I headed up to see the Von Shakes album launch in Buck Whaley’s on Leeson street last Thursday night. Or rather it was called New Buck’s Townhouse, which actually sounds more daunting to me, like some sort of den, custom fit for some stag party hell, but no it was Buck Whaley’s as it used to be with a red carpet out the front, using the ground level rooms.
So on this occasion the Von Shakes were doing a set for a family/friend/press launch for their new album “The Routine”, with a downstairs a gig on later on in the evening for the public. I was unable to hang around for the second gig unfortunately due to prior engagements and well, kinda getting my times mixed up.
It was actually a really nice venue, despite my reservations, for an early gig, and it was packed. In fact the audience were kind of on top of them, not that they were phased in anyway.
A “rock and roll” four piece from Dublin with a very professional sound to them. In fact their appearance, the production of their album and well the whole package has a very professional feel.
According to their website the Von shakes have been playing live every week together for over a year and it shows, or seems like they could be longer. Very tight and punchy. I’m sorry it says punchy on the website too and much as I try to think of another word for it that’s what it is. It’s a strong “rock and roll” guitary sound with good percussion and good vocals, it’s not a new sound but it’s certainly not run of the mill.
Mumbling kind of bashfully about being unusually sober, they played a few tracks from “The Routine” that were very catchy with smart lyrics that buzz around your head for a good while afterwards, that could be quite telling about who they are. Citing their influences from a range of people such as Thin Lizzy and Neil Young, and you can hear that mix.
Their album is being released Friday 23 April and they have some live gigs coming up in Dublin in and Galway. Do check them out, details here.
This album is getting being played a lot on Phantom.. not bad at all!
just listning to their myspace, I’d love to see them live