Ten Irish acts have been nominated for Best Album of 2012, and nine of them will perform tonight – Two Door Cinema Club sadly can’t make it, but send their love from Berlin...
MC for the night, Paul McLoone of Today FM, makes sure we’re all sitting comfortably before introducing tonight’s first act, Heathers. The sisters’ second album Kingdom is nominated, and Ellie and Louise McNamara open up with ‘Forget Me Knots’, a track that’s also nominated for ‘Best Song’. Looking slick and exuding a mature confidence, it’s hard to believe these are the same fresh-faced Leaving Cert students who burst onto the scene back in 2008. A full band really enhances the girls’ signature harmonies, resulting in a goosepimple-inducing performance.
Next up, it’s Wexford’s Wallis Bird. Technical difficulties mean we don’t hear the audio on her introductory vid, but the ever-lovable Wallis takes it all in her stride – “Sure I was only talking crap anyway” – before launching into a wonderful take on the beautiful ‘I Am So Tired Of That Line’, from her self-titled album.
Adrian Crowley is next to take to the stage, and is the yin to Bird’s yang, showcasing the hypnotic I See Three Birds Flying, with ‘Alice Among The Pines’ and ‘At The Starlight Hotel’. The mix of his haunting baritone and gently strummed guitar reminds us why the Galway man picked up the Choice trophy back in 2010. But could he do it again??
Next up are Limerick’s Windings, who hit us with ‘Sun In My Bones’, from I Am Not The Crow – a possible contender. The performance is tight from Steven Ryan’s latest rock outfit, and hopes are palpably raised...
Choice specialist Julie Feeney is next up, throwing yet another curveball into the mix. Winner of the inaugural Choice Prize back in 2006, the singer, composer and arranger’s new material is equally fresh and exciting – and her performance is stunning.
A break, to award ‘Best Song’, a prize voted for by the public. Nominees include The Script, Le Galaxie and The Coronas, but tonight the award goes to Dublin singer-songwriter Gavin James for ‘Say Hello’. A delighted James performs the winning song, showcasing that gorgeous, soulful voice of his.
And then we’re back to business. Having suffered writer’s block and depression before bouncing back with nominated album Almighty Love, Damien Dempsey is in fine fettle tonight. The uber-feelgood, singalong ‘Bustin’ Outta Here’ makes it clear the Donaghmede man has found his mojo.
Three left. Dubliner Mumblin’ Deaf Ro, aka Ronan Hession, plays us ‘Cheer Up Charlie Brown’, from Dictionary Crimes. Though endearing in its simplicity, it's clear when Delorentos take to the stage afterwards that the game is up.
They were bookies’ favourites, and, as the boys launch into an electric performances of harmony-tastic ‘Bullet In A Gun’, and the title-track from Little Sparks, it feels like we’re watching the winners perform.
It’s not over yet, though. Fellow Dubs The Cast Of Cheers are the last act, and hit us with ‘Animals’ and the excellent ‘Family’, from the album of the same name. The post-rockers’ set is enthralling and tight, and we suddenly wonder might we have called this too soon…
Chairman of the judges Tony Clayton-Lea then takes to the stage, and announces Delorentos as this year’s winner. It’s a well-deserved accolade for a band whose album is consistently great. At 6am in the morning, they'll jet out to the States, travelling on from there to Russia, not before - we hope - enjoying a celebratory shandy! Well done to all involved.