Arthur’s Day 2013 Review

It was the last Thursday in September and as has become customary around these parts we now know this day to be Arthur’s Day. It’s a stroke of advertising and marketing genius by Diageo but what the hell do we care. Free pints of Guinness and good food in venues across the country to keep the punters happy and happy they were as they packed into the pubs and clubs in their droves to see what seemed like an endless list of top bands.

The first stop of the evening was to The Palace Bar on Camden Street where The Kapitals were performing a warm up gig. The Dublin 4 piece would follow this up later on the evening with support for Bressie in the same venue. The set was short and sweet closing with a cover of Fatboy Slim’s Praise You. The Palace Bar don’t do things by half, and even had a full Hog roast for all its visitors along with a free pint of the black stuff.

With bellies full and moving on to the next venue just across the street to Flannery’s for something completely different in Jupe. Pop–Rock-Dance and whatever you’re having yourself was on the menu for their set, topped off with a full singing version of Macklemore’s Can’t Hold Us. There was a fantastic atmosphere in here and definitely one we’ll be checking out again. Jupe finished off their set with their new single Across the World which everyone in the place partied to.

On to The Village venue and hanging back downstairs in the smoking area after hearing a cracking little band called Chung Monkeys instead of heading straight to the main stage. The room was packed full of non-smokers just to hear this trio who finished off with Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine.

Leaving The Village (but destined to return later) to head next door to Whelan’s. Heading upstairs it was a pleasant surprise to hear the vocals of Fionnuala Curran and her band Toy Soldier. Quite a lot of talk about Fionnuala and it was all true, boy that girl can sing. As usual, upstairs in Whelan’s was HOT HOT HOT but no one really minds when they are watching class acts on the stage and the trend followed by the introduction of Kate’s Party. To put it simply, they rocked. The place was electric, the songs thumping and even those not dancing had a smile from ear to ear as they head rocked to each song with Clements Time and Picture Me in particular really hitting home. The Alt-Rockers from Cavan really set the stall for Arthur’s Day in Dublin.

Heading back to The Village venue for one last hurrah, we stopped in to see the unmistakable Mick Pyro and his band of merry men and women Republic of Loose. The place was packed to the rafters and no doubt that the venue was at full capacity. Screams of ‘Loose’ as the lights went down as the crowd willed R.o.L. to the stage. A chilled smooth party atmosphere ensued and not even the introduction of unheard new material (Forthcoming New Single The Punishment) could spoil this party. Self-described as smooth R’n’B pop, The Punishment is looking like putting Republic of Loose back on the Irish music scene map.

Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable Arthur’s Day celebration, a real mixture of people, food and most importantly music. Looking forward to next year! To Arthur…

Review by Pat Byrne