Back in business

It’s been a while since we actually had a KKM gig, having been on a long break due to the Battle of the Bands, Cannibal the Musical and more, but we were back in Cleeres Theatre last night for the first of 10 gigs before the end of this year, and the launch of new things in 2008.

Limerick based rockers, the Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters, were back for their 2nd gig under the KilkennyMusic banner and local grungers Chemical Addiction returned, for their first gig with us since cutting down to a 3-piece. And what a return!

Chemical Addiction are a different band now, they’ve tightened up and clearly been working, they sound chunky and grungey. Danny has taken over on the bass, with himself and Ben providing vocals and great harmonies throughout their set. They play through some brand new songs including “California Hill-Billy Suicide” which is dedicated to “the lads at Kilkennymusic”. They dedicated “14.85 kinds of heavy” to T from Atrax Mantis, “because he’s 14.85 kinds of heavy!”

Their set is fresh and fun, between songs Ciwi gets everybody laughing, during songs he’s is a frantic blur behind the kit. He smashes his stick in the first song, he is constantly moving, he reminds me of a bald “Animal” from the muppets and he’s impossible to get a shot of, in focus!

I really enjoyed the lad’s set and I’m looking forward to hearing them again soon, their new direction is clearly working and I’m adding them to my list. You can check out some new pics of Chemical Addiction in the KilkennyMusic galleries.

Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters have also downsized to a 3-piece, the story differs between guitarists but they either “lost their bassist on the way to the gig” or “sold him to feed their crack habit!” Instead they take to the stage tonight as the first gig of 10 in the next 2 weeks, with one of the guitars going through both a guitar amp and a bass amp. This could be interesting!?

Unfortunately it’s not, the lads start their set, and my camera battery dies half way through the first song!? I go for the spare in my bag but it turns out to be wasted aswell. I sit back to watch the gig and curse myself for not charging my batteries!? I’m not too into the Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters sound, it’s reminds me of a very somber Queens of the Stone Age, but they do it very well. I just don’t think the lack of bass works, and their solution to the problem adds some muddiness to their sound.

Their set is also an energy step down from Chemical Addiction. The two guitarists keep their eyes to the ground and interaction with the crowd seems forced. It’s unfortunate that there’s a small crowd here to see the lads, but they also seem to be playing as if there’s only a small crowd instead of giving it their all. Their last song of the night, “A Darker Shade of Blue”, is probably my favourite, slowly building and somber. All three provide harmonies, and the drummer plays the flute, before the song finally kicks in. Unfortunately, I’ve no new photos of them in action but you can check out my pics of them from last time in here.