And So I Watch You From Afar @ Òran Mór, 9 May

Article by David Bowes | 13 May 2011

Given their ludicrously early slot, many of tonight’s attendees miss catching any of United Fruit’s set, a crying shame given the infectious nature of their energised post-hardcore assault, though even with this handicap the spiky riffs and flurried drums still manage to tightly grab hold of all ears and eyes. Ready for that debut album.

In comparison, Trapped in Kansas’ more consumer-friendly sound seems a little weedy, but they do have some aces up their sleeves, like a skill for crafting finely pop-tinged choruses and a willingness to transcend the boundaries of by-the-numbers indie rock, even if it isn’t always the best idea.

It’s a very special day for Lisburn’s Mojo Fury as today marks the release of their debut album and they’re gonna make damn sure that there’ll be a few sales tonight. Opening with The Mann, the energy from the stage immediately smacks you square in the face, Michael Mormecha’s alternation between scream and serenade proving a fitting match for their blend of indulgent rock and ass-shaking grooves. Credit has to go to Ciaran McGreevy for matching the collective energy of his bandmates for every minute of his swaggering performance.

And So I Watch You From Afar may not have the vocal hooks of their fellow countrymen, but in terms of energy it’d be difficult to find anyone who could match them. Not only is the sheer technicality and speed of their compositions bewildering to watch but the way they throw themselves around the stage while performing these musical gymnastics is astonishing, Rory Friers stomping and bounding with hyper-adrenalised glee.

Tonight’s show serves to highlight the advancements the band have made in their songwriting, the playfulness of Gangs’ material significantly more intricate than anything from their debut. However, what their early songs do have going for them is a staggering level of sonic force that seemingly agrees with the crowd, D is for Django the Bastard effortlessly whipping the room into a frenzy and inciting but one of the many pits tonight.

http://www.facebook.com/andsoiwatchyoufromafar