Passion Pit May 7th, AcademyEveryone’s favourite Next Big Thing return to give us a second dose of psychedelic Mary O'Hara samples in the space of only two months, this time at the front tail of a seemingly endless world tour. It comes on the eve of the much-anticipated Manners LP release, the success of which will undoubtedly render the Bostonian quintet ones to watch on this summer’s festival circuit. Expect enormous choruses and an outrageous falsetto (trust me) set against a frantic backdrop of synths, beats and twee melodies . If it’s anything like that surreal Sunday in Whelan’s it should be a belter.
http://www.myspace.com/passionpitjamsPeter Broderick May 4th, Whelan’sGhostly folk from Portland, Oregon, via Copenhagen, Denmark, on a Monday in early May is an admittedly obscure contender for gig of the month, but the Efterklang violinist brings with him a singularly mesmerising brand of dense atmospherics and classical arrangements that may well result in an evening to remember. Not to be missed.
http://www.myspace.com/peterbroderickMatthew Dear (AKA Audion) April 12th, TripodThose of you lucky enough to have heard Asa Breed will need no encouragement for this one. Re-released on Ghostly International last year, the record is enjoying a gradual ascent into the realms of legendary status. Not content with that, of course, Dear’s evil alter-ego, techno superstar Audion, is putting the final touches to a re-emergence, characterised, apparently, by “powerful experiments in chaos and hypnotic depth, tearing down the walls of the live electronic-music experience.” Now. Whichever his identity on Easter Sunday, it is guaranteed to be a thumping gig.
http://www.myspace.com/matthewdearDavid Kitt April 18th, Whelan’sKittser’s probably a mite pissed off with the ‘comeback’ status he is assuredly handed on the advent of each new release. Maybe The Nightsaver – his latest battle against adversity – will finally be the one to banish the hard luck stories. It is a record at once liberated and focused, expressing both an ebullience and depth reflective, perhaps, of the absence of label pressure and the resultant decision to entrust himself with production duties. Whatever the cause, his eclectic blend of electronica, folk and synth-pop is accompanied by a fresh confidence that should result in an engaging live show. Get there early - support is provided by the brilliant Somadrone.
http://www.myspace.com/davidkittRarely Seen Above Ground (RSAG) May 2nd, Whelan’sKilkenny troubadour Jeremy Hickey showcases his remarkable Organic Sampler to the Whelan’s collective. A percussionist by trade, Hickey’s soaring vocals and relentless energy invariably invoke nods to Talking Heads (the vocal similarity is uncanny – in a good way) amongst others, but his ability to marry obscure beats with a polished, charming groove suggests an originality and flair that could succeed far beyond our shores. One for the dancing shoes, I would imagine.
http://www.myspace.com/rarelyseenabovegroundMore Stuff...Fennesz May 6th, Andrews Lane TheatreElectronica legend continues to blur the line between guitar and laptop with his beautiful compositions in ALT.
http://www.myspace.com/fenneszEllen Allien April 25th, Twisted PepperBpitch Control queen brings her darkest record in years to Abbey St.
http://www.myspace.com/ellenallienDoves April 20th, OlympiaLead track from the upcoming Kingdom of Rust album, Jetstream, would be cause enough to attend this one. That they continually produce great music is perhaps another.
http://www.myspace.com/dovesmyspaceHealth April 17th, WhelansScenester noise-rockers best known over here for providing the elements for Crystal Castles’ remix of Crimewave. Perhaps best left to fans of, eh, noise-rock.
http://www.myspace.com/healthmusicRonan O’Snodaigh May 6th, Whelan’sIndomitable Kila front man keeps the fuse lit.
http://www.kila.ie/Later Stuff...Super Extra Bonus PartyMay 15th, Andrews Lane Theatre
Telepathe May 19th, Academy 2
DeerhunterMay 22nd, Andrews Lane Theatre
Jape May 23rd, The Button factory
Final FantasyMay 29th, Whelan’s
Dan DeaconJune 3rd, Andrews Lane Theatre