LANKUM (supporting Damien Dempsey), July 21st
Lankum opening for Damien Dempsey is a match made in true blue Dublin heaven. Formerly known as Lynched, they play rootsy, gutsy and gritty streetwise folk music full of verve and authenticity. Featuring brothers Iain and Daragh Lynch with talented players Cormac Mac Diarmada and Radie Peat, Lankum have created a massive wave of interest home and away with 2013 debut album “Cold Old Fire” and some standout live shows.
THE BRILLIANT TREES (supporting Aslan), July 7th
Those who spent the 1990s checking out Dublin bands will remember The Brilliant Trees with fondness. A band with a superb command of pop craftsmanship, the Finglas crew produced two classy albums Friday Night (1996) and Wake Up And Dream (2002) in their pomp. They took a break for a good chunk of the last decade before reforming and returning to the stage.
ALDOUS HARDING (supporting Belle & Sebastian), July 20th
From New Zealand, Aldous Harding's new album Party is a great introduction to an artist having a spellbinding effect on many. Produced by longtime PJ Harvey collaborator John Parish, Party is an album mining a rich seam of sounds and sources from Americana to jazz to dark gothic pop. Live, she's a compelling performer, someone with the smarts to deliver those great songs of hers with style and gumption.
BEOGA (supporting Passenger), July 23rd
Beoga may be in the limelight at present thanks to their work with Ed Sheeran on his current album, but there's plenty of life before and after Ed for these Northern Ireland musicians. After all, Damian McKee, Seán Óg Graham, Liam Bradley, Eamon Murray and Niamh Dunne already enjoyed mainstream attention with their 2009 Grammy nominated album The Incident. Expect to hear sounds rooted in Irish trad with nods to the blues, jazz and New Orleans hooleying.