REVIEW: GOONS, PigsAsPeople, Loris, Waldorf & Cannon

Hidden Machine Presents: GOONS, PigsAsPeople, LORIS, Waldorf & Cannon

Limelight 2, Belfast

Wednesday 28^th January, 2015

Heavy snow is forecast for tonight across Belfast, but that doesn’t stop a great turnout for the debut Belfast gig of GOONS (ex-members of Fighting With Wire and LaFaro) who are playing Limelight 2 with PigsAsPeople, LORIS and Waldorf & Cannon.

First on stage are Waldorf & Cannon, a duo playing their first gig in Belfast. With first song Cabal - their musical chemistry and the way they harmonise is beautiful to listen to and watch. The rhythms created between the two guitars and foot drums, result in a smooth and addictive sound. The harmonica is introduced into the mix as they play Lost Liberty and the way this duo can create the sound of a full band is extremely impressive. A brilliant first Belfast gig from Waldorf & Cannon - watch this space.

Next on stage are LORIS and the band transfixes the crowd from their very first song. The versatility of LORIS is impressive with Frances Mitchell, on keyboard, performing with strong vocals, and Chris Scott simultaneously playing the drums and controlling the technical side of things on the laptop. The production behind LORIS’s set is superb and the crowd are engrossed during Crazy and I’ve Been Quiet. Once again, LORIS prove that they are a band on the rise and only getting better.

PigsAsPeople take to the stage next, kicking off with The Duke of Flies from their album The Plot Against Future Plans, released back in September. This three piece post-hardcore rock band from Belfast, have an undeniably good stage presence. Their set up is minimalistic with vocal, guitar, bass and drums but the band has great energy and produces music with a definite punk edge - obvious in songs Rashida and Glass Fiends. PigsAsPeople play their final song Foundling and the atmosphere amongst the crowd is electric.

Next is what we’ve all been waiting for; Goons’ debut Belfast performance. The band kicks off its set with Bloodsuckers and the crowd is quickly absorbed by the sounds they create. This isn’t surprising as Alan Lynn, Herb Magee and Cahir O’Doherty, some of Northern Ireland’s finest musical talent, form the backbone of the group. With fantastic bass and vocals, their energy is addictive with everyone in the room hooked, as they play Bump in the Night and Party Never Stops. How this band work together is superb and they have complete control over the room as they finish off with Bully Boy. There is no doubt, at least we hope, that this will be the first gig of many for Goons, and the Northern Irish music scene will be all the better for it.

Bethan Leonard