That New Band Smell

Howdy, Brian Coney at your local music-consuming service. With the recent, altogether sudden demise of two of the best bands in the country - General Fiasco and Fighting With Wire – it’s safe to say the country is in as much need for brand new, ground-breaking acts as ever before. Indeed, while we still have an absolute rake of first-rate acts scattered across the country – both North and South – here’s three Irish acts that I think are liable to do great things over the coming months.

Sweet Taste – ‘Get Your Groove On’

Whilst far from the most original new act around, Belfast-based rock four-piece Sweet Taste admirably carry the torch of the likes of our country’s rock pioneers in Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy and the Answer. Taken from their forthcoming Hit The Spot EP – set for release in April – the suitably-titled ‘Get Your Groove On’ calls to mind the likes of the Black Crowes and Rocks-era Aerosmith. They aren’t reinventing the hard-rock wheel but Sweet Taste are certainly taking a wheel that already exists and giving it a good ol’ spin.

The Altered Hours – ‘Sweet Jelly Roll’

Definitely one for the more ponderous amongst you, Cork psychedelic folk five-piece The Altered Hours call to mind the likes of Bardo Pond and My Bloody Valentine whilst maintaining their own drifting, inimitable style. Having released the kaleidoscopic Downstream EP in November 2011, the band will release their new single ‘Sweet Jelly Roll’, a wonderfully psych-drenched exploration, in April via A Records, home to the likes of Brian Jonestown Massacre and Dirty Beaches. Keep an ear out for these guys!

The Clameens – ‘Follow’

My main pick this week comes in the form of Derry quartet The Clameens. Very much reminiscent of two of the band’s key influences in the Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines, their most recent single ‘Follow’ is a high-octane, guitar-led, decidedly “laddish” affair that all but demands your attention by the first chorus. Again, just like aforementioned Sweet Taste, the Clameens are far from the most innovative quartet around but they pack more than enough energy and intent into their music to ensure your attention. Bring on a full-length album.