bébé



Full Timetable: 

Friday:
Sun Stage:
00:30 – 01:30 – King Modo
23:30 - 00:30 - New Secret Weapon
22:30 - 23:30 - Hassle Merchants
21:30 – 22:30 - More Tiny Giants
20:30 – 21:30 - Kasper Rosa
19:30 – 20:30 – The Forbidden Itch
18:30 – 19:30 – The Deadly Mechanism

Moon Stage:
00:00 – 01:00 – The Whipround
23:00 – 00:00 – Enemies
22:00 – 23:00 – Saiga
21:00 – 22:00 – Noise Machine
20:00 – 21:00 – Glyder
19:00 – 20:00 – Shoctopus
18:00 – 19:00 – The Cold 100

Circus Tent:
00:30 – 01:30 – Scarecrow Disco
23:30 – 00:30 – 9 Bars
22:30 – 23:30 – Mutefish
21:30 – 22:30 – Gypsy Rebel Rabble
20:30 – 21:30 – John Fairhurst
19:30 – 20:30 – Nico Fitz & The Smelly Beggars
18:30 – 19:30 – Stefan Galt

Faerie Field:
00:00 – 01:00 – Miles Iwes (chillout dj)
23:00 – 00:00 – Adi (live electronic)
22:00 – 23:00 – Pixie Trix V Dark Mockery (UV acid hulo hoop)
21:00 – 22:00 – Alien Angel
20:00 – 21:00 – Barry Krishna (digital religion)
19:00 – 20:00 – Marka (trip hop acid jazz)
12:00 – 18:00 – Qpop Welcome Mix

Saturday:
Sun Stage:
00:30 – 01:30 – The Hot Sprockets
23:30 – 00:30 – The Cujo Family
22:30 – 23:30 – Blind Yackety
21:30 – 22:30 – Spook of the 13th Lock
20:30 – 21:30 – Veroa
19:30 – 20:30 – Ross Breen 
18:30 – 19:30 – Wyvern Lingo
17:30 – 18:30 – The Gandhis
16:30 – 17:30 – Saint John The Gambler
15:30 – 16:30 – The Gorgeous Colours
14:30 – 15:30 – The Rambleers
13:30 – 12:30 – The North Sea
12:30 – 13:30 – Love Notes & Ashes
Moon Stage:
00:00 – 01:00 – Sounds of System Breakdown
23:00 – 00:00 – Indecent Cigar Emporium
22:00 – 23:00 – The Amazing Few
21:00 – 22:00 – The Barley Mob
20:00 – 21:00 – Fitzafrenic
19:00 – 20:00 – CFIT
18:00 – 19:00 – Zealots
17:00 – 18:00 – Siv
16:00 – 17:00 – Rebecca Collins
15:00 – 16:00 – James Guilmartin
14:00 – 15:00 – Sons of Gingerbread
13:00 – 14:00 – S.O.S
12:00 – 13:00 – The Ghostbusters
Circus Tent:
00:30 – 01:30 – Absolutely Curtains
23:30 – 00:30 – Jifubuki
22:30 – 23:30 – The Hundred Flower Campaign
21:30 – 22:30 – Mescalito
20:30 – 21:00 – Son of a Beast
19:30 – 20:30 – Come On, Live Long
18:30 – 19:30 – Cold Comfort
17:30 – 18:30 – Markas Carcas
16:30 – 17:30 – Rhiannon & The Face Collectors
15:30 – 16:30 – Adela & The Meanits
14:30 – 15:30 – Pete & The Purehearts
13:30 – 14:30 – Jack & The Band
12:30 – 13:30 – Bob Glynn
Faerie Field:
01:00 – 02:00 – Psy Am (dubstep dj)
00:00 – 01:00 – Ghost Timez (spoken word hip hop)
23:00 – 00:00 – Sophis D Kate
22:00 – 23:00 – Saucy Jack & The Dimewhores (burlesque)
21:00 – 22:00 – The Side Up
20:40 – 21:00 – White Noise (beatbox)
20:00 – 20:40 – Razor Ball
19:30 – 20:00 – Dene Downes
18:30 – 19:30 – Oltremara
17:00 – 18:30 – Anunita w/special guests
16:00 – 17:00 – Arrow In The Sky
15:20 – 16:00 – Hypergiants
14:40 – 15:20 – Andy Earley
14:00 – 14:40 – Fear Of Folk
13:00 – 14:00 – Auto Psy
12:00 – 13:00 – Mixile (ambient electronic)
10:00 – 12:00 – Morning Chill

Sunday
Sun Stage
22:00 - 23:00 – The Candidates
21:00 – 22:00 – Bipolar Empire
20:00 – 21:00 – I Draw Slow
19:00 – 20:00 – Raglans
18:00 – 19:00 – Enda Reilly
17:00 – 18:00 – The Gentlemens Club
16:00 – 17:00 – Nursery Crimes
15:00 – 16:00 – Spirit Riders
14:00 – 15:00 – Chayka
13:00 – 14:00 – Groove
12:00 – 13:00 – Attention Bebe

Moon Stage:
23:00 – 00:00 – Spellbound
22:00 – 23:00 – Lotus Eater
21:00 – 22:00 – Rocket Surgery
20:00 – 21:00 – Tongue Bundle
19:00 – 20:00 – Liz Is Evil
18:00 – 19:00 – Kill Goliath
17:00 – 18:00 – We Cut Corners
16:00 – 17:00 – Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters
15:00 – 16:00 – The Salad Circus
14:00 – 15:00 – El Hombre Jokes
13:00 – 14:00 – Leaders Of Men
12:00 – 13:00 – Mr Sands
 
Circus Tent:
23:00 – 00:00 – Fox. E + The Good Hands
22:00 – 23:00 – The Stoney Brokes
21:00 – 22:00 – Difference Engine
20:00 – 21:00 – The Young Folk
19:00 – 20:00 – Louis Barabbas
18:00 – 19:00 – The Altered Hours
17:00 – 18:00 – The P Affection
16:00 – 17:00 – Surfing Champions Of Mexico
15:00 – 16:00 – Fiach
14:00 – 15:00 – Lisa McLaughlin
13:00 – 14:00 – Tom Cooney
12:00 – 13:00 – Eric McGrath

Faerie Field:
23:00 – 00:00 – Elekrodouche
22:00 – 23:00 – gKb
21:00 – 22:00 – D3x (chillout Vibes)
20:00 – 21:00 – Zyme (retro futuristic data jockey)
19:00 – 20:00 – Wassa Wassa (african tribal drum + dance)
18:00 – 19:00 – Matt Creedon & The Bad Men
17:00 – 18:00 – Aisling Quinn
16:00 – 17:00 – Wicker Bones
15:20 – 16:00 – Pattanga
14:40 – 15:20 – Dave Clarke
14:00 – 14:40 – Pater Space Invasion
13:00 – 14:00 – Psytori
12:00 – 13:00 – Fortune Lynched
0:00 – 12:00 – Morning Chill out pop