New To Hot Press: Silverbacks

Dublin indie-poppers Silverbacks weave inspiration from new wave behemoths Television and alt.rock heroes Pavement into a crisp finished product. The ensemble consists of brothers and main songwriters Daniel O’Kelly (guitar and vocals) and Killian O’Kelly (guitar), along with Peadar Kearney (guitar), Emma Hanlon (bass) and ‘missing link’ Gary Wickham (drums) – who they befriended at a Wilco gig. Single ‘Just For A Better View’ was released on their own PK Miami Records last year, and sounds like an instant radio classic. Replete with looping electric guitars that zig and zag through the verses, it also boasts a crashing melodic chorus, kinetic drum fills, and tasty licks that would do Tom Verlaine proud. Daniel’s lyrical approach borrows from the school of Steve Malkmus and Jonathan Richman – dry and sardonic one-liners such as “Your lives could end at any moment now” pepper their offerings. “We’re into tongue-in-cheek humour,” affirms the singer. Their influences, though, go far beyond the indie norm. “Outside of the band Killian is doing a PhD in music composition,” explains Daniel. “He’s really into minimalist music. Peadar also has his own electronic side-project going on.” Excitingly, Silverbacks are currently working with Girl Band bassist Daniel Fox on new tunes, which should be with us before Christmas. Silverbacks play the Workman’s Club, Dublin on September 29 as part of Hard Working Class Heroes.