BATTLE OF THE BOYS BANDS
If anything is evidence of Sligo’s vibrant music scene, it’s the fact that two bands, both Summerhill alumni, are releasing brand new albums within one week of each other.
‘ Oddsocks’ and ‘ This Side Up’, who are school friends, are just the latest local musicians garnering national attention, joining the likes of Rackhouse Pilfer and Valerra who originated in the area and have taken their talents to bigger stages.
And for the two sets of lads, it’s somewhat special that their careers are reaching new heights at the same time, as it not only rewards their years of hard work, but recognises the many times they shared a stage in their youth.
Oddsocks front man, Luke Mercer, said: “We came up through the same scene in Sligo, and we have done a lot together since then. We have often opened for each other through the years, recorded songs together so we are very closely connected.”
He added: “We were all in Summerhill together and actually would have competed in the same Battle of the Bands, so that’s how we first came together on stage.
“We were very young at the time but not much has changed, we still play a lot of the same venues and do a lot of gigs together.”
Shane Leonard of This Side Up has the same fond memories of growing up with the lads from Oddsocks, chuckling at the thoughts of competing in their school’s Battle of the Bands, a tradition almost every musician in the country has experienced at some stage.
“It’s funny to think back on now,” Shane admitted. “We did a lot of youth gigs together. It helps that they’re good lads too.”
Despite the childhood connections, the two bands are vastly different in their styles.
Oddsocks can be described as being a mix of pop/ rock and funk, with strong elements of soul, rhythm and groove.
This Side Up are a hip- hop trio who take gallons of rap and pack it full of substance.
Yet somehow, when put on stage together, it works, and a lot of this has to do with their hometown.
“I think it’s amazing that such a small town like Sligo produces such great music, and to have two albums coming out at the same time is a cool thing,” Luke said.
“The atmosphere around the town is really great to see, and there’s nearly always some band to see or music happening now matter the day.”
Shane agreed, saying: “It’s been massive for us. To be given the chance to do our own thing means a lot. People were a bit sceptical at first, but I think Sligo as a town is unique and for that the people are more accepting when something new pops up.”
This Side Up release their debut album ‘ Full Fat’ this Friday, November 11 with a launch at 5th on Teeling.
It was recorded at their own set up in Dublin called ‘ Citóg Studios’, with bandmembers Eddie ‘ Myster E’ Hamilton and Kevin Noone sharing the production duties.
It follows an EP which they released last year, and features songs which are ensemble of their “own take on hip- hop”, including late night bangers to more sparse and vulnerable sounds.
Oddsocks’ second album ‘ The Sound of the City’ hits the shops the following Friday, November 18. Their Sligo launch takes place Saturday, November 19 at 5th on Teeling.
It was recorded in Wicklow and produced by Rian Trench, notable for his work with ‘ Solar Bears’.
Luke said: “It’s a bit different to our debut album which was released in 2011. There is a lot more of an electronic sound, with brass and acoustic piano.
“It still has our core sounds, but it’s a little less rock and more soul and funk than usual.”
Fans can download both albums from iTunes or Spotify, or pre- order a hard copy on Bandcamp.