Kerbdog / Tapasia

Even a recession will not stop me travelling to see Kerbdog, one of the bands I have grown up with but never had the chance to see before. That and any excuse for a trip to the Emerald Isle.

This theatre is well hidden just off Temple Bar, Dublin’s most trendy bit. We still arrive early, and get to listen to the sound check through the rather thin walls (or such is the power of the Kilkenny’s trios alternative grunge).

First up tonight are Tapasia, a young band from Northern Ireland. They only found out they were playing the show two days before, and were in their element. Their mixture of Tool / Biffy Clyro metal made for powerful listening, though the crowd still stood back for most of the show (probably because of the seats to the side, but sod it; make ‘em stand up)!



‘Lying Awake’ and ‘Warpath’ are incredible songs, and the three young lads sound like they have the power of a band with more members. The vocals from Darren Doherty are immense, backed by great basslines and drums / electronics. Well worth a listen when they come to the UK in March...

I can’t hold my excitement any more. For a band that have been going on and off for well over a decade, the Kerbdog guys are sorting out their own set up before their show. Some may know some of the members from Wilt, a short lived side project, but tonight we are here for the classics from their only two albums, ‘Kerbdog’ and ‘On The Turn’. Personally, though ‘On The Turn’ gained them more fans with it’s more alternative streak, for me it’s the debut self titled album of Metallica style metal that I want to hear, and I am in for a treat. With only two albums to choose from I am sure to hear most of my favourites.

And don’t I. ‘Pledge’ and ‘Mexican Wave’ are both there, as are ‘Sally’ and ‘J.J.’s Song’ as the last tunes. It’s ‘End Of Green’, the first song of the first album, I want to hear and tonight we get it with an extended intro (after the encore Cormac Battle comes back on, but comically is not followed by bassist Colin Fennelly and drummer Darragh Butler for some time, and has to ask where they are!

This is my first Irish gig, and I am loving it. The crowd, though mostly very drunk, are very friendly and watch out for each other. Even though I am down in the pit with my camera, people only knock into me once and remember not to do it again, unlike many (well, all) other pits I have been in, where people see a camera and like to make your shooting life difficult.



Scooby Doo’s here (well, a kid in a costume anyway) and gets to jump on stage, then swiftly back off again. This prompts the question from Battle as to what cartoon character he looks like. My shout of Johnny Bravo does not go down too well. Battle’s strong vocals and boyish looks have never matched, though tonight they are on top. I am not however saying that the show is perfect; there are more timing and sync mistakes than most shows, but this must be the Irish way; nobody bats an eyelid. I do not care in the slightest; those bands that want to sound live like they do on their CD should not play shows. Mistakes are what makes it live. Both band and crowd are loving every minute, so what’s the problem?

The lack of ‘Dummy Crusher’, the song that got me into this pilgrimage to the land of Kerbdog, is sadly missing but the band must have reasons. I bet many people here have heard it a million times too, so I will not be selfish and ask for it. Maybe some new songs would be good for next time (if there is one)...



This was down to be one of the bands last shows. I though it going to be the original line up with guitarist Billy Dalton, but he is not about. Never mind, the three remaining dogs of the kerb are doing a fine job. It’s just a shame the show has to end, though when it does I get to meet my heroes and get my arm signed, as they are clearing up their stage themselves. Modest rock stars or what...

On The Turn
Secure
Dry Riser
Pledge
Didn’t Even Try
Rewind
Earthworks
Scram
Mexican Wave
Severed

End Of Green
Sally
J.J.’s Song

FUTURE GIGS

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