LIVE REPORT: Freezer Sessions in Dundalk

After a memorable opening in Galway, the Jägermeister Freezer Sessions heads east for a much-anticipated Louth return. The first Dundalk Session in two years boasts an eclectic line-up, one tailor-made to rev you up, soothe your brow, get you singing and then send you spinning off into the night.
The only way to start is with a highly-touted act from these neck of the woods, and Valentino Is Dead duly oblige. Adopting a classic black-clad look, they launch an all-out sonic assault from the word go with 'On Your Mind'. Playing like the future of guitar rock depends on it, they weld nagging melodies to a punk aesthetic, spraying shards of six-string about Brubakers. Finisher 'No Guts, No Glory!' encapsulates their primal MO.
That high octane opener gives way to Rainy Boy Sleep. The Donegal born, Derry based Stevie Martin offers up a set of sensitive pop songs, giving the crowd time to catch their breath and finger-picking his way into everyone's affections. 'Ambulance' finds him putting down the guitar to holler out his signature tune, finishing with a clear sense of accomplishment.
The insanely popular Keywest mix it up in their set, as we get the fast tempo likes of 'Gyspy Rose' and more smouldering numbers such as 'Reaper At The Door', a showcase for Andrew Kavanagh's vulnerable vocals.
Closer 'Never Loved You Anyway' finds Kavanagh taking to the drums , with the entire band singing the refrain with true emotion.
Late into the night, The Minutes sweep on stage like a second wind. 'Cherry Bomb' and 'Fleetwood' are, as ever, rollickingly good fun. Having conquered in the City Of The Tribes, they dispatch a sharp, concise performance that is the definition of all killer, no filler. Sums up this Session too.

For the full photo gallery from our own Colin Bell, click here