Two of Kilkenny’s most popular upcoming bands The Lion’s Mane and South will take to the stage in Cleere’s Theatre this Saturday, for a warm-up gig before the official launch of their individual debut albums, in Whelan’s (Dublin ) on July 31.
Formed in June 2008, grunge rockers South went on to win the Hype Entertainment Battle Of The Bands just three months later. The current line-up consists of Thomas Donoghue (vocals, guitar ), Ken Farrell (bass ) and Alan Dawson (drums ).
Using a diverse mixture of influences, the trio have combined the vocal elements of bands like the Stone Temple Pilots & Pearl Jam, with the modern alternative sounds of Incubus and the guitar styling of John Butler Trio.
In April 2009, the band recorded their debut album 'Insula' in the Mill Studios, Kilkenny. Due for release on July 31, the album is a polished blend of melodic and sincere vocals; mixing mellow acoustic and crunchy electric guitars with fluid bass-lines, reinforced by percussive grooves.
The second band of the night, The Lion’s Mane, began as an online experiment; releasing tracks anonymously through online social network MySpace.com The demand for gigs led to several successful live performances in Kilkenny and Dublin in 2008 before the Lion’s Mane returned to the studio to record debut album Strands.
Drawing influences from a wide range of genres stemming from the progressive sounds of 70s bands like Yes and King Crimson to the roots reggae style of Steel Pulse, whilst combining the raw grunge of 90’s Seattle bands, Alice In Chains and Soundgarden, with the modern day sounds of The Mars Volta and Tool.
The Lion’s Mane and South will play Cleere’s Theatre this Saturday, doors open 9.30pm and admission is €6. For full details go to www.mymusic.ie
