POSTS TAGGED : The Violet Roadkills

Best of 2012: w/ Mick Power from The Violet Roadkills

The Violet Roadkills

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’.

Without further waffle from me, here’s  Mick Power from The Violet Roadkills and his picks from the year that was 2012.

Favourite Album of 2012: Air – Le Voyage dans la Lune, Bat for Lashes – Haunted Man

I started writing about Bat For Lashes then looked through some lists to see if I’d forgot anything and saw Air, I can’t choose between them, they’re both just gorgeous albums. Air’s Le Voyage dans la Lune is only a half hour soundtrack but has more ideas going on than anything else this year. Orchestral, electronic, melody upon counter melody, but nothing in the way of anything else, it all syncs beautifully. Each track works into the next, throw yer wan from Beach House on as well its a joy.

Bat for Lashes just getting better with every album and Haunted Man is stunning. That voice of god thing, she’d be up there with Liz Fraser, Aretha Franklin for the soul they put into it. I never go deciphering lyrics or anything but from the feel of this, it is like she poured her heart out on this album, really emotional stuff and it gets you. I can’t come up with any more words for beautiful but that’s what it is. Honourable mentions to Grizzly Bear, Richard Hawley, First Aid Kit, Django Django, Tame Impala, Mark Lanegan, Grimes, Purity Ring, Walkmen, Father John Misty & Santigold.

Favourite song of 2012: Dr John – ‘Revolution’

Favourite song is too hard! I’ll go with this to have something different from the best album stuff. Always loved Dr John, some voices just command attention, Gil Scott Heron, Mark Lanegan, it is like what you imagine Gods voice would be like. Dr John is one of them. Teaming him up with Dan Auerbach worked great, it is polished but leaves some of the dirt on top, the arrangements are fantastic, still keeps his brassy New Orleans thing in but beefs it up with a heavier blues rock style. Funky can be a horrible word, I just imagine hours of slap bass awfulness but this is one of them, old tight but loose chestnuts, and yeah funky, but in the best way possible.

Favourite Irish song (and album) of 2012: Spook of the 13th Lock – ‘The Brutal Here & Now’

‘The Brutal Here & Now’ is the song that got me into the Spook of the 13th Lock‘s great album. It has the Irish trad thing in it but above all else its just a great catchy song, great hooks and melodies over a pulsing rhythm. Its anthemic by the end. Great players. Honourable mentions to Mumblin Deaf Ro, Logikparty, Cast of Cheers, Katie Kim & Ghost Estates.

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BarryGruff Presents: The Statics, The Violet Roadkills & Wayfarer :: Arthur’s, 28 Thomas Street :: Dublin :: Friday :: Nov 23rd

I’m delighted ‘BarryGruff Presents’ is on its way back to Dublin once again, this Friday, November 23rd. We’re taking over Arthur’s on Thomas Street, the newest addition to Dublin’s live music scene under the watchful eye of The Mighty Stef.

I’m really excited about this one and to have ‘The Statics’, ‘The Violet Roadkills’ and ‘Wayfarer’playing on the night. There is more details and tracks from the acts below. Doors at 8pm and admission is FREE, hopefully some of you can make it along to make it a really great night. [Facebook event]

The show is on Friday November 23rd, Arthur’s (Upstairs), 28 Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Doors at 8pm and admission is FREE. There’s more info/links below.

The Statics:

Echoing the likes of The La’s, John Power & The Coral, The Statics specialise in upbeat, energetic and heart warming indie-goodness with twangy rhythmic guitars, rich distinctive vocals and sing-a-long choruses, played with energy, refreshing honesty and assured sense of style. This Dublin four-piece are a real hidden gem but hopefully not for too long.

 [Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter]

The Violet Roadkills:

Also hailing from Dublin, The Violet Roadkills are a somewhat different prospect. Taking their cue from the likes of Death In Vegas and Holy Fuck, they have a preference for a loud, intense and powerful mix of heavy riffs and driving synths, channelled into a haze of Electronica and Krautrock. Their influences from My Bloody Valentine, Royksopp, Steroelab to Godspeed You Black Emperor run riot throughout their music. These guys don’t mess about, and do what they do very, very well. This is a first Dublin show in sometime and one definitely not to be missed.

[Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter]

Meanwhile support comes from Newbridge trio Wayfarer, whose soft and gentle folk sound is something of beauty, a perfect combo to kick off any night.

This really promises to be a great night in Arthur’s, the newest addition to Dublin’s live music scene, so come on down for a buzz!

Introducing: The Violet Roadkills

The Violet Roadkills are the Dublin based 4-piece of Gerry Horan, Graham Gilligan, Stevie Kavanagh and Mick Power, who produced one of the stand out performances at this year’s Castlepalooza.

Taking their cue from the likes of Death In Vegas and Holy Fuck they have a preference for a loud, intense and powerful mix of heavy riffs and driving synths, channeled into a haze of Electronica and Krautrock. Their influences from My Bloody Valentine, Royksopp, Steroelab to Godspeed You Black Emperor run riot throughout their music. These guys don’t mess about, they’re tight and do what they do very, very well. Check out the choice cuts below and you’ll get the picture.

You can download their debut release Tetramer for free over on Bandcamp