The Bonnevilles, Empty Lungs.
O'Connell's, Dundalk.
Friday 1st of March 2013
Empty Lungs stepped on to the stage with commendable enthusiasm given sparse attendance, nonetheless the atmosphere was benign as what crowd there was seemed to find their brand of punk-influenced anthemic rock most agreeable.
Had the venue been full to capacity they might very well have stolen the show, for in addition to perfect sound their set - full of hooks, sing-along choruses and occasional flashes of melodic brilliance - certainly lent itself to a rowdier, boozier show.
An honest simplicity, bordering on the naïve characterises much of their lyrics which, again thanks to excellent work from the sound man not to mention Kev's powerful delivery, were audible with astounding clarity yet this only drove home the point that for the good folk of Dundalk who didn't bother to show up this was an opportunity missed. Oh well. Next time, perhaps?
It is entirely reasonable to think that I was quite the wrong man to send to review a blues show. After all, I did not attend without prejudice, for whenever I am told of white men playing blues I immediately cringe at the thought of middle-aged men in leather waistcoats droning on for hours to their own satisfaction; smug, condescending and dishonest.
With that in mind, I am deeply grateful for The Bonnevilles. I should have hated them, but quite the opposite occurred largely due to their stripped down, punk rock approach and primal sound.
Guitar, drums and vocals - that's it. Furthermore, the guitar tone was delightfully thick and heavy, occasionally reminiscent of Black Flag's Greg Ginn and although they, like the support act, would have benefited from a bigger crowd they still played with ferocity and sincerity.
Inter-song banter was charming, engaging and light-hearted with numerous self-referential jokes about plagiarism so I left very pleased indeed at a first rate live act who didn't take themselves too seriously but still sweated to give the audience their money's worth.
In short, a great band - highly recommended.
By Tadhg Morgan
The Bonnevilles – O'Connell's, Dundalk.
Date: 07/03/2013
Gig Review
