Dublin band Bats were formed in 2006, with the same intensity as Adebisi Shank, they could well be Ireland’s best kept secret. More bands like Bats need to write songs as snappy as the opener from their first EP Cruel Sea Scientist titled “Death to Kent Hovind”, heck it should be made compulsory. Despite the song being only just over a minute and a half long, this aggressive attack on the American’s young earth creationist does its job in portraying the incredibly black humour Bats convey in their music. Where Bats excel is in their approach to their song writing. So you get bursts of weird, almost pop, madness alongside heavier riffs and quirky, bouncy, little passages all mixed up with their unusual approach to vocals.
There’s one almost spoken, sometimes biting, angry voice but then there are parts where it seems like almost everyone in the band decides to jump in and lend a throat. Bats thankfully seem not to be paying attention to what is going on around them at all musically, which is utterly refreshing in this day and age where you are almost looking at each musician as if he has an agenda. There’s actually nothing cool about Bats, but fans of oddball music will adore them and try to hold them close to their bosoms (could be dangerous though, I’d imagine they smell quite bad and possibly bite! ).
Bats have just released their new album titled Red Tooth and Claw to rave reviews, for those of you who are sick to the back teeth of indie-dance-pop bands and want some relief in the form of the darker side of post-punk rock, then check out Bats who will be performing at Bar Ritz in Castlebar tomorrow night Saturday November 21.
Support on the night will come from Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters, emerging from Limerick, three individuals from very different backgrounds, styles, and influences, bound together to make a bourbon soaked music collaboration that is gripping and exciting new fans and eardrums across the nation and in the most unusual locations. Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters have been invited to play numerous prestigious events and festivals such as The Great Friday Festival and an also an amazing live set for the RTÉ tomorrow tour. Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters mix shades of dark imagery and heavy sliding but relieve us from too much weathering and dollops mockery and a good sense of fun to boot. They also have a great love for old school grunge rock and plenty of stoner rock elements.
On the night Dublin band Howl will kick off the proceedings. Howl are well known for their powerful live performances and musicianship. If you like raw blues then this will be right up your street. Howl music sweeps from smoky blues to anthemic chamber pop music. Special DJ guest on the night will be Josh Clarke from i102-104radio who will be performing his own blend of alternative music between the live bands, plus the drinks promotion is back on the menu with Lech Polish beer and Strapomeen Prague at €3 a bottle.
