Live Report: NERVES on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series

Formed in 2016, NERVES began playing DIY punk shows in their home counties of Mayo and Galway. Since relocating to Dublin for college, they have really hit their groove with an electrifying mix of noise-rock, post-rock and shoegaze – releasing their acclaimed single 'Time Trial' in 2020, followed by their Time Trial Remixes EP.

Kyle Thornton on lead vocals and guitar, Charlie McCarthy on bass and Adam Nealon on drums were at their best during their Y&E Series performance last Thursday, April 15th, having faced an unfortunate two-week delay. Dedicating their opening track to the late Dermot Holmes - who recently passed away - Hot for 2021 act NERVES somehow brought all of the charisma and ambiance of a large venue gig to their livestream set.

Performing a string of their lauded releases as well as a mix of gripping new numbers, the West of Ireland trio brought their heavy, distorted brand of post-punk fuzz to the fore. 'Faces' marks a highlight of the performance, while no one can deny the live power of their most recent single release 'Time Trial'.

"I've seen the best of what could be/ I see the void inside of me/ I feel a void inside my dreams/ the time trial will take a toll on me," the main chorus chants.

'Time Trial' was recorded at Windmill Lane by David Michael Smith, Daniel De Burca and Fionn Corrigan, and produced mainly at home during lockdown by David Michael Smith.

The band's rake of new music features plenty of instrumental tension, ferocity, and dizzying crescendos laced in compelling lyricism. Nealon on drums flicks between leading the ground-rumbling charge and subtly hiding behind the skilfull interplay of guitar riffs, create a raw but intricate sound.

NERVES' noisy Y&E set further establishes the fast and furious trio as one of the most compellingly original acts in the country. We can't wait to see them back on the live circuit, having spent the last year buried in their songwriting space. 2021 will be a big year for the outfit.

Check out the high-intensity set from NERVES below:

Take a look at our spectacular upcoming line-up for the new edition of the Y&E Series – supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – going live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) every night at 7.30pm:

Monday, April 19: EMMO
Cork singer-songwriter Emmo, aka Emmett Crotty, has already made a splash in the UK – with a show-stealing appearance on BBC's I Can See Your Voice. Bringing a fresh, genre-defying approach to Irish music, Emmo’s highly anticipated new single, 'Make You Mine', is out on Friday, April 16.

Tuesday, April 20: DAVID OWENS
Initially rising to prominence through his acclaimed performances on the streets of Dublin, David Owens has built up a reputation as one of the country's most remarkable musical talents – following his 2018 album, Old Moon, as well as his 2019 EP, Year Six. He released his latest single, 'Of Course I Do', last month, and has more music in the pipeline for the months ahead.

Wednesday, April 21: PAURIC O'MEARA
Following the release of his acclaimed Looking Forward to Hindsight EP, high-profile support slots for the likes of Hermitage Green and Hudson Taylor, and lauded headliners at The Soundhouse and The Workman's Club in Dublin, Co. Tipperary singer-songwriter Pauric O'Meara has been tipped as a star-on-the-rise.

Thursday, April 22: OCEAN TISDALL
19-year-old singer-songwriter Ocean Tisdall has marked himself as one-to-watch in 2021, with the release of his debut single, 'Broke Up With My Best Friend'. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Billie Eilish, Troye Sivan and Alessia Cara, Ocean has carved out a unique new space in the Irish pop scene.

Friday, April 23: LORRAINE NASH
The independent release of her debut EP, Wildflower, last year established Lorraine Nash as a star-in-the-making – garnering widespread radio play and critical acclaim. Now the Kerry singer-songwriter has signed with FIFA Records – and is set offer us a taste of what to expect from her highly anticipated debut album with the release of her new single, 'Sing With Her', on April 30.

Saturday, April 24: PAUL JENKINSON
Having built up an impressive following performing on Grafton Street, Paul Jenkinson contributed to the acclaimed virtual rendition of 'One Love' last year – recorded by some of Dublin's favourite buskers during lockdown. After a string of well-received singles, he released his A Smile And A Wave EP in 2019.

Sunday, April 25: SAM CLIFFORD
One of several phenomenal talents to emerge from Dublin’s busking community in recent years, singer-songwriter Sam Clifford has garnered over 13,000 Instagram followers with his captivating repertoire of both covers and original tracks. Although still in his teens, the Dublin artist has been tipped for stardom...

Monday, April 26: MIA BLACK
From busking in Galway, to sharing her stunning voice with millions of people on YouTube, Mia Black has attracted a major fanbase on these shores and beyond – with over 92,000 YouTube subscribers, and 45,500 followers on Instagram. In addition to her remarkable covers, the 14-year-old singer-songwriter has also been busy writing her own original material – and is poised for a major international breakthrough.