Sea Area Forecast – ‘Blue Notes’

484441_335372273222801_1198254325_n

Sea Are Forecast are an indie-folk outfit from Newbridge, who went down a treat when they played a couple of the ‘BarryGruff Presents’ shows last year, and importantly showed increasing promise with each performance. 

Taken from their debut release, ‘Blue Notes’ appeared late last year but got somewhat lost in the deluge of end of year lists and other festive commitments.  ‘Blue Notes’ is a perfect introduction to Sea Area’s ‘indie with a folky touch’ approach. It’s an earthy and warm slow burner with some wonderful vocal harmonies – a quite a stirring rendition as it goes.

You can listen to ‘Blue Notes’ below or watch the video, made of footage from recording sessions, live shows and other hi-jinx.

You forgot a username for the YouTube shortcode

Best of 2012: w/ Stephen Connelly of Sea Area Forecast

Stevie Sea Area

It’s that time of year when every music website, publication and blog (including this one) are busy compiling end of year lists. This time around, I thought I’d shift the focus to the bands and artist’s who’ve played a ‘BarryGruff Presents’ show this year and ask them for their ‘favourite album of 2012′, ‘favourite song of 2012′ & ‘favourite Irish song of the year’.

Right, that is enough from me, over to Stephen Connelly from Sea Area Forecast (and Knoxville Morning + 1/3 BarryGruff Presents team) and his picks from the year that was 2012.

Favourite Album of 2012: Ty Segall – ‘Twins’

Definitely my highlight of the three albums he released this year. The opening tracks ‘Thank God For The Sinners’ straight into ‘You’re The Doctor’ will blow the head off you. Packed with DIY garage rock madness, the guitars sound like pure dirt which is definitely a good thing.

Favourite Irish Album of 2012: Nathan Conway & The River Valley Band – ‘Sonny Boy’

One of the best records I’ve heard. A perfect combination of country, soul and swinging 50’s guitar riffs all topped off with Conway’s unique vocals and lyrics. Each song, an epic story filled with characters doomed with the burdens of being human. I love every second of this record.

Favourite Irish Song of 2012: The Mighty Stef – ‘If You Can’t Give Me Everything’

A tribute to Greg Cartwright, released as part of the Bad Bad Men split EP with the Cheap Freaks. May not have been written this year but The Mighty Stef does a cracking version of this Reigning Sound favorite. Doing what The Mighty does best, his re-imagined rendition is even bigger with extra heartbreak. A beautiful take on a perfect song.

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.

BarryGruff Presents #6: w/ Sive, Padraig McCauley & The P Affection and Sea Area Forecast :: Flanagan’s Newbridge :: May 25th

So, ‘BarryGruff Presents’ returns to Flanagan’s Bar, Newbridge for its sixth instalment on Friday, May 25th.

The first 5 shows have been fantastic & ‘BarryGruff Presents’ #6 promises to be no less impressive, with the delectable talents of Sive, Padraig McCauley & The P Affection and Sea Area Forecast on show.

Sive, the brainchild of Naas musician Sadhbh O’Sullivan, who’s recent debut album We Are Moving was greeted by rave reviews. Drawing from a wide variety of alternative rock, jazz and folk influences, Sive’s gorgeous sound fuses these influences, with excellent musicianship and charm.

Accompanying them on the bill are Naas-based Padraig McCauley & The P Affection, whose genre hopping sounds of their debut album received notable acclaim last year. Meanwhile Newbridge based Sea Area Forecast take time out from prepping their debut EP, indie, folk and rock sounds. It is going to be yet another memorable night. 

Entry is FREE as always and starts at 9.00pm Friday, May 25th. More info & Facebook event here.

Sive – Sunkissed

Download: Padraig McCauley & The P Affection – Lingo

Sea Area Forecast – Marvelous With Tin