The Angel Pier Press

Mp3Hugger 26th November

2009-11-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

While the wait for their debut album has been interminable the clues left by their releases so far indicate that something special could be on the way. 2009 has seen Angel Pier headline Whelan’s, play Oxygen and release a superb double a-sided 7-inch. And that’s where you’ll find ‘Align The Seas’, a torch song that is constructed so precisely you could remove a note and the whole thing would fall apart. The delicate structure is glued together by Darragh Nolan’s pre, during and post falsetto but like with all Angel Pier compositions the shiny instrumental dynamics manage to scoop plenty of the limelight too. ‘Align The Seas’ reaches for and almost outmanoeuvres the bands bona fida classic ‘Sprites’ which means the anticipation for their LP is almost too much to bear. KD

HWCH09 / The Angel Pier

2009-10-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

The Angel Pier confirmed their greatness with a neat set to finish the night to a decent crowd.

2uiBestow

HWCH 09 / The Angel Pier

2009-10-20T04:37:00.000-07:00

The Angel Pier rocked; so confident and you had to dance. Gotta love the mad dancer in the crowd who resurrected the white feather boa and was makin' shapes on the dancefloor as they say.

Writer on the Way Home

Irish Unsigned / Whelans 07/08/09

2009-08-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the release of their new limited edition 7" single Belong/Align the Seas, Darragh, Vinny, Luke and Mark hosted a really enjoyable gig, with special guests The Murder Clues to get the party started. I was really excited about seeing two of my favourite acts on the same night.

Three parts Irish to one part Canadian, The Angel Pier are a charming act that know how to totally enjoy performing and also have an ability to seduce the listener with soothing vocals and fluent guitar riffs aplenty.

Described by some as having 'the sheer guts to make music that they genuinely want to', this band have clocked up lots of exciting appearances since I last saw them at the beginning of '09, including performing on The New Sounds Stage at Oxygen, appearing at Castlepalooza and Co-headlining a tour around Ireland with 'The Kinetiks'.

The fab four took to the stage to shouts of approval from a now healthy sized audience, starting their set with You're right. Vinny Redmond (Bass) harmonizes and trickling notes on lead guitar (Luke Paluch) create the perfect backdrop for Darragh's powerful delivery of the first number.

Belong is on the new 7" E.P. and has a slow intro, picking up speed and becoming more dynamic. A rhythmic riff on guitar brings it to life, harmony filtering into the chorus. This is truly a feel good song.

Pray has some interesting chord combinations and a delectable chorus.

Align the Seas was introduced by Darragh as he mentioned that it was on the new E.P. Gorgeous guitar notes are strummed for the intro. Darragh's use of falsetto in the chorus adds sweetness. The use of the higher octave against the background vocals which are sung in the lower octave is a very effective tool and also I noticed in the middle eight, a pullback of instruments which leaves just vocals with close harmony for a few bars and gradually each instrument returns, taking the whole piece to a big crescendo finish.

For no Man
Certain numbers in their repertoire such as this one would remind me a little of Coldplay. Darragh's voice is light here and there's an uplifting quality to the verse.
Although the melody is sweet, this song becomes more explosive as it develops. There's a sliding note that's sung in harmony just before the finish, which is gorgeous.

Make, Sacrifice and Bullet were also among the many wonderful songs that were performed at this gig. That special 'Je ne sais quoi' which The Angel Pier posess inspires a cheerful atmosphere and as the night went on they seemed to just get better and better.

I wondered would they perform my favourite number Sprites when they returned for a well deserved encore at the end of the gig. They must have heard me shout for it as they left the stage, because they did it. As I heard the first notes being plucked on guitar, I recognised it.
Darragh's delivery of this song is flawless and like most of their songs, it builds up from a softer beginning, to a dynamic Anthem with bashing chords and an appealing melody.

We were treated to yet another number called Scribbles.
Darragh and the lads have a certain charm, which has already taken them to heady heights and gigs that many bands only get to dream about. I discovered them almost a year ago and have since become a fan. I hope to have lots of future opportunities to see them live, especially after this my second experience of them at Whelan's.
Cheers to The Angel Pier and The Murder Clues for a magnificent evening.

News Of The World July 26, 2009

2009-07-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

'Pierfect New Single From Angel Boys'

Divine Sounds by Martin Burns

The Angel Pier are an Irish band who have transformed themselves in the last year to become one of the most hotly-tipped acts around. The four-piece, based in Gorey, Co Wexford, released the stunning double A-side single Align The Seas and Belong on Friday and it looks set to change their fortunes.

Since getting together in 2006 Darragh Nolan, Vinny Redmond, Luke Paluch and Mark Colbert released two EPs but neither made the splash they'd hoped for when they started out. Their previous sound, according to NME, was 'classic indie pop', and the band seemed to have no problem wearing their influences - Radiohead, The Cure, Interpol, Band of Horses and Brendan Benson - on their sleeves. But after numerous gigs in Ireland The Angel Pier decided to try their luck on the other side of the Atlantic and last year they did two tours of Canada.

Frontman Darragh said: "We went over in March for eight dates and it went so well that we went back again in June". "They were really friendly and the people were very receptive to what we were doing. To be honest we were getting a little tired of doing the same thing but the Canadian audiences' reaction gave us the impetus to carry on". And it was during that tour that their approach started to change. Darragh said: "From the start we said we don't want to be doing what everyone else is doing - but there were influences that we couldn't help and it took a while for that stuff to wash away. "I suppose we experienced a new kind of freedom in Canada and we were able to develop our sound".

Since their return home the band have been working on plenty of brand new material, they've done a joint headline tour with The Kinetiks and landed a highly coveted spot at Oxegen two weeks ago.

For the new single they hooked up with leading Irish producer Jimmy Eadie, who has worked with Jape, David Kitt and Valerie Francis. Darragh said: "Jimmy is about vibe more than anything else. "We're still playing the same kind of music but we've managed to put a more original slant on things and we're very happy. We're going to do an album with him and it'll be out next year".

The Angel Pier play Castlepalooza Festival in Co Offaly on Saturday.

Hot Press 16 July 2009 - Tracks

2009-07-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

The Angel Pier
Align The Seas (Delphi)

The fresh-faced foursome (three parts Irish to one part Canadian) are doing a really good job right now of sounding like Band Of Horses. This is a bit too listless for my liking but the occasional flashes of beautiful pop-driven melancholy are enough to have us looking forward to the Leo Pearson produced Sacrifice EP, due for release in the autumn.

The Great Escape, Brighton - The Skinny

2009-05-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

The people behind the showcase are an independent, Irish version of The Scottish Arts Council, it was explained to the Skinny over a Guinness or two. To celebrate their appearance, they’ve even brought their own version of We Were Promised Jetpacks, in Angel Pier! They’re equal parts joviality and intensity with a lead singer boasting a hugely impressive vocal range. As with Jetpacks, there’s an ever-so-slight whiff of EMO, but they, too, seem to have enough substance in their armoury to get away with any perceived over-earnestness.

SOURCE: http://www.theskinny.co.uk/article/45922-the-great-escape-festival-brighton-1416-may

The Mag - Angel Pier "Emily"

2008-10-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

Rating 9/10 - Exceptional

Having received high praise over in North America Angel Pier are surely destined to glow over here as well.

Their new single 'Emily' is a fantastic mix of grunge, pop and indie flavours. This track is an addictive listen with layers that overlap into a fusion of pure fascination. Every note sucks you in deeper to the melodies, with the vocal left to grab your attention with the amazement and mystery of it's seductive ways.

'Make' sways along the same style, the melody is still hitting all the right spots and the craze for more of this band takes over.

Angel Pier are an amazing band taking things away from the normal indie / rock we hear on the radio. Their style is a complicated set of layers with each one oozing tightness and talent. This band is a show stopper and an absolute must listen.

Date: 03/10/2008

http://www.the-mag.me.uk/Articles/Angel-Pier-Emily/

IrishUnsigned: Hard working class Heroes festival...

2008-10-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

ANGEL PIER

With members Darragh Nolan, Luke Paluch, Vinny Redmond and Mark Colbert this band took to the stage next. Unfortunately the tiny crowd got tinier as punters decided enough was enough and filtered into the pubs involved in the fest or nearby smaller hovels. I being the true blue hanger on stayed.
A very sweet and friendly sound engineer gave me a promising introduction to Angel Pier, so I waited to hear their full set.
Influences include The Stone Roses, The Cure, The Pixies, David Bowie and Joy Division. Is it any wonder I fell head over heels with this band? I grew up on these legends that were probably around before these guys were born and have always had a soft spot for the real deal Indie/Alternative sound!

I did pick out my favourites of their set however, so I think I'll simply focus on what to me were the songs worth noting.

Sprites � A beautiful moody intro takes you into a sweet verse. Chords really have a classic written all over them as does the melody. Lots of big bashing chords give this song an anthemic quality!

Sacrifice � Anthemic intro with a U2 feel to it! This band being three parts Irish to one part Canadian, a lovely meshing together of styles brings out the absolute superior quality of music you hear with a gorgeous blend of melancholic vocals and lead guitar, that commands you to listen!

They also did 'Stand up' and 'Emily'.
What a novelty it was to be practically the only audience member left as this sound which for me was like a re � visiting of the past, echoed out over the grey unyielding rain swept skies of Temple bar. As with all of the bands participating in the HWCH festival, there is no doubt that I and the drowned rats present will certainly get around to seeing the sweet-sounding and very special 'Angel Pier' soon!

By: Angela Macari O'Looney
http://www.irishunsigned.com/readreviews.php?id=168

Hard Working Class Heroes Festival 2008 - HotPress

2008-10-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

...Angel Pier were so greatful to the crowd who braved the elements for their surprisingly perky renditions of chunky alternative.

By: Naomi McArdle

http://www.hotpress.com/music/reviews/live/4789822.html?page_no=2

One of the Best Sounds of 2008

2008-08-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Front and Center - ANGEL PIER
DATELINE: DUBLIN

A musical movement is underway and gaining momentum in Ireland and it goes by the name: ANGEL PIER. In the past, we have been kind of sweet on this band but their sound is getting better by leaps and bounds these days. ("Really guys, good show!") And, we are happy to relay that others (finally!) beginning to notice of their talent!

With the 2008 release of the band's sensational Sacrifice EP, we are falling head over heels yet again for Angel Pier's unique brand of pop-powered indie rock acrobatics. And with good reason, this EP is one of the best releases of the year! Highly recommended!

ANGEL PIER

http://ryanssmashinglife.blogspot.com/2008/08/front-and-center-angel-pier.html

Altsounds.com

2008-08-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Reviewer Rating: 90%

Doing this job, listening to new music is always a park, and is definitely a great way of staying on top of where popular music going and being able to almost forecast it's next move. However, occasionally, I recieve CD's that sound so out of date or lifeless that they almost outweigh the benfits of recieving new music - that is until I the postman brought me a CD from a little known irish band called Angel Pier and restored my faith.

It is such a breath of fresh air to hear people making unpretentious, yet amazing and fresh new music in a world that is full of copycat bands and scene surfers. Angel Pier really are a delight to listen to; the first track on this EP/ Promo CD 'Emily', like most of the band's work, has a delerious and calm feel to it, despite the spiralling guitar lines and the ever present exciting drum work.

Track two, 'Make', again, has the classic Angel Pier sound but somehow manages not to sound boring and tedious. The epic musical interludes and the highly uplifting, abrupt ending justify this as the work of a band that in the right hands, have the potential to really go places.

Perhaps an album of material such as this would become a little samey however, but considering the band's ability to create music that is so fresh and unique, I have all confidence in them to be smart enough to allow for diversity and variation.

This band really does have it all; a great image, music that grabs the attention and the sheer guts to make music that they genuinely want to make (which is something that should not be underestimated in this day and age)..... but they're unsigned?!

Labels, please form an orderly que. Matt Willis. Altsounds

Angel Pier @ Whelans 09.08.2008 - Posted by mp3hugger

2008-08-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

It’s always risky seeing a band you are fond off perform for the first time. A bad show can sometimes leave a sour taste which taints your opinion from then on. Angel Pier are 2 EP’s in (they are currently working on a 6-track mini LP) and thus far haven’t put a foot wrong. This is a quartet with that spark in the studio that is all too rare and after seeing them last night it would appear that the magic extends to their live incarnation. The Gorey/Ottawa/Dublin lads liberally showcased new material along with the majority of tracks from their ‘Sacrifice’ and ‘Bullet Holes & Broken Sectors’ releases and the quality was consistently good throughout. Angel Pier play with an infectious happiness, they are obviously a tight outfit which means when highlights (of which there are many) such as the crescendo on ‘Sprites’ arrive it’s hard not to be taken in by the joy of it all. Lead man Darragh Nolan holds court brilliantly and his vocals have a powerfully clear delivery. He is ably supported by livewire Lucas Paluch on guitar, Mark Colbert on harmonies/drums and bass player Vinny Redmond. On the wettest night in Dublin since last week Angel Pier reigned supreme. You can catch them in Galway’s Roisin Dubh on Thursday next and at HWCH next month. Photos courtesy of John McRedmond. KD

http://www.mp3hugger.com/2008/08/angel-pier-whelans-09082008.html

Noize Makes Enemies

2008-06-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Angel Pier is one of those unique bands that you really don’t come across very often. Quiet, unassuming, yet to the point, this EP is the perfect description of what happens when a couple of ex-Catholic schoolboys start to experiment with life, love and everything in-between and get caught up in all of the sentiment and emotion that goes on within the cycle of life.

After creating a bit of a stir back in March during the Canadian Music Week, the lads whom three parts hail from Ireland and one part from Canada, were invited back to perform as part of this year’s NXNE at the invitation of Canada’s premier recording label and distributors, the Maple Music ‘Fresh Obsessed’ Showcase.

Bullet Holes and Broken Sectors is their second EP to date close on the heels of their first release ‘Sacrifice’ and it features the standout track, Sprites. A third offering of Angel Pier is set to follow in the beginning of 2009.

Drawing on elements echoing the early days of the Stone Roses and the gentle persuasion of Thome Yorke, Angel Pier presents strong lyrical songwriting and emotionally charged vocals by front man Darraugh Nolan alongside a solid supporting cast comprised of Mark Colbert (drums), Lucas Paluch (Guitar) and Vinny Redmond (bass). This EP for Angel Pier and their growing fan base becomes another collection of worthwhile songs that demand listening to again and again if only for their sheer simplicity, beautiful melodies and sincere vocal qualities fused with pounding guitars and crashing drums.

‘Sprites’ the intended single will be released in the British Isles and across North America this summer.

By Cheryl Hoar

http://www.noizemakesenemies.co.uk/2008/06/angel-pier-bullet-holes-broken-sectors.html

5 Acts Blog

2008-06-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

"Emily" featured on blog 5acts.blogspot.com

"Emily"

Angel Pier on MySpace

Angel Pier on The Hype Machine

Sorry..... Shooting in progress.

2008-06-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

We then ran to the Silver Dollar Room and seen some stuff we wish could erase from our minds and returned to Supermarket for Angel Pier, which was a great surprise. We walked in to a dancing crowd... yes, yes a Toronto crowd was dancing. Straight from Dublin, Angel Pier offered up some great post-punk entrancing riffs. If you like Joy Division and would like to hear something softer than Bloc Party, check them out.

http://sorryshootinginprogressstories.blogspot.com/

Hot Press News: Angel Pier Releases

2008-06-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hot Press - June 4th, 2008
By: Naomi McArdle

As if a Canada jaunt isn’t busy enough, Angel Pier release Sprites as a single on 1 July, followed by second EP Sacrifice on August 9th, launched in Whelans with A Lazarus Soul and Sanzkrit.
And believe it or not, in the recent weeks leading to their Toronto trip (which culminates in NXNE on 12 June) Angel Pier recorded a third EP! Early days track titles include Autocreate, Paper Torn, To a Minus and Avaline. Busy days indeed for the quartet who rocked their way to a maelstrom of critical acclaim on the release of first EP Bullet Holes and Broken Sectors. Oft-overlooked in the Irish indie-pop stakes, Angel Pier are one of our better kept secrets…but not for long!

Sprites at mp3hugger.com

source -
http://wordpress.hotpress.com/offherrocker/2008/06/04/news-angel-pier-releases

Angel Pier announces Sacrifice EP Release date

2008-05-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Angel Pier has announced that they will be releasing their second EP, Sacrifice EP, on September 4th

After dropping Bullet Holes & Broken Sectors last year, the group caught the ears of music-lovers with "Sprites". A group Hot Press calls "Irelands next break-out success" and NME says sounds like "classic indie pop… pitched between Coldplay, My Morning Jacket & The Killers", Angel Pier should corral a whole new slew of listeners with their newest EP.

We have been fortunate enough to talk to the group as they are preparing for their summer festival stint, which includes the NXNE in Toronto on June 12. MUF interviewed the group before their North American tour in March, which included a layover at SXSW. You can see the interview here.

We also have provided a few 90-second sample mp3s and tour dates below so you can get a feel of their sound and possibly make a show. Enjoy and tell your friends.

6/8 Neutral Bar, Toronto, Canada
6/9 TBA, Toronto, Canada
6/10 Tiger Bar, Toronto, Canada
6/11 Live on Thatradio.com, Toronto, Canada
6/12 NXNE - Maple Music Showcase @ The Supermarket, Toronto, Canada.
8/9 Whelans /w Sanzkrit & TBA, Dublin Ireland

MusicUnderFire

Insomnia Radio - Angel Pier: Sprites

2008-05-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

Insomnia Radio - Angel Pier: Sprites
May 21, 2008

Formed in 2006 in Dublin Ireland by Mark & Darragh, Angel Pier took shape one night at Whelans, after which the founding duo quickly added Canadian guitarist Luke & bass groove merchant Vinny Redmond to polish off the lineup.

Their first foray into the studio was with Kieran Lynch (U2, Elvis Costello, REM) undertaking production duties, and is titled the “Bullet Holes & Broken Sectors” EP, wherein you can find this song, “Sprites”. Angel Pier recently regrouped in Thomastown to record with veteran producer Leo Pearson, who has worked with U2, Elvis Costello & David Holmes to name but a few, and will result in the forthcoming “Sacrifice” EP, coming out this summer.

We have the honor and privilege of debuting the new title track and more in the near future here at Insomnia Radio. If you’d like a sneak peek you can listen over at their site. Their first EP is also available at e-music.

Written by Charles Stepczyk

More at http://insomniaradio.net/2008/05/21/angel-pier-sprites/

Unsigned The Magazine - The Magazine For Independents

2008-05-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

May Online Issue, 2008
ANGEL PIER
I wish I could tell an enchanted tale of how I met this group while on a wonderful and much needed vaction in Ireland. A tale of how I heard them playing and instantly knew that I had to have them in the magazine.

But vacations are unheard of here at the moment. So I have to tell you the truth. I was sitting on my ass in front of the computer and voting on groups on Ourstage.Com. I forget who they were matched up against the moment I found them...but I do remember the shock of wonder that went through me when I heard the first few chords of “Sprites” from their world acclaimed EP “Bullet Holes & Broken Sectors”.

After the vocals kicked in, the shock of wonder turned into that gut feeling that tells one they’re on the right track. I have found something grand and wonderful in Angel Pier and since I’m not stingy but rather giving and loving, I will share with you this Irish treasure that I have found.

The rest of this story involves a lively, well timed IM chat across several time zones, a sadly missed opportunity to meet them in person when they played SXSW this past year because yours truly had to get a breast reduction, and a promise to meet up for drinks when I finally do get to Ireland.

Fully formed in 2006, it all began with the intention of pinning melancholic melodies to a gothic groove. Thrown together by a mutual friend at a chance meeting one night in Whelans in Dublin, Darragh (vocals, guitar), and Mark (Drums) quickly found the intended direction and began pursuing refinement. Canadian guitarist Luke & bass groove merchant Vinny Redmond were then bolstered on to complete the line up. The heart now a solid groove recalling elements of the Stone Roses and the Cure, Luke’s classic blues rock sound, which lies somewhere between the Pixies and the Beatles, sat comfortably on top of the straight rhythm guitar and looping backbone. The instruments combined to create a discordance that surrounds the classic pop-induced melodies of the song writing, underpinning the darker lyrical content within. With high, melodic vocals that lie somewhere between Thom Yorke and Jason Lytle soaring over the top ANGEL PIER was born.

Their first foray into the studio was with Kieran Lynch (U2, Elvis Costello, REM) undertaking production duties, and is titled the "Bullet Holes & Broken Sectors" EP. They recently regrouped in Thomastown to record with veteran producer Leo Pearson, who has worked with U2, Elvis Costello & David Holmes to name but a few, and will result in the forthcoming "Sacrifice" EP.

Interview at
http://www.unsignedthemagazine.com/content/artists/0508/angelpier/ap.html

Best of April 2008

2008-05-03T12:53:00.001-07:00

My favorite song this month has to be Angel Pier's "Sacrifice", and although this song isn't yet available for download, you can have a listen on their MySpace page.

MusicUnderFire

Sentimentalist Magazine

2008-03-25T06:15:00.000-07:00

Dublin’s Angel Pier have a dark pop sound that swirls around cascading, intricate guitar patterns and gentile discordance on this four-song EP. Though they must have their share of Interpol comparisons, they have more mathematical leanings, stepping closer toward the Field Music spectrum of britpop sound. Vocals on the punchy standout chorus of “Sprites” recall a buttoned-up and studious Brandon Flowers. On “My New Best Friend,” singer Darragh Nolan breaks away from any comparisons and does an impressive note by note interplay with the song’s upfront percussion, certainly a feat. This EP is short, sweet, and richer with each listen. –Selina S.

Published on March 25, 2008 in CD Reviews
http://www.sentimentalistmag.com/2008/03/25/angel-pier-bullet-holes-broken-sectors/

Rock City Wanker

2008-03-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

Anyways, just looking at my last post, the Angel Pier show was wicked... I can't even really describe it... but they are def one of my fav indie bands right now... worth checking out!

- ZVT - http://rockcitywanker.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html

Mp3Hugger / Make

2008-01-05T10:03:00.000-08:00

These days when someone asks me to recommend a band that are worth investigating I normally draw a blank. This is only a recent phenomenon though as before starting this blog I could talk for Ireland about my favourite new band. Listening to so much music every day has a diluting effect, somehow you just lose sight of the wood and favourites tend to get lost in dizzyingly long list. Minutes pass and the fog clears and I normally can come up with a handful of bands that deserve attention. One of them is Dublin band Angel Pier who are about to release their second EP. Their debut EP ‘Bullet Holes & Broken Sectors’ was a dazzling affair with universally strong tracks and a classic in waiting called ‘Sprites’ that coaxed raw emotion through a combination of Darragh Nolan’s shimmering vocals and a heartbreaking set of cascading instrumentation. The forthcoming ‘Sacrifice’ EP is the follow up and although it is not as immediately digestible as its predecessor it shows no less promise with 4 songs that mature beautifully once they are given time to reveal themselves (proving that much like their contemporaries Delorentos, Angel Pier are in love with detail). My favourite is ‘Make’, an intricate affair that swoops and soars like an ecstatic swallow that has just had a wing mended. The percussion on this one is particularly impressive as are Nolan’s shapeshifting vocals. Angel Pier are my tip for 2008. KD

http://mp3hugger.com/2008/01/angel-pier-make.html

The Torture Garden

2007-09-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

Some months back, I received a cd by this fine band, listened to it, liked it, and promptly forgot about it. That was stupid! Because I have come back to it, and there's not a bad track on it. Like one of the posts below, this is a new Irish band taking an old sound and making it work. There's even a Stone Roses melody in there, and I don't like the Stone Roses! It's quietly impressive.

Like most great Irish acts, they're playing the HWCH festival coming up this weekend. Heck, you can even download another track of theirs here on the site. Wonderful. You can hear more on their MySpace.

http://thetorturegarden.blogspot.com/2007/09/angel-pier.html