Soundproof

Dublin foursome Soundproof have been knocking about for a while now, thrilling music lovers on the Northside of the city with their winding, Doors-esque mega-riffs. 'Only By The Night' is seriously catchy stuff, helped in no small part by Neil O'Donoghue's fearless indie growl.

- Celina Murphy

"Soundproof are a rock/indie band from Dublin who are masterful at a catchy tune that would not sound out of place opening the Pyramid Stage. They remind me a lot of the Subways." - http://likehotcakes.net

One saying that certainly epitomizes the Soundproof movement is the old Descartes refrain “Cogito ergo sum” or, “I think therefore I am”. Soundproof have this in abounds and when they strut their moves on stage it is the positive energy and inner belief that transcends the playing and, at times, even the songs. The audience in turn feeds off this energy and a good time is had by all. The band think they’re the best thing since sliced bread and because of this the audience concurs- not an easy equation to satisfy.

This is by no means meant as a dig at the band’s music. On the contrary, so many times you leave a gig from new up and coming hopefuls and you think “well yeah I thought the songs weren’t bad but were they really into it? Heart has to be the starting point and Soundproof have it. When you have heart you have a chance. If not, well you might as well hang up the guitar strings and use the drum kit as a head banging device.

So let’s leave the philosophical mumbo jumbo aside for the moment and talk about the music. Soundproof were in The Village to kick off the launch of new single 'Only by the Night', their first major outing since the release of debut EP back in October last year. A lot of work has gone on since then and on said single the driving guitar riff and vociferous vocal along with a catchy chorus stands up to the self-belief the band exudes. The more tracks the band write like this one the more their catalogue will actually build into a catalogue to be reckoned with.

Soundproof have moved a little from their early indie beginnings and, in The Village in Saturday, seemed more comfortable with notching up the amps a bit more and bringing a more rocky feel in. With the melodies and vocal harmonies already there this gives them more of a complete sound.

The set was a mix of old and new, with the exception of a bit of murmurings on one of the acoustic tracks, the band’s growing audience played their part to the full. The set finished with perhaps their song-writing highlight to date, 'Come Play a Different Game', a back to basics song which has all the trimmings and a catchy chorus thrown in. Crowd favourite 'Shoot Me' was reserved for the encore and set up a buoyant finale.

Throughout the performance one could definitely put a hand on half a dozen songs that captivated the audience and could easily have airplay potential given a bit more fine tuning. On the other end of the spectrum though there were a few tracks that needed work (or to be consigned to the recycle bin). But this is a young band with time on their side, an eye for a killer tune and heart aplenty. - Colin Cosgrove

Who ever thought that an unsigned band from Dublin would rejuvenate my ears? Reminiscent of The Bravery, Editors, and a hint of early Kings of Leon material - Soundproof have delivered a bundle of pop/rock brillance on their debut EP ‘Shoot Me’ which proves that there is still hope for unsigned acts to make their mark on the music industry.

- Bren McElroy