We Cut Corners are a duo who build their sound on drums, a guitar, and the sweetly intense falsetto of Conall O Breachain. Along with guitarist John Duignan, he proves you don’t need such excessive accessories as a bass to rock out. Between songs, the pair are so coyly nervous, you want to hug them. Once they get behind their instruments, O’Breachain voice is overwhelmingly powerful – what Mika might sound like on anabolic steroids.
Next, the brother and sister duo the Holy Roman Army deliver a subdued but impressive half-hour set. Joined by a trumpet player, Chris Coffey blends samples and synths while Laura Coffey handles the keyboard and guitar. This reporter was reminded of Canadian indie favourites Stars who incidentally have a new album, The Five Ghosts, ready to roll in June.
The set is a mixture of originals and covers, the latter drawn from their new Desecrations EP (a haunting electronic take Bon Iver’s ‘Skinny Love’ is a highlight). If anything is missing, it’s stage presence. Laura seems not to have grasped that, as singer, her job is to entertain.
Finally, Belfast band, Yes Cadets. Their songs showcase an alt-electronic sound alongside dazzling lyrics that would make Arcade Fire proud, particularly the gem, ‘Canada’. The foursome clearly know how to put on a show and perform with real verve.