Pure M Magazine Issue 4 Feb. 2015 | Page 44

44 PURE M Magazine Cry Monster Cry C Postcards Review by Julie Bell ry Monster Cry have been on an upward climb since releasing their début EP ‘The Fallen’ in 2012 which was written and recorded within two short months at a studio in the quaintness of Malahide. Impressively, it shot straight to the top of the iTunes charts. Dublin born, brothers Richie and Jamie Martin attribute an appreciation of music to their parents eclectic taste – the iconic noise of Bob Dylan and Van Morrison resonating from the radio whilst on fond trips around the wild Atlantic seaboard (their mother boasts roots in Fanad, Co. Donegal) many moons ago. Far from those childhood memories, Cry Monster Cry have played gigs with some highly recommended artists namely Hudson Taylor and Sea of Bees in recent times. ‘Postcards’ is the first single being taken from their much-anticipated first album entitled ‘Rhythm of Dawn’ and has encountered fine company in the singer/songwriter iTunes chart – sitting in the top five with none other than Hozier and George Ezra. The upbeat tempo produced by a mix of muted acoustic guitar riffs, drums and alluring melodies at the outset of ‘Postcards’ provides an effective backbone for the bands established style of storytelling. Sweet and meaningful lyrics add a positive note to proceedings. The brothers have a lengthy background in English language studies and this merged with their blatant musical upbringing has created an intriguing combination. To introduce brass instruments near the close of the recording makes it all a bit more lively and when coupled with the well-balanced vocals of the double act it hits all the right spots musically and lyrically. The video for the track features ‘Love/Hate’ and recent ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Ian Llyod Anderson who does a fine task of portraying a postman who is unhappy with the constant regime in his life and whose circumstance changes upon finding a mysterious postcard. It was filmed on location in Dublin City and is in keeping with the vibrant, winsome theme of the track itself with rich colours and energy abounding. Savvy to say the least. It would seem the time out which the guys took last year to hone their songwriting capabilities has had a positive and worthy effect on the material they are producing. When hearing their music you are happy to sit back and watch it all unfold. They are exciting, talented and a joy to listen to. ‘Rhythm of Dawn’ is due for release on 6th March, in the meantime check out the superb single and video. Highly recommended. An introduction to Rebecca Clements F Review by Dave Simpson or up and coming Indie artist Rebecca Clements, the future looks very bright. This exceptionally talented singer/songwriter from Bristol in the UK may have only recently shown up on the radar, but already her prodigious style of folk-rock has heads turning and understandably so. Making a name for herself on the live scene, Clements has taken to the stage at the well renowned Reading Festival and has also been garnering a lot of attention from British radio stations. The material she has released so far is extraordinarily affective, stirring up a lot of emotion through its mesmerising execution. “Love Child” is a true force to be reckoned with. Beginning with piercing vocals and subtle instrumentation, it immediately captivates and builds anticipation. A powerful melody ensures the chorus sounds monumental. The articulately su