Daniel Lynch Writing

Gaslight Anthem Frontman Brian Fallon Working On Solo Album Brian Fallon of New Jersey rockers ‘Gaslight Anthem’ has revealed in a blog that alongside a new Gaslight Anthem record, he will be working on a solo album. Having previously dismissed any suggestions of a solo album, Fallon seems to have had a change of heart and has decided a solo album would be needed to channel new material superfluous to the needs of Gaslight Anthem. Fallon, writing on his website on 25th January, said: “There’s no termoil (sic) or anything with Gaslight, we’re going to be writing too, but I’m sure we’re gonna need a breather after this year of touring before we go in to make our next record. So since I can’t sit still, I’m gonna make another record." The statement would suggest that Fallon’s previous side project with Gaslight Anthem’s guitar tech, Ian Perkins, will not be releasing a follow up to ‘Elsie’ this year as hoped. A solo album is a new direction for Fallon and seems to have been pr...

10-9-12  http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/174753/9 Thursday saw the release of Belfast band Stillpoint’s second E.P. ‘Some Lessons Hurt Like The Truths They Contain.’ Support bands Droids, Window Seats and Deadlights didn’t just make up the numbers with performances of the highest quality, but it was Stillpoint who deservedly stole their own show. Mixing songs from their eponymous first E.P and the new release, the trio showed that they are a force to be reckoned with both locally and further afield. The E.P. itself is considerably more refined than their debut. Stillpoint seem to have honed their sound into something that is both unique and is still a reflection of their respective influences. Structurally more complex than previous songs ‘Some Lessons...’ exhibits the rapid progression of a band that, less than a year ago, underwent a complete line-up change. ‘Blind Drunk In Sastas’ is a strong opener, setting the tone with its sheer pace and hard hitting lyrics....

24-7-12  http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/173858/9 It appears to be business as usual for The Gaslight Anthem with their fourth studio album ‘Handwritten’. Their punk laden debut ‘Sink or Swim’ quickly gave way to a more commercial effort in the hugely successful ’59 Sound,’ while their third effort ‘American Slang’ disappointed many fans with poorer production detracting from what was undoubtedly a collection of excellent songs. The transition from ‘Sink or Swim’ to ‘American Slang’ and a side project with the Horrible Crowes has developed the overall sound into a much more complete and balanced package. Critics will fall into the old trap of saying the band sound exactly the same as their previous two albums but there is a maturity and a professionalism about ‘Handwritten’ that has replaced the rawness of earlier records. Fallon’s writing topics are those of a man grown and no longer those of an embittered teenager fuelled by rage and a sense of injustice. The focu...

13-4-12   http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/171919/9 It’s always good to see local support on the bill when touring bands come to town but the evening’s first band couldn’t have been farther from local. ME, a Melbourne quartet, kicked off proceedings with an excellent set. With a hugely varied set some songs could be placed alongside the likes of Muse with piercing vocals and spacey guitars, while others had the infectious kick of more contemporary rock. Highlight of the set, ‘Westward Backwards,’ involved lead singer Luke taking Michael’s bass guitar while the bassist thumped a drum, creating a phenomenal layering of instruments and effects to cap off an exhilarating opening performance.  ME were followed by local heavy weights Axis Of who could have a run in with a steamroller wielding a wrecking ball and still come out on top. It’s more noise than a three piece should be able to make but they carry it off with aplomb. Unlike ME, Axis Of really get the crow...

13-4-12  http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/171920/9 I caught up with Sam McTrusty and Craig Kneale from Twin Atlantic before their gig in Belfast’s Mandela Hall. Armed with only a packet of wine gums and a dodgy old school dictaphone I quizzed the pair about their recent tour in America, the prospect of a new album and their excellent fan base. So how are things with Twin Atlantic, how does it feel to be back in Belfast? Sam: Yeah we’re really excited. Craig: We played here about a year ago at the venue upstairs, The Speakeasy, and that was great. We played a little place in Derry called Masons the first time we were here. It was one of the craziest gigs I’ve ever played! People were jumping on the stage and stuff. Last night in Derry there were a lot more people there, it was really cool to see so many mental people come to see us. S: We played Belsonic too, that was great fun! You guys are just back from a tour of America, how did that go? What were the h...

3-4-12   http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/171729/9 Once upon a time, crossing the threshold of Messers Courtney and McKendry heralded the starting point of a raucous night of partying and music. Jack Courtney (bass) and Dave McKendry (guitar and vocals) have been a musical partnership since their mid-teens in bands such as Custom Gauge, but this latest manifestation of their combined talent is the most progressive, most exciting and most promising to date. As front man, McKendry is the leader of the discussion, taking conversation where he wants it to go in the same way he can control an audience. Conversely, bassist Courtney sits back and takes everything going on around him in, like his bass playing he’s always there, but not always in the foreground.  Only when it has been carefully considered does he enter the dialogue and when he does you make damn sure you listen. The trio, completed by drummer William Woods, have just returned from a five week Do-It-Yours...

27-2-12 Anybody in the audience could have been forgiven for thinking four lads had wandered in to the Limelight and just happened to find themselves on stage when Broken Hands emerged from among the crowd. Having not previously been aware there was a support band; they were an intriguing prospect, and ultimately a pleasant surprise. Without so much as a ‘hi, we’re the band’ the quartet propelled themselves into a frenzy of rocking guitars and aggressive, catchy vocals. The rawness of the White Stripes and reminiscences of the usual classic rock culprits was combined to devastating effect with the edge and energy of an exciting new band just waiting to hit the big time. Their onstage modesty could be attributed to the nerves of inexperience, but when they got going each song had the polish of excellently composed rock and roll. Broken Hands will be back, but next time it’ll be them needing a support act! By the time Band of Skulls took to the stage the venue was buzzing with ac...