Last Friday night was freezing but that wasn’t going to stop me partying! It is Christmas after all… A nice rum & ginger ale kick started the night before I slid down the city paths towards Crawdaddy on Harcourt Street. Once ensconced in the toasty Chocolate Bar it was time for a pre-gig bottle of Stella. The bar is twinned with music venue Crawdaddy, next door and soundproofed so punters can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Relaxing on a plush banquette the atmosphere in the Chocolate Bar warmed me up, with its eclectic décor including 1960’s inspired leather & mahogany furniture and paper lamps of all sizes hanging overhead. An unusual feature is the tree sprouting from a corner up into the ceiling, covered in tiny fairy lights and home to a couple of snowy owls. And not forgetting the large bar running along the back wall.

My mission was to check out The Barley Mob, a new Irish band and winners of Rising Stars 2010, who were topping the bill for the Modern Times night. The gig runs on Fridays in Crawdaddy and is a showcase for bands both established and rookie. The line up featured JB and the Bandits, The Rambleers, Monica and the Explosion, with The Barley Mob headlining. Modern Times organiser David Muldowney told me “I’ve been trying to get The Barley Mob for ages so it’s fantastic to have them here tonight”.

His words are testament to the band’s meteoric rise since they formed in April this year. Cutting their teeth at the Dublin City Soul Festival in May the band have been gigging non stop since then as well as recording material. They also released the singles “You’ll Never Be Lost (When You’ve Got Music)” and “Everybody’s Music” this summer.

Moving to Crawdaddy, bringing my beer with me of course, I checked out Monica and the Explosion first. A fierce three piece punk rock band, fronted by a tall rangy Swedish lady, the band are fast and furious. The singer channelled a tomboy Courtney Love as she dug away at her electric guitar, bringing me back to the Riot Grrrl days of the early 90’s.

The pace was set with drummer and bassist providing a strong backdrop as blondie packed some punchy lyrics like “don’t wanna waste my life being somebody’s wife”. Definitely the kind of stuff to get the crowd pogo-ing front of stage! The band finish up with the stomping “I Wanna Go Home”. Ones to watch out for on the gig scene.

Next up, main event The Barley Mob. The band took to the boards like the absolute naturals they are with front man Adam Daly centre stage as usual. Looking good in a black vest charismatic Daly led the band with a fantastic opener “We Go the Distance”. First thing I noticed is how The Barley Mob’s sound has evolved since their early days.

Cohesive and animated instrumental work and pure talent, especially guitarist Andrew Moore, simply fill the room. Throw Adam Daly’s gravelly vocals and stage presence into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for a success. Straight off the bat the five piece are so into it that they connect to the audience easily. It’s this sort of energy that marks The Barley Mob out from their peers, gaining them good reputation on the live circuit.

Mashing up reggae influences with rock and acoustic vibes the band cleverly mix it up, adding “Bad Boys” mid song to get the crowd going. Stand out songs are The Barley Mob’s trademark even after less than a year in existence, catchy tunes with lyrics that stick in your brain. Daly taps into contemporary life with “Medicine Man” a song about head shops. His own ideals talk up positivity and he highlights everyday topics like relationships and politics. He even squeezes in a little rabble rousing between songs!

The band get the audience clapping with “Breath it in” and “Everybody’s Music”. But the room erupts when The Barley Mob reach a crescendo with their anthem “You’ll Never Be Lost (When You’ve Got Music)”. Adam and the boys show just how a polished act can be potent when layered with raw passion and it works for everyone as we all sway along together chanting the lyrics. Nobody wants the band to leave the stage having lapped up great music, a super live performance and of course Adam’s banter!

After the gig I retired to the Chocolate Bar where I caught up with Adam, over a much deserved pint of Guinness, for a chat about music, life and The X Factor. “I’m actually going on the radio tomorrow to talk about The X Factor” he jokes “But seriously, it is bad for the music industry!” I raised my glass to that – so true. Adam tells me about their packed schedule over the summer and plans for next year. Watch this space…

“I’ve had the time of my life” he smiles “And I can’t believe how much the band has achieved since winning Rising Stars.” It’s certainly something to be proud of, as the bands profile has rocketed since their big break. Speaking of breaks I suggest that this Christmas will surely be a well earned one for the band. “I’ll be putting my guitar down after our next gig” agrees Adam “But we’ll be back in the New Year!”

by Lorna Keating – 12.12.10