Emerald Armada, Fatherson, In Their Thousands, Conor Scott
Voodoo, Belfast
17th March 2014
A capacity Voodoo proved the venue for local heroes The Emerald Armada, as they returned triumphantly to their home city of Belfast. Backed by some of this islands most exciting talent, it made for an eclectic and colourful lineup Across The Line couldn't wait to hear.
The first act of the evening came from the acoustic stylings of nineteen year old singer/songwriter Conor Scott, the former voice contestant now armed with a full backing band to elevate his well crafted pop songs. Shimmering keyboard riffs and pounding drum beats drove Scott's songs forward, his strong and commanding vocal needing no time to settle in to the atmosphere of a packed Saint Patrick's day crowd. Opener 'Please Be' sparkled with the sort of 80's overtones Go Wolf have thrived upon, while new single 'Take All The Time You Need's potent honesty and bluesy swing provided an emotional lament from the upbeat setlist. In all, a confident set from the veteran teenager, a far cry from his early days of open mics.
Enthralling from the off, In Their Thousandsethereal ambiance and folk rock roots proved a perfect combination as they dazzled the audience like The Thrills in their heyday. The Donegal four piece's strength lies in their contradictions, as at times they proved menacing with their intimate acoustic styled melodies, before bursting into life with a huge sound. Frontman Declan McClafferty's vocal as delicate was as their foreboding epics required, while also filling their set with thunderous tracks from their four studio EP's (The stunning 'Tear It All Apart' a real highlight) In Their Thousands could easily stake a claim to be one of Ireland's most promising outfits.
Then came Glasgow's Fatherson, a band fresh from the compact nature and resulting benefits of recording a debut album. Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Ross Leighton's swooning voice echoes that of Deaf Havana's James Veck-Gilodi, while Fatherson's heavy rock sound plays to a uniquely darker shade of alt-rock, clearly polished from consistent touring. A tight and punchy performance from a band now very familiar with these shores (sharing a stage with our very own 'More Than Conquerors' amongst others).
By the time the headliners arrived, the excitement had reached fever pitch. Never has it been such a pleasure to dance amongst such an animated and colourful crowd, as The Emerald Armada's infectious folk had the venue rocking from the first strums of an acoustic guitar to the last. A chorus of jumping, crowd surfing and non stop rallying cries truly captured the spirit of the day, as a mixture of old and newer material was sang back to the local lads with vigor, passion and an obligatory hand clap or three. Audience reaction aside, (and it was extraordinary) the Armada's performance was as assured as you'd imagine from a group now well acquainted with the Saint Patrick's day headline slot. Pitch perfect vocal harmonies complimented the driving boron drum and led to many a Pogues styled melee of adoration.
It was wild, frenzied and a perfect climax to a day of celebration for the city of Belfast.
Voodoo, Belfast
17th March 2014
A capacity Voodoo proved the venue for local heroes The Emerald Armada, as they returned triumphantly to their home city of Belfast. Backed by some of this islands most exciting talent, it made for an eclectic and colourful lineup Across The Line couldn't wait to hear.
The first act of the evening came from the acoustic stylings of nineteen year old singer/songwriter Conor Scott, the former voice contestant now armed with a full backing band to elevate his well crafted pop songs. Shimmering keyboard riffs and pounding drum beats drove Scott's songs forward, his strong and commanding vocal needing no time to settle in to the atmosphere of a packed Saint Patrick's day crowd. Opener 'Please Be' sparkled with the sort of 80's overtones Go Wolf have thrived upon, while new single 'Take All The Time You Need's potent honesty and bluesy swing provided an emotional lament from the upbeat setlist. In all, a confident set from the veteran teenager, a far cry from his early days of open mics.
Enthralling from the off, In Their Thousandsethereal ambiance and folk rock roots proved a perfect combination as they dazzled the audience like The Thrills in their heyday. The Donegal four piece's strength lies in their contradictions, as at times they proved menacing with their intimate acoustic styled melodies, before bursting into life with a huge sound. Frontman Declan McClafferty's vocal as delicate was as their foreboding epics required, while also filling their set with thunderous tracks from their four studio EP's (The stunning 'Tear It All Apart' a real highlight) In Their Thousands could easily stake a claim to be one of Ireland's most promising outfits.
Then came Glasgow's Fatherson, a band fresh from the compact nature and resulting benefits of recording a debut album. Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Ross Leighton's swooning voice echoes that of Deaf Havana's James Veck-Gilodi, while Fatherson's heavy rock sound plays to a uniquely darker shade of alt-rock, clearly polished from consistent touring. A tight and punchy performance from a band now very familiar with these shores (sharing a stage with our very own 'More Than Conquerors' amongst others).
By the time the headliners arrived, the excitement had reached fever pitch. Never has it been such a pleasure to dance amongst such an animated and colourful crowd, as The Emerald Armada's infectious folk had the venue rocking from the first strums of an acoustic guitar to the last. A chorus of jumping, crowd surfing and non stop rallying cries truly captured the spirit of the day, as a mixture of old and newer material was sang back to the local lads with vigor, passion and an obligatory hand clap or three. Audience reaction aside, (and it was extraordinary) the Armada's performance was as assured as you'd imagine from a group now well acquainted with the Saint Patrick's day headline slot. Pitch perfect vocal harmonies complimented the driving boron drum and led to many a Pogues styled melee of adoration.
It was wild, frenzied and a perfect climax to a day of celebration for the city of Belfast.
Taylor Johnson
