Choice Music Prize at Vicar Street

There’s a palpable excited energy in Dublin’s Vicar St. tonight, as the ninth annual Choice Music Prize ceremony is about to kick off. 10 acts have been shortlisted for the big prize, seven of whom will perform tonight (Kodaline, ASIWYFA and My Bloody Valentine are sadly unable to attend). Given the impressive standard of nominees, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll take home the bling...

The lovely Paul McLoone introduces our first act of the evening; Girls Names. A lesser band might have been daunted at the prospect of opening the show, but this Belfast/Dublin four-piece take it in their stride, kicking the evening off with an intense, sublime and incredibly tight post-punk performance, calling to mind The Smiths, Joy Division and Yo Le Tengo.

To a much more subdued sound next; it’s Cavan’s Lisa O’Neill. Accompanied by mandolin and viola as she gently strums her guitar, ‘England Has My Man’ is reminiscent of the loveliest haunting Irish air, and O’Neill wins the crowd over with her typically sweet and quirky banter.

A time-out now, for the presentation of the ‘Best Song’ award, which goes to Dublin trio The Original Rudeboys – looking ever so dapper tonight in suits and bow-ties – foe ‘Never Gonna Walk Away’. And we’re back to the main event with Waterford’s O Emperor, who showcase the excellent Vitreous with psychedelic number ‘Contact’ and the dreamy, epic ‘This Is It’.

To a trio of old pros next; Bell X1. Opting for a stripped-back acoustic set, Messrs. Noonan, Geraghty and Philips delight with an intimate slice of Chop Chop, which includes the beautiful ‘Careful What You Wish For’. Could they take home the gold??

We shall soon find out, but in the meantime, Little Green Cars are up. Despite some technical difficulties during ‘The Kitchen Floor’ – the venue’s fire alarm cuts them off, before Donagh Seaver O’Leary’s guitar strap decides it’s had enough – the set is nonetheless captivating; the lush five-part harmonies on ‘My Love Took Me Down To The River To Silence Me’ making us wonder might Absolute Zero pip the competition to the post...

Mano Le Tough, aka Greystones electro act Niall Mannion then takes to the stage to give Changing Days a live airing. Playing guitar over sparse beats, Mannion’s sound is ‘eerie chill-wave’ (yep, it’s a genre!). An exciting act, who proudly flies the flag tonight for the country’s thriving underground electro scene.

And finally, to the man of the evening; Conor O’Brien and Villagers. Opening with the delicate harmonies of ‘My Lighthouse’, the set builds – as Villagers sets tend to – into a darkly amazing assault on the senses. ‘The Waves’ reminds this scribe of the tunnel scene in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory plus, O’Brien has painted his face a clown-like white, for added eeriness!

It’s hardly surprising then when, moments later, {Awayland} is announced this year’s winner. Ever gracious, O’Brien declares the event “a celebration of the diversity of the Irish music scene.” Amen! Congrats to all 10 deserving nominees.