Track of the Day: The Innocent Bystander 'Neon Lights'

The Innocent Bystander’s individual style and dynamics are reminiscent of acts such as The Strokes or The Kooks. The contrast between the 80s nostalgia vibes mixed with a modern twist is what makes them particularly unique.

The Indie/Alternative band have speedily emerged through the ranks in just a short period of time. The band started as a project from Dublin-based producer/songwriter Mark Healy. Mark began his career with The Josephs, signing to Deconstruction Records, London, all the way back in 1996. Since then, Mark has collaborated with Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club, Carol Keogh, and Elevens; performed with Madness, Wayne Kramer (MC5), and Clem Burke (Blondie); and composed the original score for celebrated author Irvine Welsh’s film project Nuts (2008).

The Innocent Bystander grew out of Mark’s ambition to “make guitar music that takes nothing from the Blues”. The band’s music explores themes of isolation and distance – but the music is never morose, animated as it is by righteous anger at the cruelties of modern life, and a passion for the endless possibilities of using music to talk about them.

The Innocent Bystander have announced a Whelan’s show scheduled for January 25. This show comes after an especially rewarding 2018, with airplay for the present single gathering pace in Ireland, the UK and the USA. They finished off the year with another show, opening for HamsandwicH to an amazing response from another packed Whelan’s audience. 2019 promises to be a busy year for the band, so catch make sure to catch them in the intimate space of Whelan’s Upstairs while you get the chance.

Listen to ‘Neon Light’s below:

https://open.spotify.com/track/0vIrPzn2KhF05e1SwA8vJE?si=WfU5WPngT5267MR73SaqJg