Long fringed, tight-jean sporting *insert generic word* Core bands seeking to cash in on the popularity of the latest alternative trend are a dime-a-dozen. Depressing stuff. It's worth noting, however, that a decade ago we were all scrambling to form the next Korn or Spineshank. An era that is (comfortingly) looked upon with a degree of hilarity today. The similarities are striking.
My apathy has thankfully been challenged in a big way by two local acts in the last month. The first, Joe Echo (Ciaran Gribbin) came to my attention after a phone interview for a Sunday Life article that I wrote. Free-to-download single 'The Heart That Knows Desire' is a disarming blend of genres; Indie styled music driven along by pure dance sensibilities, all of which sit with surprising comfort beneath a truly distinctive voice.
Ciaran was also kind enough to send me a pre-release promo copy of new single 'Wonderful Way' this week. It's a catchy and confident indication of the forthcoming debut album. A lot more staightforward in its sound, but still undeniably Joe Echo. I fully expect a far wider audience to catch on very soon.
The second act are a local rock band with roots in my hometown. Those of us old enough to know better will remember Larne post-hardcore outfit Throat, who outshone practically every local act at the turn of the millenium with guest appearance-laden debut album 'Knievel is Evil'. The band went on to tour extensively, sharing the stage with the likes of Clutch and At The Drive In, before a somewhat premature end.
The good news is that the rhythm section; bassist Russell Crookes and drummer Mike Barr, have returned with their latest project 'Black Bear Saloon'. A triumphant return to say the least. New tracks 'Face The Future' and 'Al Bronco' are as heavy as a whiskey-fuelled punch in the face. Singer Aaron Abernathy is drenched in attitude. Guitar and bass tracks are pounded out with relentless venom and Barr is the most solid of musical backbones, somehow pulling in the reins and adding a sharp and stylish groove to the awesome chaos. Put simply, it's hard to listen to Black Bear Saloon without gritting your teeth and slamming the nearest flat surface. That is never, ever a bad thing.
The band have already been tipped for success by Hot Press and NME, and with a sound that could so easily sit alongside their well established post-hardcore influences, Black Bear Saloon are THE force to be reckoned with in Northern Ireland right now.
Watch out.
