POSTS TAGGED : Our Krypton Son

Our Krypton Son Shares New Single ‘Everything Reminds Me Of You’

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‘Everything Reminds Me Of You’ is the lead single from Our Krypton Son‘s forthcoming and long-awaited, second studio album.

Derry musician/songwriter Chris McConaghy aka Our Krypton Son is a master craftsman, and this is, you guessed it, masterfully crafted. ‘Everything Reminds Me Of You’ is a sweet, sentimental love song that gently waltzes along with swooning chord changes, sublime harmonies and sumptuous strings, to form four minutes of exquisite alt-pop. McConaghy’s vocals are impeccable as usual, soothing, warmth and inviting – along with the music – forge an endearing warm glow and punctured with some bouts of heart-strung melancholy. It conjures up similarities to slower, more emotionally weighted Blur numbers a la ‘Under The Westway’, ‘Best Days’ or the like. Always a magnificent songwriter, it is a timely reminder of what McConaghy and Co. are capable of, this is probably the most affecting work to date. It is good to have OKS back, no doubt about it.

There’s no firm date on the new album but ‘Everything Reminds Me Of You’ is out now and available from here.

You can check out the ace video – courtesy of LUMO – for ‘Everything Reminds Me Of You’ below.

Our Krypton Son – ‘Fool For Love’

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It’s been a while now since we’ve heard from Our Krypton Son, in their absence however, the Derry outfit have been quietly working away on a follow up to their fabulous eponymous debut.

The first taste of which, ‘Fool For Love’, appeared online over the weekend, in unmastered form it must be added. Mastered or not, it’s a doozy. It’s a sweet, sentimental love song that gently waltzes along with an endearing warm glow and punctured with some exquisite bouts of melancholy. McConaghy’s vocals are impeccable as usual, soothing, warmth and inviting. Always a magnificent songwriter, it is a timely reminder of what McConaghy and Co. are capable of, this might rank as the most affecting work to date.

Hopefully it won’t be too long till we here from Our Krypton Son again, maybe with a new album in tow. For now at least, you can check out ‘Fool For Love’ below.

Our Krypton Son – ‘Gargantuan’

Our Krypton Son 2013

You probably know the score already, Our Krypton Son have been one of my favourite acts on this Island for some time now; impressing with the stunning ‘Catalonian Love Song’, the wonderful ‘Plutonium’ and of course their eponymous debut album.

Anyway, the Derry outfit are set to release their brand new single ‘Gargantuan’, the third from taken from their eponymous debut LP, which is great by the way. It is piano led stomper with plenty of punch for sure, but anyone familiar with their LP will know that already. McConaghy’s vocals are impeccable as usual, as they are on the two brand new accompanying tracks; the autumnal acoustic led ‘Bring The Flood’ and somber, meandering ‘How Long Must I Dream’. Chris McConaghy & company are in flying form once more, which certainly bodes well for the second LP and if rumours are to be believed, it maybe with us later this year. Here’s hoping.

Watch the excellent video for ‘Gargantuan’ directed by Tristan Crowe below and cop a load of the two accompanying tracks too. ‘Gargantuan’ is out on June 28th through Smalltown America.

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The Derry Sound | An Interview with Our Krypton Son

The brand new issue of Lookleft hit the shelves across Ireland this week. Here is an interview with Our Krypton Son from the previous issue. Lookleft is available in every Easons north / south & other selected retailers.

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Our Krypton Son is the brainchild of Derry man Chris McConaghy, who released his self-titled debut album of warm alt-rock/folk songs late last year, that solidified a growing reputation as an exceptional songwriter.

Having cut his first musical teeth with psychobilly art-rockers Red Organ Serpent Sound, on their demise, McConaghy emerged from the ashes with something quite different. Our Krypton Son initially began life as a solo-project, before gathering close musician friends together to create the band in early 2010.

The path, from then to today, was far from straightforward as McConaghy explains “I’d been in another Derry band (Red Organ Serpent Sound) that were signed to Mercury Records for 3 odd years. It had been a turbulent time though and I knew things were about to go pear-shaped so I began just writing songs myself again. I hadn’t really done that in a number of years. Initially I started gigging with a laptop (mainly because the idea of another acoustic singer/songwriter bored the hell out of me) but before long I was writing more elaborate songs for different instruments and it became apparent a band was required!”

Our Krypton Son took their time with their debut LP, making sure it was the album they were happy with. The response, which McConaghy is delighted with, would suggest they were right to do it their way “The reception has been terrific! We’ve always been really lucky in terms of radio play anyway but the reviews of the album have been great too. Some reviews in particular have totally blown me away and it’s been picked up by everyone from Hotpress and AU magazine to The Irish Times and The Sunday Times.”

One gets the distinct impression that McConaghy is very happy with how Our Krypton Son is progressing and why not? Their so far fruitful relationship with Derry Indie label Smalltown Records too, rather than a major, appears to be a large factor. He explains further say there is“a huge difference! With Mercury, there was a lot at stake. Plus when we were signed to them – 2005/2006 – the industry was just beginning to change and there was a serious focus to be commercial and sell records etc. Smalltown are more interested in creating art than selling records. They’re a lot savvier than a major label and they’re a good enabler to allow me to achieve my modest goals! It’s nice too that they’re just around the corner.”

There is a lot of attention being paid to Derry at present with it being ‘City of Culture’ this year. Prior to the recent flux of interest, from the outside at least, there seemed to be a very healthy music scene in the City. McConaghy said: “there are a lot of eyes on Derry at the moment so it’s a good time for acts from the town. SOAK, Little Bear, Ryan Vail, Best Boy Grip, Fighting With Wire & Rainy Boy Sleep are all doing brilliant. Some other acts to look out for include Figure Of 8, The Wood Burning Savages, Strength, Invaderband and others.”

On the ‘City of Culture’ he adds “There are a number of big concerts planned throughout the year including certain local Derry bands. No offense to these acts – they’re terrific and totally deserve the acclaim given to them – but it would be nice if some other local acts got the call for these slots occasionally as well. Though I suppose in a town with so much talent, it would be difficult to include everyone”.

Excluding the recent flurry of interest surrounding the ‘City of Culture’, one question comes to mind, do Northern acts get their fair share of coverage by the southern media? He feels they do, saying “even back in 2006, ROSS was nominated for a Meteor Award – which was a massive deal for us. It can be hard for a working band from the North to gets gigs in Dublin, say, unless you have a promoter behind you but in terms of press and radio play and coverage it’s been great.”

2013 will be a busy year for Our Krypton Son with McConaghy planning “album number two, a couple of lo-fi ep’s and as many gigs/festival appearances as we can squeeze in!”

Our Krypton Son’s self-titled debut album is out now through Smalltown America Records. You can listen to it and others below.

[spotify http://open.spotify.com/album/2Qds5AjGvKfnx2WXaXcKOc]

BarryGruff’s Irish Albums of the Year 2012

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Pretty self explanatory this one. There’s been a lot of great music released in Ireland over the past 12 months & here’s ten Irish albums I’ve enjoyed the most in 2012. You can also check out the ‘Albums of 2012‘ & ‘Irish Songs of 2012‘ if you want.

10. The Expert – ‘Neckbreakers’

Not strictly an album, more of a beat tape as it happens but who makes theses rules? Over seven glorious cuts of jazzy instrumentals The Expert takes us on a head nodding journey from start to finish. Having produced beats for over fifteen years, mainly with his band MJEX, it certainly shows. A worthy addition to any record collection.

09 Imploded View – ‘Picnics With Pylons’

Picnics With Pylons is the debut album from Longford based producer Imploded View (aka Jerome McCormick). Continuing with his forte for atmospheric downtempo electronic music, his debut rarely if ever, emerges from first gear. Preferring to meander through a vast and cloudy world of extremely chilled ambient sounds, an air of calmness permeates the entire record. McCormick is certainly comfortable in this skin, he seems at peace, a feeling transposed to the listener as the airy productions wash over you, allowing time for delicate detail, added emotional depth and mood and thought provoking atmospherics. An assured and composed debut.

08 The P Affection – ‘Cakes For Occasions’

The P Affection’s debut was a scatter-shot of indie-pop, rock, ska, and folk, a very good one it must be said. While staying true to the influences of that record, with Cakes For Occasions, The P Affection have grown as a band and refined their sound. It’s a pretty irresistible and varied selection of power-pop and harder edge indie-rock coated in a mix of humorous and heartfelt lyrics. The P Affection continue to improve in all that they do, it’s going to be exciting to see where to next.

07 House of Dolls – ‘House of Dolls’

Taking their cue from the likes of The Chameleons, The Verve, Jesus & Mary Chain and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club; there is no messing around with House of Dolls. Equally adept in the psych-rock/shoegaze department or rip-roaring  dirty rocking guitar riffs. It is here where the albums persona lies, flipping seamlessly between the two styles, on the one hand the fired up brutish rock sounds and on the other, the more measured and steady but no less captivating psych-rock sounds. A very good album, one deserving of much greater exposure.

06  Our Krypton Son – ‘Our Krypton Son’

Our Krypton Son is Derry man Chris McConaghy, who on gathered close musician friends together to create the band in early 2010, they have taken time to produce their self-titled debut. It is a warm collection of alt-rock/folk songs, imbued with an eerie sense of melancholy and an autumnal feel. McConaghy proves himself an excellent songwriter and his voice is possess a real richness and warmth. Our Krypton Son is a solid debut with so much to like but, having seen them live, there is even more to come.

05 Knoxville Morning – ‘Knoxville Morning’

A trip across the US left Ciaran Dwyer of Band On An Island with a collection of songs and stories, of a distinctly different variety to those of BOAI, and so Knoxville Morning was born. Under this new alias, with Dwyer at the helm, he is joined by fellow BOAI members and The Mighty Stef, Gavin Elsted (We Are Losers), Brian Gallagher (Humanzi), Stephen Fahey (Super Extra Bonus Party) and Claire Prendergast. The record is a sweet blend of folk, country and Americana, and while it wears it’s US influences on it’s sleeve, Ciaran’s intuitive storytelling remains a linchpin that holds everything together. It maybe shouldn’t work, but it does, and remarkably well too, which is a credit to Dwyer and all involved.

04 Lethal Dialect – LD 50 Part II

LD 50 Part II is the second record from Dublin rapper Lethal Dialect and it is extremely impressive. Composed, confident and intelligent, there is no bullshit bravado here, just great rap tunes. LD’s greatest asset is his voice, spitting salient bars above beats and samples, he utilises every breath to paint an all too realistic depiction of life in Dublin. Delving into a whole raft of topics and issues others tend to refrain from, he’s cool, calm, sometimes agitated and angry but always passionate. A refreshing and thought-provoking new voice, not only for Irish hip-hop but Irish music in general.

03 Ghost Estates – ‘Ghost Estates’

Prior to this release, Ghost Estates had already carved out quite a name for themselves, their debut album goes someways to realising their potential. With three songwriters in the band, stylistically it’s diverse, taking in a mix of new wavey sounds, reach for the sky guitar anthems and straight up indie rock. This amalgam has seen them arrive at their own distinct sound of hazy electronica edged indie which send a shiver down the spine. It is said two heads are better than one, well, judging by Ghost Estates’ debut, three are certainly better than two. Easily one of the best Irish indie album for some time.

02 Nathan Conway & The River Valley Band – ‘Nathan Conway & The River Valley Band’

Nathan Conway & The River Valley Band certainly borrow from the past to create a timeless soulful country sound, and have found their niche. The tone is soulful country, set to overarching themes of demise and redemption, draped in Conway’s intuitive storytelling which paints vivid pictures with his words. Mostly you feel they are working together, from the swinging uptempo tracks to the less blustery, slower numbers. They have a rapport with one another; brass, percussion strings and Conway’s deep bellowed croon, all work in perfect tandem. Sonny Boy requires a degree of patience, but it is worth it. A beautiful, timeless and assured album.

01 Conor Mason – ‘Standstill’

Standstill continues where 2009’s When It’s Over left off, flowing gently by, amid a sea of soft lilting vocals, whispering lyrical poeticisms and subtle instrumentation. It is permeated by an air of richness, comforting tranquillity and shrouded in melancholy. Standstill is a slow burner and requires patience, understanding and repeated listens to be fully appreciated. Standstill is a beautiful, simplistic and assured album and sometimes that is quite enough.

BarryGruff Presents #10 w/ Our Krypton Son, Ciaran Lenehan & Sea Area Forecast :: Flanagan’s Bar, Newbridge :: Saturday :: Nov 17th

It’s hard to believe this is the tenth BarryGruff Presents show in Newbridge, how did that happen?

Anyway. BarryGruff Presents #10 returns to Flanagan’s Bar, Newbridge for another fantastic night of  live music on Saturday, November 17th, w/ Our Krypton Son, Ciaran Lenehan (full band) & Sea Area Forecast.

Chris McConaghy aka Our Krypton Son hails from Derry, where he cut his first musical teeth and establishing his song writing credentials sharing stages with David Kitt, Jape and Cashier No. 9. In early 2010 McConaghy gathered close musician friends together to create Our Krypton Son. Our Krypton Son’s muse traverses the songscapes of Wilco, Costello, Bowie, Waits and Orbison; with McConaghy’s voice fragile, tender and touching. This is a first visit to Newbridge for Our Krypton Son as part of their Irish tour in support of their self-titled debut album.

Dublin folk rocker Ciaran Lenehan takes time out from prepping his new album to return to Newbridge, where he has become a firm favourite. Having earned his stripes on the live circuit with the likes of Damien Dempsey, Frank Turner and Wallis Bird, Lenehan is a songwriter to be reckoned with; simple, assured and engaging. Most importantly he has the talent to make wonderful stories into fantastic songs. This is a rare chance to see him perform with his full band behind him.

Meanwhile support comes from Newbridge’s very own Sea Area Forecast who bring their indie folk sounds to the town for the first time since releasing their debut EP. It all promises to be yet another memorable night.

Entry is FREE as always and the show starts at 9.00pm in Flanagan’s, Newbridge on Saturday, November 17th. For more info & Facebook event.

Our Krypton Son – ‘I’ll Never Learn To Say Goodbye’

Our Krypton Son is the brainchild of Derry native Chris McConaghy. Having cut his musical teeth with various bands in his hometown he gathered close musician friends together in early 2010 to create Our Krypton Son; soon after which they signed with Smalltown America Records.

Our Krypton Son are now readying  the release of the self-titled debut album, and to whet the appetite somewhat, a special take of ‘I’ll Never Learn To Say Goodbye’, has been unveiled. Recorded/filmed in one take the Smalltown America studio during the closing recording session for the debut album, ‘I’ll Never Learn To Say Goodbye’ is a breathtaking song. A sombre, emotional and melancholy lament with a hint of uplifting spirit stretched to capacity by the tenderness of McConaghy’s vocals.

Our Krypton Son’s self-titled debut is out on 16th November through Smalltown America Records, judging by this latest nugget, not one to pass over.

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Our Krypton Son – ‘Catalonian Love Song’

Our Krypton Son is the alter-ego of Derryman Chris McConaghy who recently signed to his hometown label, Smalltown America.

‘Catalonian Love Song’ is his first release since joining their roster. It is a wonderfully captivating song which unfolds with his tender and touching vocals in tandem with some stripped back guitar and piano. This is the kind of swooning balladry we are used to hearing from a certain Alex Turner. Having shared the bill with David Kitt, Gemma Hayes, Jape and Cashier No. 9, McConaghy is currently putting the finishing touches to his debut album working with producer Sam Williams (Supergrass, The Noisettes & The 22-20’s).

‘Our Krypton Son’ is released on January 16 but you can stream it below or buy it now from here.

 Our Krypton Son – Catalonian Love Song

 Our Krypton Son – Somebody Else’s Love