As we reach the final stage of The Big Break competition, in association with ALCATEL ONETOUCH, the five promising young acts now duking it out for the ultimate prize – the chance to appear on the cover of Hot Press – gathered at 13 Trinity Street to show us what they've got in person.

Cult Called Man gave us 'The Walkyr', El Grey performed 'I Won't Go', Miriam Donohue was on hand with 'Bookmarks', Rackhouse Pilfer ran through 'Bright Lights' and Rocstrong delivered 'Smooth'.

All fine performances in their own right, showcasing why they've made it this far, you can check them out by visiting our minisite.

The artists took part in a photo shoot in Hot Press HQ, the results of which you can also take a gander at on the minisite.

The winning act will appear in the next issue of Hot Press out on Thursday May 29.

Here's a little bit more about The Final Five:

CULT CALLED MAN
Joking that the Hot Press cover could do with them because they're "only gorgeous!", Cult Called Man are an upbeat, positive crew whose music most definitely reflects their personalities. Think primary-coloured pop and you're on the right track. Having operated as a trio based out of Tyrelstown, County Dublin, for a year, they've since expanded live to a six-piece and undoubtedly want to go forth and multiply from here. With songs as infectious as the slices of sonic zest found on their first EP Shoot Me (It's Just TV), they'll certainly win their fair share of admirers. Unafraid to experiment within the pop format, they might expand the masses horizons too.

MIRIAM DONOHUE
Hailing from Galway and now residing in the capital, Miriam Donohue's folky brand of songwriting has its roots in the romantic West Of Ireland. She conjures up fine lyrical images of rural life all backed by tender acoustic work and is known to be an enchanting performer in the flesh. Highlights to date include supporting The Cardigans' Nina Persson, Jack L and John Spillane. She featured on TG4's Ceol Ar An Imeall in 2013 and was selected to play the Metroherald stage at Castlepalooza by RTÉ Radio 1's John Murray Show, as well as the Ones To Watch Festival 2014 in Whelan's. Donohue's debut EP Bookmarks is the first recorded steps of a very fine, poetic young talent.

EL GREY
Born in Gdansk and settled in Bray, the eclectic El Grey fully understands the importance of atmosphere in music. Refusing to be boxed in, the ambitious songstress weaves a dialogue between different alter egos through ambient, electronic soundscapes. Though her sound can be described as cinematic, El Grey isn't afraid to stray from the script, often allowing her considerable vocal prowess the freedom such tones require. Her three-track, self-titled debut EP is a testament to her spirit of adventure. "Music is a place where I breathe deeper", she says. "It's my little personal cosmos and my true passion. When I sing, I feel like I am flying". She has the potential to soar. 

RACKHOUSE PILFER

Rackhouse Pilfer are a six-piece from Sligo. Two years on the go, they describe themselves as a fiery and exciting Americana, bluegrass and alt country band – and who are we to disagree? The description is borne out by their second album, Love And Havoc, which was recorded in Nashville. Influenced by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, Ryan Adams and John Hiatt, they write their own, superb original songs. They are also a brilliant, shit-kicking live act, who will feature at festivals all over Ireland this summer. The full line-up is: Leon Mooney (acoustic guitar, harmonica), Willie Kelly (acoustic guitar, drums), Fiachra Cunningham (fiddle, dobro), Mark McGoven (tenro/5 string banjo), Leslie Jones (mandolin) and Hugh Feely (double bass). They all sing!

ROCSTRONG

Born in Congo and raised in Ireland, JP Bangala aka Rocstrong grew up loving artists such as Prince, Jesse Johnson, Pharrell Williams and Elvis Presley. Joined by a three-piece band when performing live, Bangala's feelgood funk-rock teems with irresistible grooves and always generates an infectious party atmosphere. Although identifying themselves as a new Irish act, Rocstrong have a diverse background and in addition to Bangala's Congolese roots, the band have connections to Poland and Angola. Rocstrong's danceable rhythms have already generated a buzz and they look well positioned to make a serious impact in 2014.