Album Review: "A Beginner's Guide To Bravery" by David Keenan

16th January 2020 //

Hey everyone!

If on this mighty fine Thursday you are looking for an escape,
an escape to a sound world you might've not explore before,
we invite you to check out David Keenan's debut album.

We get this feeling of pure joy whenever an album takes us on a ride and lets us lose ourselves in the music. (Not an Eminem pun, promise!)
David Keenan's album did exactly that for us, so please join us on journey of discovering the album.


Artist: David Keenan
Title: A Beginner's Guide To Bravery
Genre: Folk
Label: Rubyworks
Release Date: 10th January 2020


David Keenan is a singer/songwriter from Dundalk, Ireland.

David has always found the fascinating in the seemlingly mundane. That creativity and imagination have helped the songwriter to find his style.
On the journey of finding his style and voice, David went to Liverpool to find Lee Mavers, singer of The La's. And while he didn't find Lee, he found confidence - confidence in his writing, his performing and his ability to sing each song like it was his last, an ability he admires in artist such as Damian Dempsey and Jacques Brel.

His debut album, "A Beginner's Guide To Bravery" was written over the span of four years, embedding stories of the past, present and future within the eleven tracks which were recorded within a week. Giving the songs time to tell him exactly where they wanted to go shows David's ability to really lean in and let his craft develop.

And he's right - there's no sense in rushing, it's just the beginning. Journeys unfold over time.

His passionate performances have captivated large audience including the times he played support sets for Glen Hansard, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Hozier.


Tracklist:
1) James Dean
2) Unholy Ghosts
3) Altar Wine
4) Love In A Snug
5) Tin Pan Alley
6) Good Old Days
7) The Healing
8) Origin Of The World
9) Eastern Nights
10) Evidence Of Living
11) Subliminal Dublinia


Opener "James Dean" prepares you for the journey you are about to embark on in the most gentle way. It's minimalistic, it's soothing, the closer you listen, the more you'll find yourself ready for more. More poetry, more stories sung by David.

"Unholy Ghosts" unfolds and blossoms into a song bigger than the first few chords would let you suspect. Towards the end you are engulfed in warm fiddles, steady drums, welcoming acoustics and a voice you don't want to stop listening to. 
Of course "Altar Wine" needs to be mentioned. It gives us the feeling of driving on the highway past midnight, you're one of the only ones travelling, travelling to where you're going but also travelling to where David Keenan takes you with this song. It's one of the most haunting, most captivating songs on the record.

It seems like David has a thing for starting a song off calm and mysterious, but letting it crescent into something bigger than imaginable. With choruses that make you move your entire body, "The Healing" wins you over with rapid rhythms, intensifying instrumentals and the passion with which David tells you these stories.

To sum it up: David Keenan has managed to create his very own sound world. One that's filled with poetry, charm and mystery. It allows you to go on a journey as you travel through the songs, discovering new elements and highlights each time you listen. "A Beginner's Guide To Bravery" is a record that transports you into another place and time and that's a pretty big achievement.


You should listen to these tracks: Unholy Ghosts, Altar Wine, The Healing, Origin Of The World



Watch David's acoustic performance of "Alter Wine" right here:




- buy and/or stream "A Beginner's Guide To Bravery" here -



David Keenan online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: via Backseat PR

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Song Of The Day: "Wherever You Are" by Kodaline

10th January 2020 //

Hey everyone!

Kodaline are starting the year off right.
Ten days into 2020 Kodaline fans are blessed with a new track after the band has been hinting at releasing new music through their last few posts on social media.

The four musicians from Ireland had a busy couple of years.
Whenever they aren't writing and recording music, they are out there touring the world.
(Or filming interviews with us... #1, #2, #3.)

2019 has seen them touring a lot and some more, playing songs off of their latest album, "Politics of Living". Steve, Mark, Jay & Vinny seemingly have found a brilliant rhythm of releasing EPs and albums in between their extensive tours.


- Song Of The Day -
"Wherever You Are" by Kodaline


Steve says about the song: "'Wherever You Are' is a song about loved ones staying in your heart and mind even when they're not with you. I wrote it specifically for my girlfriend as due to being away on tour all the time we never really got to see each other."

The song is a hopeful one, it's comforting right from the first note on.
With heartfelt lyrics and an uplifting melody, Kodaline have once again managed to stay true to the elements their fans love while also evolving and going the direction that feels most natural to them.

We get harmonies, we get acoustic guitar, we get a rhythm section that drives the song and we get a damn beautiful message. The way the song is structured allows you to go on a journey with the band; going from calm and soft to upbeat and powerful, you experience every detail fully.


Listen to "Wherever You Are" right here:





- buy and/or stream "Wherever You Are" here -



Kodaline online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram






Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Image: Kodaline

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Song Of The Day: "Jackboot Jump (live)" by Hozier

22nd November 2019 //

Hey everyone!

As bloggers it is expected of us to be quick when it comes to new releases.
We need to consume quickly in order to write quickly - and that's something you adapt to over the years and get quite good at.

We love the immediacy of writing and sharing, knowing that once we hit "publish", we can talk to music fans and get their reactions.
It's brilliant.

But sometimes we prefer having an extra day and night to sit with a piece of music, to really understand it.
We decided to do just that with Hozier's brand new single and it was definitely a good idea.


- Song Of The Day -
"Jackboot Jump (live)" by Hozier


After writing a tribute song for those artists who have used and still use their voices and don't shy away from writing protest songs. "Nina Cried Power" was Hozier's powerful return last year and perhaps it was the first nod to what was to come.

With his brand new single "Jackboot Jump", Hozier has gone and given an even bigger nod to traditional protest songs written by artists such as Pete Seeger and Woodie Guthrie. (Both artists are also named in "Nina Cried Power".)

The song is a live recording from his show in El Paso, Texas and only features the drums, played by Rory Doyle, the electric guitar and his vocals.
Although only using three elements for the song, it still sounds huge. The riff is as mindblowing as it is catchy, staying in your even when the song ends.
Power and depth are what the drums deliver so brilliantly and give the song the signature stomping sound we associate with Hozier.

While the majority of the song highlights injustice, political unrest and oppressive regimes (examples: Standing Rock, Moscow, Hong Kong), Hozier uses the last verse to show the hope he has in those who protest and use their voices to demand change: 
 
"All around the world
You'd think that things were looking rough
But the jackboot only jumps down
On people standing up
So you know good things are happening
When the jackboot needs to jump"


It's just a bloody great track, so we advice you to check out the video below.



Watch Hozier's performance of "Jackboot Jump (live)" right here:




- buy and/or stream "Jackboot Jump (live)" here -



Hozier online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words & Image: Vanessa Jetwash

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Gig Photos: Blossoms at Rock & Roll Hotel, Washington (November 2019)

19th November 2019 //

Hey everyone!

Happy Tuesday!
Well, Tuesday generally have a bad rep, don't they?
The weekend is over, Monday has seen most of us return to work, whether that's 9 to 5 or 24/7 (hello there fellow freelancers!), it can be a bit of pain in the behind.

But isn't it also kind of cool how we collectively conquer another week?
We kinda think it is.
And to make it a lot easier, we think you need decent music - which we love providing to you.

Our DC based photographer Gabby has some photos of two brilliant bands for you today and if you add those two bands to your playlist, your Tuesday will improve about 124%.


As always, please make sure to support Gabby's work online:
Website | Twitter | Instagram

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Date: 5th November 2019
Venue: Rock & Roll Hotel, Washington (DC)

Support Act: Inhaler


Inhaler are a four piece from Dublin, Ireland.

They met at school and soon realised they all share interests and had similar tastes in music. This, of course, led to them uniting to bring quality rock music to the crowds.

Inhaler are:
Elijah Hewson (vocals, rhythm guitar)
Josh Jenkinson (lead guitar)
Robert Keating (bass)
Ryan McMahon (drums)

The guys have already released a bunch of singles, such as the soundtrack-like "It Won't Always Be Like This" and their latest, "Ice Cream Sundae", a groovy retro number.

After seeing them opening for Blossoms, we certainly can't wait to hear more from them.


Watch the music video for "Ice Cream Sundae" right here:




Inhaler online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram



























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Headliner: Blossoms


Blossoms are a five piece band from Stockport, UK.
Their sound has drawn inspiration from bands such as Oasis and Artic Monkeys to the classic 80s Pop elements.

They started out as a school band, named after a local pub.
As the band came together, they pretty quickly found their sound and started writing and releasing their debut single, "You Pulled A Gun", and soon after dropped their debut EP, "Bloom".

Blossoms are:
Tom Ogden (vocals, guitar)
Charlie Salt (bass, backing vocals)
Josh Dewhurst (lead guitar)
Joe Donovan (drums)
Myles Kellock (keyboards, backing vocals)

After signing to Virgin EMI, Blossoms kept releasing EPs while gigging around the country and playing festivals, including a set at Glastonbury in 2016.
Their self-titled debut album made it to number 1 in the UK charts and they haven't slowed down since.

Besides touring all over the place, Blossoms wrote and recorded another album and released the "Cool Like You" LP in 2018.


Watch the music video for "Your Girlfriend" right here:




Blossoms online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram



























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What's your favourite Blossoms track?
Let us know!







Thank you for your visit!









&

Credits // Words: Vanessa Jetwash | Photography: Gabby Ames | **a ticket and photo pass have kindly been provided**

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Gig Photos: Hozier at Circus Krone, Munich (September 2019)

28th October 2019

Hey everyone!

Gigs are such versatile experiences.
Some are big productions with dancers and costume changes, others take place in sweaty rock clubs and some can happen in your livingroom.

Every now and then it seems that one gig can offer all those moments in one night.
Irish musician Hozier certainly created a bunch of different atmospheres in just one evening and if you find yourself in the audience, you'll certainly understand why some call him one of the best musicians of this era.

We got to experience Hozier's set and have a bunch of photos and words for you to sum up the evening.

If you'd like to see more of my photography work, you can find it here:
website | twitter | facebook | instagram

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Date: 11th September 2019
Venue: Circus Krone, Munich (GER)

Support: David Keenan


When David Keenan stepped on stage with his guitar, the audience was eager to listen to his words.
A few minutes into his set, it was obvious that David was a story teller and knew how to captivate an audience.

He stood up there with ease and a confidence that just pulls you in and makes you want to hear the stories he is about to tell you.
With a voice so exciting and a way to string words together in the most expressive and vivid way, it quickly becomes clear why he's an artist you should keep on your radar.
If you are eager to hear more, make sure to pre-order his debut album "A Beginner's Guide To Bravery" which will be out on January 10th 2020.

Seeing David Keenan live is like diving into the different world for just a few moments.
And don't we all want that?


Watch the music video for "Altar Wine" right here:




David Keenan online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram

























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Headliner: Hozier

Getting to experience the first three songs of the set from the photo pit right between Hozier and his audience was something else.
The folky "Would That I" drew everyone in from the first chord on, creating the perfect level of excitement and focus. 
But as soon as Hozier and his band of seven brilliant musician started playing the first notes of "Dinner & Diatribes", the room was on fire. With the eight musicians clapping, stomping, drumming, playing roaring riffs and delivering vocals so demanding and utterly fascinating, it was clear that this evening was going to be as versatile as a gig could be.

A personal favourite was "Nina Cried Power".
The anthem dedicated to protest songs and those artists who have raised and continue to raise their voices is as powerful as a song could be. The lyrics alone are enough to make you think, but it's the way Hozier delivers those words that is incomparable. The passion he pours into each line is something that just can't be faked. Being right in front of him as he belts into the mic so much that he's physically bending over and giving into the urgency of the song is something so powerful, it's mindblowing.

Although not all songs demanded so much energy, there was never a boring moment.
Some old songs were played with new arrangements, showing a new side to "Someone New", "From Eden" and even "Cherry Wine", the latter which had been known to fans as an acoustic one take that was recorded on a roof with birds chirping in the background was now a little more polished with more instruments joining in. The sea of lights created by the audience just made it even more magical.

There were songs like "Moment's Silence (Common Tongue)" which made you think we you were at a rock club, moving along to smokey riffs and strong forward percussions and diving into this world of music that just takes control over you and lets you forget everything around you - and then there was "As It Was", the sparse instrumentals reminded you how Hozier is one of those artists who don't need much to draw you in and convince you of their talents.

Listen, we thoroughly enjoyed this evening and could go on for ages, mentioning every song on the setlist, but instead we'll just tell you to keep an eye on Hozier's tourdates so you can go catch a show yourself and experience a brilliant and versatile show.


Watch the music video for "Almost (Sweet Music)" right here:




Hozier online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram




































































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We hope you enjoyed those impressions and would love to hear your stories if you've seen Hozier before.





Thank you for your visit!

Credits // Words & Photography: Vanessa Jetwash | **a ticket and photo pass have kindly been provided**

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