WOODKISS ARE a three-piece from Dun Laoire, whose music could be described as a sort of post-Goth indie rock music. ‘Hallucinogen Day’ which opens this demo is a very catchy fast number which is heavily embellished by lead singer and guitarist Liam O’Raghallaigh’s frantic and yet tuneful guitar playing. ‘Electrical Man’ opens with stuttering echoed guitar keyboard washes courtesy of Mr. O’Raghallaigh again and what sounds like police sirens. This sounds not unlike the Cure, musically, but O’Raghallaigh’s vocal style pulls them away from that comparison.

At this point it’s worth mentioning the very solid rhythm section of Paul McCarthy bass and Clare McCann on drums. Their work is tight and dependable throughout. The final song is a two part piece which begins with ‘The Savage Garden’, an instrumental that rides along on a fine bass line. It builds up well with layers of guitar and a tribal drumbeat. Then we go straight into ‘Voyager’, which shows a dancier, funkier side to the rhythm section.

Although there is nothing startlingly original here they do what they do well and imprint their own personalities onto it. Woodkiss are playing The Attic on 12th March and I would advise checking them out.

The Byrds with a dance beat anyone? Verta-Ray’s three song demo is heavy on melody and sixties feel tunes. ‘What Are You Waiting For’ boasts a very strong melody and the fine almost folky vocals of Brian Murray. Ian Beesley’s guitars are tuneful and are well counterpointed by Joe Wilson’s bass while the beat is hammered out by Bryan McMahon.

‘You Don’t Understand Me And I Know That You Never Will’ – a bit heavy on the title, eh lads? – follows again in much the same fashion which is not a bad thing as Verta-Ray create a pleasing sound. At times similar to groups like Ride and the Charlatans, there’s a danger that Verta-Ray may be out of time, as Indie music seems to be heading on a heavier more back to basics approach. That said, their talent for melody cannot be overlooked and this may well be their saving grace.

The Colourful are a six piece family affair, consisting of various brothers, sisters and cousins from Dublin’s Ballymun. They play a boisterous and passionate style of pop music. ‘Always By My Side’ kicks in in breathless fashion, with the twin lead vocals of Decco Grange and Joanne Kearney who command proceedings with deft and soulful harmonies.

If you were looking for reference points Deacon Blue would spring to mind but The Colourful have a folkier deeper edge to their music. ‘Angel From Heaven’ is a lovely sensitive song which again features the twin lead vocals to great effect. ‘Make No Difference’ is an upbeat funky number which to my mind is marred by the slightly over-wrought guitar work of Jimmy Kearney. Whilst the man is obviously a fine guitarist, I feel he should tailor his style to the mood of the song more.

The anthemic feel good ‘We Shall Live Forever’ is yet another example of their diversity. A good production job on this one and The Colourful could be looking at a hit! ‘Ambitions’, ‘Cavan Town’ and ‘Part Of You’ brings this very diverse and promising collection of songs to an end. The Colourful, when they next come to record, I believe, should try bringing in a producer or at least working more imaginatively with the musical arrangements. The talent is definitely there!

Vocal Disorder with their Hard Up University Girls on the Game charge in with ‘Favourite Son’. This has a ridiculously catchy rhythm with the strange yet infectious lyrics and vocals of the singer Oil Wheeler (!). Again not much information with this one. ‘Sea Air’ has an almost classic Scott Walker feel to it, courtesy of a great vocal performance and an inspiring chorus. My only complaint would be Mr. Oil’s lack of control over his over used falsetto. ‘A Woman’s Body’ is vaguely reminiscent of the Postcard Records-sound of young Scotland. It’s a curious early eighties sound, incredibly charming – but it’s hard to say if it’s commercial.

Doo The Moog, who hail from Surrey, England are an eight piece raggle taggle mixture of African, European, North American and Australian musical forms. The resulting hodge podge is remarkably intoxicating. At times sounding not unlike The Levellers and Fisherman Blues-period Waterboys, Doo The Moog go beyond all comparisons with their very own eclectic musical vision. On this album, Arthur’s Collectic Organichy, over the ten tracks Doo The Moog prove themselves to be highly competent players and fine songwriters with one eye always on the dance floor.

Their lyrics throughout are a mixture of light-handed political correctness and humorous social commentaries. Definitely a group to liven up any crowd of concert goers. Doo The Moog are a hard working live band and are prepared to travel for a gig. They can be contacted through Ed at 081-393-0786 or Paul at (0372) 456111. Personally, I would highly recommend Doo The Moog.

Keep on truckin’.