FINAL REGIONAL ROUND

The Holy Roman Army started off the session with some jazzy electro beats. The brother and sister outfit from Carlow laid their vocals over a trumpet harmony to create the sort of meloncholic electro funk you’d associate with the likes of Air and Nightmares On Wax. Laura Coffey moved between keyboards and electric guitar effortlessly while brother Chris worked as a superb foil. Next up were Photosonic Orchestra, a four-piece from Poland, Italy and Ireland who peddle a neat line in jazzy electronica. They possess a real star in the vampish shape of singer Martyna Halas, who has more than a touch of the Polly Harvey about her, physically and vocals-wise.
Preacher’s Son maintained the energy levels with former Engine Alley drummer Emmaline Duffy-Fallon giving her kit some serious punishment. Sometimes Kíla man Brian Hogan’s banter went down well with the audience, as did their melancholic brand of rock, which was equal parts Nick Cave, David Bowie and Tom Waits.