Following the screening of their fly-on-the wall documentary by young film-maker Greta Thornton, Galway band The Opacas are set to play their melodic, harmony driven, power pop at Monroe’s Live on Friday, May 26 at 8pm, where they will launch their latest single, ‘Shine On’.
Firmly ingrained on the local music scene, thanks to video collaborations with Athenry Drama Group the Knocknacarra Amateur Theatre Society and more recently, working closely with the Moycullen Musical Society, The Opacas celebrate the local artistic community, working with fellow creatives to develop humorous, story based videos that have captured their audience.
The coming together of musicians Steve Talbot, Peter Tobin, Pat Boyle and Mark Raynor has ignited a spark across the city and county. From uplifting songs to the more sentimental ‘Shine On’, The Opacas are forging a new path for original music, showcasing the work of local artists along the way.
This collective approach has endeared The Opacas to a wider audience, as they delve into themes of love, loss and a sense of humanity that unites us. Crossing the spectrum from the comedic to the chaos of life, this quartet use their life experience to explore the challenges, and celebrations, through song.
For example, ‘Shine On’ is a tribute to a close work colleague who died suddenly in 2019 at the age of 42. The melody is a call to the universe for his spirit to shine on, as the lyrics encompass the need to embrace the transience of life.
“We are really looking forward to playing Monroe’s,” they say. “We will be launching our new single ‘Shine On’ at the gig, which is a tribute song to a work colleague who passed away suddenly in his sleep.
“We will also be playing two new songs from our upcoming album due in September. And we are fortunate that we will be joined by three piece female acapella harmony group KaRoSal supporting us on the night, and also Tomás Ó Cáinte from Moycullen. It will be good fun!”
Their song, ‘Wish I Met You’, speaks of a father's lament for a stillborn baby and was played at a ceremony for International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day at UHG. It is this ability to diversify, from rousing pop to soulful ballads that is the hallmark of this dynamic group.
Born out of lockdown, The Opacas began with a mission to entertain. And they have certainly achieved their goal. Now with their sights firmly set on creating new music, they will be joined by Tomás Ó Cáinte and KaRoSal in the intimate setting of the Backstage venue at Monroe’s Live on Friday, May 26 at 8pm.
Tickets to The Opacas cost €10 and are available from monroes.ie
