An Offaly big adventure

Castle Palooza is now in its second year under the CherryCool brand, and this August’s festival promises to be even better than its distinguished predecessor. The setting will remain as sublime as ever – who could ask for a more picturesque venue than Tullamore’s magical Charleville Castle? – but this year’s line-up should provide even greater excitement than its 2006 predecessor.

The event takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th, to be exact) and it promises to be two days’ worth of non-stop musical excellence. But of course, there is so much more to this festival than music. Among other things, you can have a massage, get your fortune told, or even visit an art exhibition over the weekend.
However, the real measure of a festival’s excellence is the quality of its music, and this year’s bill should satisfy your every whim. The glamorous disco of Sister Sledge, the pure rock thrills of Mainline and The Spikes, the swoonsome electro-pop of Neosupervital, the gorgeous alt-country yearning of The Chapters – there is quite literally something for everyone at this event.
The dance music aficionados will also be well catered-for. A whole host of top-quality DJs will be strutting their stuff at the festival, including the notorious Johnny Moy, and Dublin’s finest, DJ Tu-Ki. Plus, let’s not forget Noise Control, who are fast becoming one of Ireland’s premiere electronic groups.
These aforementioned acts are just for starters. You can also enjoy Star Little Thing’s catchy punk-funk, and the sophisticated accomplishment of the Martin Staunton Band. But perhaps you’d prefer the DIY gorgeousness of Frightened Rabbit, or even Cowboy X’s fuzzed-up indie-pop?
There will be all this to look forward to, and plenty more besides. Just make sure you bag yourself a ticket!

SISTER SLEDGE FEATURING KATHY SLEDGE
Sister Sledge are, without a doubt, the most legendary act on the Castle Palooza bill. The Philadelphia-raised sisters began their career back in 1972, so they have had 35 years to build up their songbook. And what a songbook it is: ‘Mama Never Told Me’, ‘Frankie’, ‘We Are Family’ – the hits just keep on coming. So be sure to pack your dancing shoes, and prepare for a feast of classic disco.

MAINLINE
Dublin rockers Mainline have already managed to cause something of a stir in their short career. The grou’s debut single ‘Black Honey’ garnered rave reviews in the UK media, and they have played support slots with the likes of Primal Scream and Death In Vegas. Be warned: the band’s low-slung drone-rock (think a cross between Spiritualized and My Bloody Valentine) really catches fire in the live setting.

THE SPIKES
The Spikes play Classic Rock in a similar fashion to the Kings Of Leon: heads-down, no-nonsense, southern-fried rawk with no frills or unnecessary clutter. They are also one of few Irish bands who have a proper frontman: lead singer Tom Dunne has no instrumental responsibilities, and once the show begins, he is a man on a mission to hype up the crowd. Don’t bet against him succeeding.

NEOSUPERVITAL
Things just keep getting better for Dublin electro-poppers Neosupervital. The band have already toured the UK and Europe with The Human League, and achieved considerable air time on MTV2, so they have every chance of confirming their status as one of Ireland’s hottest acts this summer. Spring 2007 saw them release a storming new single (‘Now That I’ve Found It’) – so catch them while they’re on the up.

THE CHAPTERS
The Chapters were narrowly pipped to the Murphy’s Live ’07 unsigned band competition, but they emerged with many new admirers in tow. And quite rightly too: their mellow, tranquil alt-country vibe is thoroughly infectious, and should be the perfect accompaniment to a sunny August bank holiday. Keep your fingers crossed for more studio material from the band in ’07, and make this set a top priority for the weekend.

THE FLAWS
This Monaghan quartet are due to release their long-awaited debut album in September, so be sure to catch their Castle Palooza set, to provide a mouth-watering taster of things to come. The band first came to prominence at the 2005 Hard Working Class Heroes festival, and have since gone from strength to strength. Their music is hard-rocking, but with a heart of pure pop: perfect festival fare, in other words.

NOISE CONTROL
Noise Control have rubbed shoulders with some genuine aristocrats on the dance music scene, having played support slots to Mylo, Underworld, Basement Jaxx and The Prodigy. They have also wowed audiences on the IMRO Showcase Tour, and hit the airwaves courtesy of Tom Dunne’s Pet Sounds. The group’s debut single ‘Steel’ was a stormer, so be sure to catch their set for more pumping electronic thrills.