Daniel Sutherland The LockerThe Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School, Newry, Co Down.
1 666 is the lucky number of this metal-emo syndicate of all things catchy: This Year's Black. My brothers from another mother, the motley crew consist of Sean: warbling sing star and guitarista; Ryan: guitar-wielding steam train; and Niall: mushing your organs together with room-filling bass. And, finally, to add the cheery to the grinding blender of nu metal, is Leeroy, the rhythmic backbone, with his trusty shining drum kit. Up-and-comers for real hardcore metalheads, some of their best tracks include Acid Reignand Light the Fuse and Run.
2 If you appreciate super harmonic chords and indie charm, The Heathrow Yesterdays are the band for you. Fronted by the charismatic G, they preach a message of musical unity, combining incredible musicians from all walks of life. This four-piece were originally revived from the ashes of Savage Henry, the original members being "G" Hughes and John Rafferty. With the addition of the amazing Andy Black, humbly strumming away on lead guitar, and keeping the beat freakishly too well (in fact, some scholars debate whether he is the beat) is Peter Gordon. Oozing with originality, the suite have sent out ripples in Northern Ireland, bringing their indie-pop-ska sound to Armagh, Derry and Belfast. Newcomers should try sampling Perform to Protect, You Can Do What You Wantand Fable for the Day.
3 Prevailing with the indie, probably Warrenpoint's biggest export, The Black Alley Screens have plundered our ears relentlessly, not even leaving a scrap of wotchamacallit. Lock up your daughters or you'll end up with one hell of a musical grandson. Two former Abbey pupils, Kyle Haughey (Mozart, but with a beard) and John Markey (Mozart, but with a smaller beard), join the ranks of Decky McKay, the poet for the downtrodden, to form an unusual but appealing sound. From their origins in garage grunge, they have climbed the ladder of success, often congregating with Lily Allen and The Mystery Jets. Pop your tuneful cherry with Shake. Kill. Rock and Roll, Monotonyand The Common Crisis.
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