Oh Yeah Centre 5th birthday bash!
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Oh Yeah Centre 5th Birthday Bash
VerseChorusVerse, Conor Mason R.G Shiels, Our Krypton Son, Bronagh Gallagher, The Wonder Villains
Saturday 5th May 2012
Tonight draws out local-music enthusiasts for more than just a gig, as this event celebrates five years of what many regard as a linchpin of Northern Irish music scene, the Oh Yeah Music Centre.
With a brief introduction, the birthday bash is on its way as four familiar faces take to the stage in an unfamiliar set up. The collaboration is made up of Tony Wright, the face behind ; , well known for his own form of tortured Country music; Derry born singer-songwriter ; and lastly Chris McConaghy, normally going by the guise of .听With each artist hailing from closely related acoustic-y sub genres, the match fits well. Chris kicks the sequence off with his own 鈥楽un Light in the Ashes,鈥 delivered with strong vocals and gentle guitar.
As Shiels steps up he comically admits he is here to 鈥渄arken the mood鈥, and is instantly comparable to the likes of Johnny Cash or Nick Cave, with his down beat manner. Tony Wright displays his usual enthusiasm in his dedication of 鈥楤ig Red Van鈥 to The Oh Yeah Centre. His passion never fails to shine through in everything he does and tonight is no different.
After Mason鈥檚 recent live session on ATL, it was great to hear the same refreshing standard of airy acoustic from him here tonight, with soft vocals almost nodding in the direction of Brendan Benson, and harmonies provided by Chris. His presence is modest on the stage but he doesn鈥檛 go unnoticed.
The guys then do another round, each playing one song written by one of the others, and as each one takes their turn you can see the original writer fixated, as much as us in the audience. Throughout the set they all chip in a little, giving the performances a bit of dimension. The acoustic foursome finishes off with 鈥淵ou Can鈥檛 Win Back Your Freedom鈥 where the harmonica is greatly welcomed. The lads give it their all for one last time tonight.
Next up on the celebratory bill is singer and actress Bronagh Gallagher. She is joined on stage by Irish-guitar-legend Connor Brady, of The Commitments, and together they give us combined elements of blues and Country-Soul. One thing can be said for this woman; her stage presence is captivating. Her songs are written in a story telling format, and with that everyone listens intently. The Derry born star shows no pretence, as she kicks off her high heels mid set to jump on drums. Simply beautiful throughout.
Tonight we have been promised special guests, and ahead of their support slot with The Undertones next week, we are brought the bouncy and incredibly likable Wonder Villains. What better way to end a birthday party than with this lively and fun four-piece. As usual, these guys give us a set filled with teen-culture driven indie-pop. With synth led melodies and punky vocals, it鈥檚 hard not to be swept up in the positive energy. They treat us to an extensive set including their hit 鈥榋ola鈥.
As Oh Yeahs fifth birthday draws to a close, tonight is only a taster of the great things this enterprise stands for. Here鈥檚 to another five years with 鈥渙pen doors to music potential鈥.
Sara Larkham
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