Monoganon @ CCA, 13 April

Perfectly coupled with the vérité style film clips of botanic gardens and Scandinavian skylines projected above the band, Monoganon, the brainchild of the giggly and sprightly John B McKenna, jet off with their own take on the road trip soundtrack (by way of last year's Songs to Swim To).

 

It's clear to hear from McKenna's accomplished standard of songwriting why the man is so respected amongst his contemporaries; spouting sombre vocals with an indigenous brogue, his lyrics weave their way through moody guitar harmonies and frequently fierce jazzy drum crescendos.

 

Comparisons to the initial spirit of REM feel deservedly accurate for a man whose popularity has clearly spread its infectious way through the audience, so much so that demanding an encore seems only natural. Not failing to uphold his reputation as an infamous inter-song patter merchant, McKenna also keeps his promise of putting on a show that's genuinely heartwarming.