The FREQUENCY-IRELAND Music Alternative

An independent voice on choice sounds from the alternative/underground music scene in Ireland.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

The Dirty 9's

I received a demo from The Dirty 9's a few days ago, and have being giving it due listen. While the sound is predominantly clean indie-guitar pop, they do have other facets about them which give them a distinctive sound. Most notable is the presence of an irresistible California veering bluesy guitar melody in their lead track 'The Tease', a track which has a positively upbeat vibe to it, and fuses really well into what is a great little summertime indie pop song of nonchalant rejection.

The other tracks on the demo aren't that bad either, which includes the indie-rock of 'The Weeknight Lovers' and also a dark ballad in 'Fall From Grace', and there is no doubting a strong radio-friendly appeal of The Dirty 9's. I suspect a lot more will be heard of them, in particular due to a likeable vocal style which is somewhat breathy, emotionally open and rather distinctive.


All in all, I'd like to hear The Dirty 9's experiment more with their use of those bluesy guitar melodies into that indie-pop sound however, as it gives them a distinctive attribute, and plays to the strengths of their song writing partnership. Regardless, it is no surprise that the popular Hot Press magazine, often a cheerleader for radio-friendly indie pop music, has recently praised the merits of these guys as "guitar driven indie-pop made for these times", and they will undoubtedly receive a lot more praise from similar quarters in the coming months. These guys could well be on a winner.

The Dirty 9's have been together as a band just since the start of last year, and having gigged some of Dublin’s smaller venues, a high-point came about in March of this year, when they won a battle of the bands competition at Maynooth College, consequently supported The Republic of Loose at a sold-out college event, and later recorded their first demo. The songs from their demo can also be streamed from their myspace.

Related Links:

http://www.myspace.com/thedirty9s

http://www.nme.com/newmusic/the-dirty-9s