Originally formed in 2002, the band was then known as The New Messiahs. On the strength of the debut demo (which won Demo of the Fortnight in Hot Press, July 2003, and Best Hot Press First Cut, Red FM), the Cork outfit began gigging furiously, headlining their own shows in Cork as well as gaining support slots with the likes of Blink, Berkley and The Revs. However, the start of 2005 resulted in the band deciding that a change in name was needed.
This prompted by the loss of a band member, and some bad luck, which has plagued the band, namely the Cork Sunbeam fire, in which they lost €7000 worth of equipment. Wishing to shun all these losses, the band have resettled again (the remaining four members have been together since 1997, under various names) as a more comfortable and powerful four piece. Where once the band's emphasis was on the use of twin vocalists, the sole responsibility is now been undertaken by guitarist Dan, whose vocal style comprises of snarling screams and passionate laments and which are proving very popular on the local scene. This and the wall of sonic melodies created by the use of the dual guitars, always complimented by the catchiest of choruses, are the band's forte. "Words To Burn You" is the band's first EP ("excellent performances...", Jackie Hayden, Hot Press), comprising of 3 tracks, which was produced by Blink guitarist Robbie Sexton.
The EP was released in Cork on the 22 April 2005. The band will continue gigging around Ireland, to promote their forthcoming new EP, as well as having just played at the "Rubberfreshtival" two-day rock festival in Salzburg, Austria, last July. For the record, Hope is Noise are the only Irish band to have ever played this festival, which has been running for the last 5 years!
The band will be recording their new EP in October with Ciáran O’ Shea (Cyclefly).
From left to right in the photo:
Patrick Gillen (bass and vocals)
Joe Jolley (lead guitar)
Louis Angelini (drums)
Dan Breen (rhythm guitar and lead vocals)