Demo Parade

Superhate, a five piece band from Wicklow play raw, guitar-driven music. Here we have a three track demo which begins with ‘Hatpin’, an early Banshees-style horror-obsessional lyric linked to a driving backing.

‘Slaphead’ is more obviously Velvets-influenced, with more than a passing nod to ‘Sweet Jane’ in places. Nonetheless it’s a good song and my favourite of the three. ‘Shrine’ is the final song and while I imagine it’s a great live number it sounds a little dragged out here. Overall I think Superhate could use an objective producer next time round.

What is it about Cork, eh? LMNO Pelican’s Red Dot E.P. kicks off with the great ‘Stephen’s Day’, a really scorching song with an excellent buzz-saw guitar cutting through it that recalls the mighty Buzzcocks. In fact, their spiky, highly infectious guitar lines are littered throughout this E.P. The next two songs ‘Wangly Dan’ and ‘Appleskin Thin’ are two more quirky pop gems. ‘Chalkey Gods’ rounds off this E.P. and, though not as instant as the previous three, it maintains the quality.

If noisy guitar pop is your thing then I would recommend you check out the Red Dot E.P. Incidentally, LMNO Pelican are playing live through December, including a support with The Wedding Present in Sir Henry’s, Cork on 5th December, so check the listings for details. But if you can’t make it to Cork then check out Tower Records, Dublin on 12th December at 3.30pm because I’ve just nominated them to play there!

‘Natural Sway’ is the first of a four-song tape by Reckless Pedestrians. It is a catchy track with some nice violin playing from Brendan O’Sullivan. Next up is ‘Tattered Blues’, a lovely melodic song, again featuring the violin and a fine vocal performance from Fred Garvey. ‘Remember The Day’ carries on this folk-rock sound and again boasts a strong melody. ‘Survey Says She’s One Of A Kind’ rounds up things with a more raucous feel and, frankly, a rather curious lyric. An outfit with a strong band sound, I am nominating them to play in Tower Records on 5th December. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing them play!

Serious Women are the kind of band that once you’ve heard them, you can’t remember your life without them. What we have here is a nine track home-made album. The quality and diversity is quite stunning as it ranges across areas inhabited by artists as idiosyncratic as Kate Bush, World Party and Prince. As such, it is hardly an ordinary demo, as in its own way, it could stand up to the first efforts of World Party.

Beginning with the distinctly radio unfriendly ‘Fucked’, you are immediately impressed by the sound and the quality of the playing. David Constantine, who appears to be the main man here, reveals an extraordinary talent with his keyboard playing and programming. He is ably abetted by various musicians including Conor Brady on guitar, Duncan O’Ceallaigh on mandolin and harmonica, and other friends and flatmates.

All tracks in fact were recorded in Constantine’s flat on a portable 12 track. This alone makes the quality of the finished product remarkable.

‘Daddy’ opens with the same charm and offbeat warmth as Kate Bush’s ‘Army Dreamers’. His ability to write ambiguous thought-provoking lyrics is a delight throughout. He is never obvious but in a curious way always universal. He draws you into a world that is both odd and familiar.

But it is really the sound and depth of the music that grabs the attention. His use of keyboard sounds from straightforward piano through to quite complex brass arrangements decorate each song in a completely individual manner.

I could go on about each track but if you are interested you can obtain this album from 38 South Circular Road, D.8 for £5.

And in the meantime, maybe someone can tell me why Serious Women haven’t got a record deal?

In the last Demo Parade I inadvertently reviewed The Screech Owls which was inadvertently passed on to me by an over-enthusiastic staffer. The tracks are in fact part of the Stars Of Heaven tribute album and Richard Evans no longer plays with them! Apologies etc!

• Between now and Christmas, in conjunction with Heineken Hot Press is nominating a band to play live every Sunday at 3.30, in Tower Records in Wicklow Street. Bands will be chosen from those submitting material to Demo Parade for review. Upcoming dates are Reckless Pedestrians (December 5th) and LMNO Pelican (December 12th). Watch this space!