MUSIC
Murder Me
Since their
birth in the summer of 2004, Cork band
the Dardanelles
have become one of the county's most promising acts. With members from both East
and West Cork brought together in Colaiste Stiofain Naofa's Music Production
course, a band was formed by the sharing of the same musical focus and goals. It
wasn't long before the band were showcasing their anthemic melodic rock tunes in
front of a live audience.
In fact, the first
Dardanelles gig saw
them impress over 150 people in a packed up Cyprus Avenue. This was shortly
followed by support slots with some of the country's best known acts as such as
Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club, Hothouse Flowers, Joe Chester (formerly of Ten
Speed Racer) and Autamata.
Fronted by
Cathal Geary (winner of the
Murphy's UnCorked Singer
Songwriter Competition),
the band's dynamics are far from limited with Kevin Waugh alternating between
guitar and keyboards, new arrival David Cooney on bass and Ronan Cooney on
drums. The band are noted for inviting guest musicians on stage and have
previously enjoyed the company of Grace Cott on violin and Elma Lahimh on
clarinet. Shifting from edgy guitar rock to emotionally charged slow songs
is effortless to this band and always ensures a rich tapestry of sound.
Memorable melodies and effective riffs, accompanied by the drive of a rock solid
rhythm section, gives the Dardanelles an exciting urgency that you will struggle
to find anywhere else.