The Frames
The Frames Hotel Curracloe, Wexford Preaching to the choir is for the godless. The Frames, possessors of possibly the largest ‘choir’ in Ireland in the form of a fanbase more devout than most religions, have nevertheless always seemed to prefer to shun the easy option.
Kim Porcelli, 12 Apr 2001
The Frames
Hotel Curracloe, Wexford
Preaching to the choir is for the godless. The Frames, possessors of possibly the largest ‘choir’ in Ireland in the form of a fanbase more devout than most religions, have nevertheless always seemed to prefer to shun the easy option: both the self-absorbed preciousness of the Serious Alternative Artist on the one side, and the Aslan-patented pandering to local überdevotees on the other.
Instead, they inhabit that shady, undefined area in between, gently pulling taut that thread between artist and audience, constantly shifting and readjusting, balancing halfway between the trust-and-attention-requiring foray into the unknown, and the familiar, beloved visceral thrill. You know. The place where magic happens.
This ain’t easy. Especially tonight, in this draughty, characterless hall, more suited to youth-club socials than to complex, bruised, proud, visceral folk-pop; dodgy leads and a small, odd crowd further conspiring to muddy their smouldering, subtle din – and onstage, shoulders are worriedly hunched for the first four songs or so. But, where most bands would have turned sullen or desperate, they opt for openhearted bravery – in particular, the intimacies of ‘What Happens’ and ‘You’re My Family’ are as shamelessly open and heady as roses – and the crowd are, by night’s end, pulled loudly, irresistibly forward (shouting, clambering onto chairs, gleeful captives) like iron filings to a magnet.
For the birds. And on the side of the angels.
Kim Porcelli
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As well as shows announced earlier this month, the band will play two December Whelan's dates
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2007-01-29 - News
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2006-12-18 - News
I may be wrong but this seemed to be a year when, despite a new album, Frames hysteria cooled somewhat. ‘Sad Songs’ is another okay single – sincere in the extreme, just not particularly exciting or memorable. Time for a rethink maybe.
2006-12-15 - REVIEW
Well, technically speaking, their New Year's Eve gig at Vicar St will be their first of 2007...
2006-12-11 - News
The Frames have announced they're ready to welcome the new year in with you.
2006-11-13 - News
There are no saints in love. That’s a lesson The Frames’ mainman Glen Hansard learned the hard way – and which he articulates in the bittersweet love songs that make up much of the band’s new album The Cost. Hot Press hits the road with the band for an extended interview, conducted in radio studios, backstage areas, tour buses – and one very dedicated fan’s house.
2006-10-16 - Interview
Dublin’s newly-opened Gallery Number One was the venue last Sunday as The Frames played an acoustic gig to celebrate the publication of Zoran Orlic and Janine Schaults’ photo-book on them, Behind The Glass. View the photo gallery here!
2006-10-02 - News
Believers view Hansard & Co’s brew of emotive folk-tinged rock as a shining example of durability and authenticity in image-obsessed days. Atheists see it as the grim apotheosis of the strain of phoney singer-songwriting that was especially virulent in Dublin at the latter part of the last decade. Agnostics remain largely unmoved. The Cost, it has to be said, is not a record that will inspire many cross-camp defections.
2006-09-18 - REVIEW
The lead single from The Frames’ soon to be released seventh album The Cost is a double A-sided affair which will easily keep their faithful happy and might even win them a few new fans. ’Falling Slowly’ starts gently before building to a gorgeously anthemic, sing-along chorus and soaring finale. ‘No More I love Yous’ sees the band using the traditional quiet/loud formula but with their own twist, while Glen’s singing has never sounded as heartfelt and passionate.
2006-09-05 - REVIEW
In addition to releasing a new album next month, The Frames are to be the subject of a photo-book.
2006-08-01 - News
Hotpress.com is delighted and, indeed, honoured to bring you this first peek at the digipack artwork for the new Frames single
2006-07-28 - News
The Frames are one of the most successful bands in Irish music history, thanks in part to their incendiary live shows.
2006-06-07 - Interview
Glen and the boys are coming to Dublin, and they'll be giving fans their first chance to hear new material.
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2006-04-04 - News
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2006-02-24 - REVIEW
Those who missed out on Snow Patrol's outdoor concert in Dublin need not worry - because The Frames have announced their own special gig on the same day.
2006-02-21 - News
Yup, Glen Hansard and the boys are back for some more. Sock it to us!
2006-01-10 - News
You'll be spolit for choice this New Years as both The Frames and The Chalets announce special gigs for the occasion.
2005-11-14 - News
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2005-10-26 - News
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2005-09-08 - News
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Cheerio to the Frames then, at least for a while, as they start the battle to convince the rest of the world to love them like their countrymen.
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2004-09-17 - Interview
The Frames will launch Burn The Maps with an in-store appearance at HMV Grafton St.
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Days before the release of their fifth studio album Burn The Maps, The Frames reveal that album number six is "ready to rock".
2004-09-01 - News
The Frames have scheduled in dates across the country in supprot of their new Burn The Maps album
2004-08-26 - News
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2004-02-10 - Interview
The Frames and BellX1 stormed the palisades of Groningen recently as part of the Eurosonic Festival. John Walshe was there to see it happen and to revisit the spot where the great Mic Christopher met with his tragic accident. Plus: the latest news and reaction to the Frames’ new record deal
2004-02-06 - Interview
EXCLUSIVE!! The Frames have signed a deal for most the world with Anti, the left-field wing of hardcore label Epitaph which is also home to Tricky and Tom Waits.
2004-01-15 - News
Contrary to what the tabloids would have you think, there is no animosity between The Frames and Damien Rice
2003-10-21 - News
The Frames have added two more Dublin dates to their rapidly expanding tour schedule
2003-10-20 - News
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2003-09-30 - News
Easily the most radio-friendly of their singles to date, ‘Fake’s chorus could convince even Hansard-haters that Glen & Co. have something very special indeed.
2003-09-08 - REVIEW
Import copies to be made available in Ireland
2003-07-24 - News
Aside from their impeccable musicianship and an undeniable presence, pure and simple emotion is the key to their live genius.
2003-06-24 - REVIEW
The industry may not have always liked them but their fans couldn’t be more passionate. Ten members, four studio albums, three managers and two major labels later, The Frames still managed to add up to more than the sum of their parts. Peter Murphy, with help from Glen Hansard and other key players brings the story of the band up to date in this, the final part of our two-part special [Photo Mick Quinn]
2003-06-11 - Interview
O2 Band Competition winners The Real release their debut single
2003-06-09 - News
The Frames go north for a Lisburn Arts Centre gig - and west, to New York, for a date in the Bowery Ballroom
2003-06-06 - News
From “Outspan” to Glen Hansard, from Grafton Street to Hollywood – and onwards to Lisdoonvarna 2003. A portrait of The Frames as a most unusual band. Part one of a two-part special feature by Peter Murphy. [Main Photos: Mick Quinn]
2003-06-04 - Interview
The Frames announce two in-store gigs (featuring Glen Hansard) to celebrate new live album set List - and, not least, an end-of-summer one-day extravaganza in the RDS
2003-05-12 - News
Set List is the sound of a band at the peak of their powers, from Colm’s stunning fiddle-work to Joe Doyle’s perfect backing vocals, with the boy Hansard as magical Master of Ceremonies, effortlessly guiding musicians and audience through their paces.
2003-05-08 - REVIEW
"When the group shift the dynamic completely and segue into a typically skyscraping rendition of ‘Revelate’, the effect is dizzying. And as Glen howls, “My human fate/My revelate” with all the fury of Prince Hamlet after being confronted by his father’s ghost, it makes you think Pat McCabe was absolutely spot-on when he pointed to Hansard as being one of the most gifted lyricists around."
2003-04-25 - REVIEW
The Frames design a customised videotape sleeve to go with their upcoming No Disco special… and you can get your hands on it, exclusively in the May 8th issue of Hot Press
2003-04-22 - News
The tracklisting of the upcoming Frames live album, Set List, revealed in full - in a hotpress.com exclusive. Also: tidings of a Frames radio documentary on Today FM, a No Disco special - and did somebody say Glastonbury?
2003-04-14 - News
The Frames' American star is in the ascendent with a fawning New York Times review, new album in the pipeline, a live album in the interim and a one night stand at Vicar St. Phew!
2003-03-31 - News
Rob Bochnik joins Glen Hansard and co as Dave Odlum's replacement
2003-03-03 - News
The Frames to release live album compiled from their late-November '02 residency in Vicar Street
2003-01-10 - News
The Frames have it all really. Amazing songs. Powerful delivery. And a special relationship with the fans
2002-12-16 - REVIEW
It’s what every remembrance should be: not a reflection on the ache of losing him, but a celebration of our insane good luck at having had him in the first place.
2002-12-10 - REVIEW
Damien Rice, Hedrock Valley Beats, Glen Hansard and Lisa Hannigan to appear on the movie soundtrack to Goldfish Memory
2002-11-11 - News
Glen Hansard and co pack out the first date of their Australian tour: "The house was jumping"
2002-10-29 - News
The Frames announce a 4 date November stint at Vicar St. including a special tribute to the late Mic Christopher
2002-10-04 - News
There was an air of anticipation for The Frames and they didn’t disappoint.
2002-08-06 - REVIEW
The bad news: Frames postpone European tour following illness of violinist Colm Mac Con Iomaire. And the good news: brand-new live album now available
2002-07-04 - News
What on paper could have a some sort of post-modern Raggle TaggleFest 2002, turned out to be one of the most moving celebrations of friendship and music this city has ever seen
2002-05-29 - REVIEW
New EP, new DVD, 'New Partner', new broadcasts, new gigs, and a bit of help for a new groom: read on for loads of assorted tidings of great joy from The Frames
2002-04-16 - News
The Frames got the mother of all live reviews while supporting The New Pornographers on tour in the US last week. Read on...
2002-02-19 - News
In which The Frames attract some very high-profile fans, and listen to Iron Maiden, maybe
2002-02-12 - News
The Frames enlist erstwhile Mary Jane Simon Good to temporarily fill ex-guitarist Dave Odlum's sizable shoes. Meanwhile: a foothold in the UK, a triumph in the Czech republic and a moment of glory in Rolling Stone...
2002-01-22 - News
The Frames are a band who have virtually invented both a sound and a style which has influenced dozens of emerging Irish acts.
2001-08-02 - REVIEW
The Frames are a band who have virtually invented both a sound and a style which has influenced dozens of emerging Irish acts.
2001-08-02 - REVIEW
A glimpse into Glen Hansard’s tour diary while on the road with The Frames' fourth album For The Birds (2001) - including reflections on their first landmark Olympia show (March 30th, 2001)
2001-04-26 - Interview
The Frames were the envy of the class of 1990, jammy dodgers who had a deal before they were a band, forced to evolve in public at an unmerciful rate. By the time most acts get ready to demo their first batch of songs, Glen Hansard and co. were on their second album and record deal.
2001-03-15 - REVIEW
The Frames were the envy of the class of 1990, jammy dodgers who had a deal before they were a band, forced to evolve in public at an unmerciful rate. By the time most acts get ready to demo their first batch of songs, Glen Hansard and co. were on their second album and record deal.
2001-02-15 - REVIEW
The shoes fit. Their suits are made to measure and the skin's all their own. Finally, after more schizophrenic shifts than a busload of Hannibal Lectors, The Frames have found their own identity and they're not afraid to bask in its glories.
1999-06-23 - REVIEW
The margin by which The Frames have so far failed to forcibly etch both themselves and their music onto the minds of the plain people of Ireland remains a source of disappointment, great upset and mystery.
1992-09-10 - REVIEW
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