REVIEW: Jägermeister Freezer Sessions, Cork

Dundalk-born but now Cork-based, Carried By Waves feels like an extremely fitting first arrival on a Jägermeister Freezer Sessions stage in 2013. Kick-starting not only tonight's event in Cork's much-adored Crane Lane, but five countrywide gigs that will keep the music going throughout winter, the electronic soundscapes conjured up get the growing crowd moving early doors, and bode well for all that's in store.
Predominantly – and beguilingly – instrumental, Ronan McCann's occasional vocals are deployed to stunning effect and prove a real focal point for the now full venue.
Next up, Raglans coming racing out of the traps, immediately creating a buoyant atmosphere. Fiercely energetic and always tuneful, the Dublin quartet end on a joyous high with 'Natives'. We await that debut album with much interest.
Undoubtedly one of the – if not the – greatest live acts in the country right now, Leaders Of Men deliver the goods once again, in spades. We could harp on all day about their intoxicating twin guitar attack and impressive rhythm section, but Brian Ashe is the real star of the show, never less than an utterly captivating presence as he stalks the stage. The build in opener 'In Case The World Forgets Me' is phenomenal, driven by drummer Dean Byrne and crescendoing with a massive wall of sound. 'Happy Here' ends proceedings and leaves us hankering for their February release.
And finally, to an always incendiary Hot Sprockets. Not only do they do the dirty, electric blues thing better than most everyone else, they also prove highly adaptable when the bass drum pedal gives way and they're forced into a five minute blues improv. The cheers for an encore after planned finale 'Soul Brother' – they duly obliged – tell the whole story. Cork loves them. The crowd are dancing. The Jägermeister Freezer Sessions are up and running.

Tonight, O Emperor, the Hot Sprockets, Raglans and Preachers Son play Monroe's Live in Galway. Get your tickets here.