Big September at The Academy – Review

Big September at The Academy – December 21st 2013

Slowly but surely Bray indie rockers Big September have been making a name for themselves on the Irish music scene. The five piece have played venues like Whelan’s in Dublin, Dolan’s of Limerick and the INEC Killarney in the past but last Saturday night the lads played their biggest headline date ever at The Academy on Dublin’s Abbey Street.

Big September, which consists of singer Scott O’Neill, guitarists Cillian Duane and Dave Butler, drummer Dan Smith and bassist Graham O’Neill, have managed to pack out the 800 capacity venue with relevant ease it seems. They’ve brought along, what looks like, the whole of Bray for the ride. Songs like opener ‘It’s All In Your Head’, ‘Moneyman’ and recent single ‘Tear It All Up’ go down a treat with the crowd. It’s great to see so many people cheering them on and shouting back most of the lyrics.

For the night that’s in it Big September have really gone for it 100% and brought out all the stops. They’ve even included a brass section in songs like ‘One Eye Open’ and ‘Where Were You Last Night’ and you know what, it really works. It adds another dimension to their sound and reiterates their desire to move things forward.

One of the highlights of the night is the penultimate song, a stunning rendition on The Beatles classic ‘Daytripper’. It’s the best I’ve heard it covered in some time. The lads really add their own slant to the song with a heavier guitar and bass sound and the vocals are spot on. The crowd lap it up and The Academy goes wild. They don’t even get time to get their breath back when Big September announce that this is their last songs and hit straight into the opening chords of their biggest hit to date ‘The Preacher’, bringing back on stage the brass section for the conclusion of this brilliant gig.

Its straight-no-chaser rock n’ roll, no frills, no messing around, just full on indie rock at its best. Hopefully Big September will have a massive 2014. Go catch them live when you can, you’ll not be disappointed.

Review by Leon Byrne