ON THE RECORD: We've all been there. It's a gig we've been looking forward to for weeks. As the lights go down and the packed venue begins to roar, there's a palpable buzz of anticipation in the air.
Then, on cue, something happens that completely ruins the night – and it doesn’t happen onstage.
Instead, it’s someone in the audience. Not you or me, because we’re exemplary gig-goers, but someone else in the room doing something that drives everyone else nuts.
In Ireland, the number one cause of gig-going angst is other members of the audience chatting through the show.
These blabbermouths have also paid good money for their tickets but, instead of watching the act like the rest of the audience, they’re having a good chinwag about some cat video they saw on YouTube or something they read on Facebook. This subject matter is infinitely more important and entertaining to them than what’s happening onstage. (Sometimes, it is, but that’s still no excuse.)
For a pastime that is supposed to be entertaining, gig-going produces an inordinate amount of complaints. Poll any group of regular gig-goers about annoying stuff that happens in venues and there will be a long, long list.
It will probably include people poking their elbows into your face as they film the show on their phones, the lad who thinks it’s a good idea to bring his largest rucksack to the gig and the girl who decides to drunkenly – and unfunnily – heckle the act. As well as the anti-talking faction, there will also be a brigade who have no time for people who spend the gig angrily hissing “shhh”.
Please feel free to add your own favourites to the list.
NEW MUSIC
KYU
Another indication that Oz's musical health is in fine fettle comes in the shape of Sydney duo Freya Berkhout and Alyx Dennison. Check out their vibrant sounds, enchanting melodies, tribal rhythms and sweeping vocal chants, for instance on Pixiphonyfrom their self-titled debut album. myspace.com/kyusounds
19TH LIGHT
Four Cork-based producers and players (including previously tipped duo Eat My Noise) making dark, stately, atmospheric tracks that join the dots between ambient sounds, post-rock and spacey jazz. See them live at Cork's Pavilion on June 23rd. breakingtunes.com/ 19thlight
ATLAS GENIUS
Hooky, infectious, sunny new single Trojans is what initially drew us to the charms of this four-piece featuring three Adelaide brothers and an English blow-in. A little bit Phoenix and a little bit Two Door Cinema Club. We await their next steps with interest. atlasgenius.com
NOW PLAYING
Hudson Mohawk Thunder Bay(Warp) Thunder bass as HudMo returns with a slamming new EP that will shake windows and rattle doors. Don't miss him at Castlepalooza.
Various Invasion of the Mysteron Killer Sounds(Soul Jazz) Fine compilation of alien dub collated by The Bug and Stuart Baker, including cuts from Fat Eyes, Prince Jazzbo, Harmonic 313, King Jammy and many more.
Matias Aguayo I Don't Smoke(Kompakt) Playful grooves on the new EP from the Chilean producer, including the ace title track.
Scritti Politti Absolute(Virgin) Career-spanning collection of Green Gartside's words and music. Avant-garde pop with oodles of smarts.
Kreayshawn Gucci Gucci(White) Colourful, swagged-out hip-hop with bounce from so-hot-right- now Oakland native Natassia Zolot.
