| 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, 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 addition of Grace Cott on violin and vocals and Elma Lahimh on clarinet
ensures a rich texture of sounds that make the movement from edgy guitar rock to
introspective, emotionally charged slow songs effortless to this band.
Memorable melodies, effective guitar and piano riffs, accompanied by the depth of
violin and clarinet, gives the Dardanelles an exciting urgency that you will struggle to
find anywhere else. Songs drawn from the heart like Murder Me, Dreaming of Ghosts
and Horses For Courses have so far proven to be live favourites that delightfully
exhibit the raw talent and song scope of the Dardanelles. Boosted by Geary's original
voice, they are a precise combination of intelligent music and insightful lyrics that
makes them refreshingly incisive and memorable. |
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