Since claiming the Hot Press/Guinness Play On The Day crown last winter, Letterkenny four-piece In Their Thousands haven’t looked back, riding an enormous wave of positive energy, hype and – most importantly – superlative creativity.
Already three-quarters of the way through a series of four EPs, the Donegal natives followed up last weekend’s Between The Waters hometown launch with a jaunt to the capital’s Odessa Club.
Before taking to the stage, however, the bustling crowd that had assembled in the cozy Dame Court venue were quickly silenced – and ultimately bowled over – by the gorgeous tones and charms of teenage singer-songwriter Rosie Carney. The young English-born starlet picked and strummed her way through a handful of original numbers, demonstrating a songwriting ability and turn of phrase far beyond her years. Remember the name folks. And check out Rosie’s beautiful cover of Patti Page’s ‘Tennessee Waltz’ with Declan McClafferty on Soundcloud if you don’t believe me.
On to the main event. For thir latest EP, In Their Thousands hooked-up with David ‘Skippy’ Christophers for seven tracks that explore the melancholy – and occasional cruelty – of the ocean, a topic obviously close to frontman Declan McClafferty’s heart.
And when McClafferty and band mate Ruairi Friel deliver lines like “They all get lost in the swell”, “Standing here looking west from the pier” and “When the new maps are drawn” during an opening salvo of tracks, as alluring as they are abrasive, you can’t help but be drawn to images of the wild Donegal coastline. Beautiful stuff.
It’s not all swells, waves and rugged landscapes however. ‘Effy’ – taken from their debut EP – is as straight as they come, crunching in impressively before rocking on for four superb minutes without a sniff of remorse or regret.
Whether it be pitch-perfect harmonies, screeching guitar riffs, playing around with vocal effects or an acappella version of ‘Cellars’, In Their Thousands play – and sing – every last note as if their very existence depends on it. As it should be.
It’s been a hectic couple of months for the hard-working Donegal men. On this evidence, the more time they spend by the sea the better. Bring on EP number four.