The best kept secret
in Irish music
Locals
Millions of Ghosts
3.5
Review by Dave Simpson
A brilliant, catchy number from Dublin band The Rattling Kind
Review by Jason Coulter
4.0
It’s criminal just how under-appreciated folk rockers The Rattling Kind are in the Irish music scene.
Their fantastic 2013 EP ‘Rise Up’ may have gotten some good reviews at the time but unfortunately
the band just haven’t been able to make the next step up, despite another strong release with last
year’s track Open Letter. Hopefully their newest offering The Ballad of Lugs Branigan, gives the
band the recognition they richly deserve.
And on this evidence, boy do they deserve it. The Ballad of Lugs Branigan tells the true tale of
James Christopher Brannigan, a garda famed for his rough brand of justice, who also found success
in the boxing ring. A distinctly catchier affair compared to the trad-rock orientated sound on ‘Rise
Up’, the song is an infectious ride that simply gets better with every listen.
Lead singer Eddie Sherlock could teach anyone how to unashamedly belt out a tune with a Dublin
accent something it seems other Irish acts are loathe to try. His vocals add passion and authenticity,
not just to Lugs Branigan but to all their tracks. Couple that with brilliant musicianship including
some lovely bass lines and you’ve got the best Irish single so far in 2015. And if that third verse
doesn’t get you off your feet, nothing will.
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“Millions of Ghosts” is the new single from
Locals; a Swedish ensemble who specialise in
a stirring brand of electronic pop/rock. The
Stockholm natives originally came together in
2013, before making their first recording at
Decibel Studios in their hometown during the
summer of the same year. Since their
formation, the band have been the subject of
articles on a multitude of sites both at home
and across the pond, as well having enjoyed
airplay on a number of radio stations.
Their new release, which dropped on
February 17th, gets going with a piercing,
mellow riff and solemn vocals. An ominous
vibe persists during the swift verse, relenting
when cheery synths take over and lighten the
mood for the chorus. The absorbing rhythm
charges along purposefully, maintaining a
steady pace through a catchy melody and
fetching instrumentation. The result is a
pop/rock number endowed with a great deal of
accessibility.
“Millions of Ghosts” can be sampled on the
band’s Soundcloud page, along with
companion track “Wait for You”. The latter
effort bursts immediately into airy synths and
a buoyant beat. The verse tones these back
somewhat as a reserved harmony takes over
while still maintaining a quick momentum.
Things build up both musically and vocally for
the chorus, lending an optimistic air to the
piece that is further emphasised by the hopeful
and resolute declarations made by the lyrics.
The electronic style in which Locals partake
results in a transcendent sound that generates
a rather otherworldly atmosphere. It makes for
an easy listen that’s sure to find favour with a
wide audience. For the latest news and updates
from the band, head over to their Facebook
page or check out their official site at
http://localsofficial.com.