Live Report: PowPig on the Y&E Series

PowPig embodied the spirit of the Y&E Series last night, with a set packed with character, charm, energy, and above all else, staggering talent.

Transforming their practise room into a stage, complete with a disco-ball lamp, the Limerick four-piece kicked off the set with live favourite ‘Mayday’, released last year on a split quadruple A-side with Junior Brother. Immediately, it was clear why the likes of Girl Band consider PowPig to be one of the best bands in the country right now. Their unique brand of lo-fi alt-rock shined in the intimate setting – with the phenomenal chops of drummer Laura Drennan on vibrant display.

During the performance, the band also treated fans to a preview of a new song, penned only two days before – announcing that “it should be on an album that’s released eventually…”

PowPig were in a particularly celebratory mood, as their performance on the Y&E Series landed just after the 17th anniversary of their favourite cult classic, Tommy Wiseau’s The Room – widely considered the worst film ever made, but providing irresistible subject matter for their Buzz Buzz track ‘Ode To Wiseau’, which they introduced with a wry "We love you, Tommy!"

Following spirited performances of ‘Rosalee’, ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘Birds Of Paradise’, they capped off the set with their stunning new track, ‘Intellectual’ – which finds PowPig exploring reflective new territories, and further establishing themselves as one of the most thrilling talents in Ireland.

Take a look at their full performance on the Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, below:

 

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@powpig for the @hotpressmagazine Young and Emerging Series. Thanks to @culture.heritage.gaeltacht for the support! Tune in tomorrow at 7:30 for @mariakellymusic 💥🐽 #yandeseries

A post shared by Hot Press (@hotpressmagazine) on Jun 29, 2020 at 12:12pm PDT

Upcoming acts on the Y&E Series this week:

Tuesday 30 June: Maria Kelly
Hailing from the West of Ireland, alt-folk artist Maria Kelly continues to gain international momentum, on the back of her lauded releases, including her stunning notes to self EP and last year’s ‘i leave early’, which she launched with a headliner at the Sound House in Dublin, as well as support slots for James Vincent McMorrow, KT Tunstall and Villagers.

Wednesday, 1 July: Happyalone
Cork’s Happyalone have carved out a unique space between the worlds of rock, trap and alt-pop. Initially finding viral success with debut single ‘colours’, which currently boasts over one million streams on Spotify, the trio recently scored an appearance on Bring Me The Horizon’s latest album, Music To Listen To...

Thursday, 2 July: SYLK
Specialising in dark, industrial-tinged electro-pop, SYLK have built up an ever-growing following with their visually compelling live shows and DIY productions – marking the duo as one of Ireland’s most thrilling young acts.

Friday, 3 July: Áine
Embracing a soulful honesty in the tradition of Lana Del Rey and Marina, Áine’s music has resonated powerfully with her ever-growing fanbase. Following a series of ecstatically-received singles, she released her hotly anticipated Dislocated EP in September.

Sunday, 5 July: Roisin El Cherif
Irish-Palestinian singer Roisin El Cherif draws influence from Tracy Chapman, Stevie Nicks and Daughter to craft a sound that blurs the lines between folk, country and indie-pop. Following the release of her acclaimed Glass House EP in 2018, she returned this year with her moving new single ‘Cross Your Mind’.

Each live showcase will be broadcast live, to Ireland and the world, at 19:30 from the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine).