Bennigans Bar, Derry-Londonderry,
Fri 7th March 2014
Tonight, at Bennigans Bar in Londonderry, sees the launch of We Are Aerials new album, Voeckler, showcasing Conor McAteer’s range of musical styles. With support from Tecknopeasant (Conor O’Kane) and Our Krypton Son (solo, Chris McConaghy) the evenings line up promises an interestingly eclectic mix of musical genres.
The small, welcoming bar soon fills up with music fans curious and eager for the performances ahead. Tecknopeasant, not wanting to keep the crowd waiting launches straight into his set with an Irish folk style balladry, immediately grabbing the audience’s attention. After a warming start, Tecknopeasant addresses the audience with a genuine, likeable charm, talking to us as if we are all friends before lifting the energy with an upbeat folk style tune. His enthusiastic banjo strums have the crowd infectiously foot tapping along, following his clear story telling lyrics. Tecknopeasant’s unique songs tell us stories based on simple living through melody, with songs such as ‘Home Cooking’ leaving the audience with a warm feeling of nostalgia.
After Tecknopeasant is rewarded with rapturous applause, Our Krypton Son immediately takes to the stage. The crowd have no time to pause for thought as his deep velvety voice accompanied with slow strong acoustics float across the bar, bringing a change of pace from the previous act. The crowd softly chatter whilst listening to Our Krypton Son’s, pained lyrics yet the room is hushed by ‘Sunlight in the Ashes’, a strong ballad beautifully delivered with raw emotion. Our Krypton Son comes into his own when he switches to piano, giving the sense of him being immersed in his own world, unaffected by the audience listening attentively. Not only hearing, but feeling his words. ‘Plutonium’ and popular ‘Caletonian Love Song’ finish the set leaving us ready for the delights We Are Aerials intends to deliver.
After a short break, We Are Aerials give us a powerful opener with ‘Elbow Room’ the first song on the album. Lead singer Conor McAteers soft gentle vocals enthral us immediately with perfectly synced instrumentals from the band. Within their set they deliver a range of styles from ballads to rock. 'Pile ‘Em Up' is a definite crowd pleaser, and each performance is delivered with the same passion and enthusiasm. Conor’s voice is delicate yet strong and clearly has a wide vocal range with beautiful harmonies, though at times it is overcome with the level of the instrumentals. The performance of the night came with ‘Static’ - a slow, mesmerising rock ballad with catchy soft drum beats and gliding smooth bass. The slow rich enchanting vocals transport us on a journey which the lyrics and music evoke. After a night of varied music and emotion, the success of the evening is reflected by the crowd in high spirits, with their copies of Voeckler in hand.
Stacy Fitzpatrick
