It’s a wonder-ful life

"The punters realise they’ve seen something unique" - thus reported Hot Press’ Colin Carberry, ringside witness at a gig by the squalling, fearless, mischievous, inscrutable one-man awkward-squad that is Corrigan - "they’re just not sure if it’s been any good.

"It’s hard to know, after all," Carberry went on, "how exactly to react when you see Corrigan for the first time."

If you’re not already familiar with Fermanagh agit-rocker Martin Corrigan’s vivid, surreal, melody-and-noise-fuelled worldview (he cites one-off weirdo geniuses David Yow, of The Jesus Lizard, and Steve Albini - specifically his work with own band Shellac - as touchstones, and it shows), you’re in for a treat. Whiplash rough ride ‘Sometimes I Think About’ is the leader single, but by no means neglect B-sides ‘Face’ (a vicious, instantly addictive screamer) and, very especially, ‘It’s In The Architecture Jackson’ (tender small-town weirdytale involving swimming pools).

Lately, Corrigan have expanded to a 6-piece and promise, if the single is anything to go by, to seriously deliver as a live prospect. And as it happens, Corrigan are playing this weekend’s huge celebration of Nordy talent, the massive Paddy Goes Belfest party in the DA2 (Wexford St, Dublin), alongside Colin Campbell, Tracer AMC, Ninebar International, What’s The Fusz and last but not least, the terribly special Desert Hearts (quite tony company to be keeping, you’ll agree) – so have a listen, below, and then g’wan down the DA and investigate further…

‘Sometimes I Think About’ regular quality high quality
‘Face’ regular quality high quality
‘It’s In The Architecture Jackson’ regular quality high quality