Godsuit are a four piece rock group based in Bray, Co. Wicklow. The group were formed in February 1993, comprising Ciarán Melia (bass), Anthony Hind (vocals), Neil Murphy (guitar) and Damon Allen (drums). Through much rehearsal and many gigs they are a tight unit with a growing fanbase. Fair enough. But what’s the music like?

The first song on this four-track demo is ‘No Illusion’ and it’s a mid-paced bluesy rocker. Anthony Hind has a fine voice and the band play like a young Led Zep. This is in part due to Damon Allen’s powerhouse kick-drum and open hats, but Murphy and Melia certainly know their stuff too.

‘Procrastination’ is faster and funkier, with great skittery guitar work and a looping bassline. ‘Your Way’ has a distinctly early 70’s stomping rock feel to it and I think its fair to say that in today’s musical climate, there is nothing dated about that. ‘What’s in Your Head’ rounds up this collection in a funky vein once more, something Godsuit are more than adept at . . .

The Wilnotts are a five piece pop/rock group who are based in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Their line up is Paul Grant (lead vocals and guitar), Ken Paver (guitar), Andy Keane (drums), Aindriú Taylor (bass) and Pete Taylor (trumpet). The group, who only came together earlier this year, went on to win the Munster Battle of the Bands competition and present us here with their first demo tape.

‘Smalltown’ opens the proceedings. It is a breezy, poppy affair with some beautiful trumpet playing to the fore. ‘Hypocrite’ is another little pop gem, all jangly, frantic playing and an ear-catching melody. ‘Murder Machine’ is slightly more relaxed, but only just! Once again the melody is strong and the playing tight and streamlined. The overall sound is reminiscent of early 80’s English indie guitar pop (and to my mind there’s nothing wrong with that!).

Cranc are a four-piece rocky pop group from Monaghan. The group, Dave Crave (guitars), Ray McEntee (bass), Jerome Lappin (drums) and Martin Creaney (vocals), formed in 1992 and have played extensively around the north eastern counties. ‘The Idiot Lives . . .’ is the first of three songs and a buzzsaw guitar massacre. A strong melody is virtually submerged by the aforementioned axe work, rolling drums and pumping bass. For some reason it reminds me of Ned’s Atomic Dustbin at their poppy best.

‘Eden In Your Head’ is slower and heavier, rising to a strong chorus and featuring an atmospheric fade out. ‘Half A World Away’ again features the slow build-up to fine effect. The constant bassline holds it all together perfectly, as guitar riffs come in and out of the picture. Cranc have a good thing going here . . .

Shard are a five-piece guitar pop group based, I think, in Dublin and featuring Lee on vocals and acoustic guitar, Sandra on backing vox and keys, Dave on guitars, Graham B. on bass and J. D. on drums. This four-song tape opens with ‘Burning Skies’, a cracker of a song which recalls Heaven UpHere’-era Echo and the Bunnymen. The bass pumps, the guitars slash and the drum rolls keep coming, the addition of Sandra’s backing vocals climaxing three and a half minutes of pop thrill. ‘Untouched’ opens acoustically with Lee and Sandra harmonising sweetly. Bass and percussion follow and lead into a memorable chorus. Shard certainly seem to know what they are doing.

‘Black’ steams in on a naggingly insistent guitar riff which, if anything, is underused in this song. It’s got a great dynamic break with just acoustic guitar which leads into the rousing chorus.

‘Sinking Fast’ brings the tape to a close with another strong melody and more truly catchy guitar riffs. Shard have a great sound and the ability to write great songs. Just keep it comin’.

Finally for now, from deepest Co. Kildare, come Hemlock, a four-piece grungey rock band featuring Anto on drums, Brian on guitar, Adrian on bass and Eamon on vocals. They formed in January 1993 and this four-tracker is their first demo. ‘Growing Unseen’ blasts off in great style. The band play incredibly well together with a special mention for Anto’s excellent drumming. In Eamon, they also possess a great singer. His phrasing is bang on and his voice displays an impressive range of emotions.

‘Outer Soul’ is slightly slower and heavier – a fine guitar workout. ‘Murder’ has the feel of Black Sabbath – swampy, narcotic heaviness. ‘Shellshocked’ closes the show in an almost death metal way, suggesting that Hemlock are taking effect. And, believe me, they are . . .

•Kathryn McKinney

• Don’t forget to tune into the City Limits Youth Affairs show on Anna Livia Radio, 103·8 FM, Dublin, this Saturday (and every other!) from 10am–12 noon for the complete low-down.