Gilla Band
Holding Hands with Jamie
Album · Alternative · 2015
Dense, uncompromising and utterly thrilling, this debut album is an explosive introduction to four (decidedly male) Dubliners who bring an unflinching post-rock eye and a crackle of dark wit to frontman Dara Kiely’s personal experiences with anxiety and depression. “In Plastic” sees Kiely, in his distinctive shamanic drawl, thrashing amid a maelstrom of swirling guitars while “Baloo” is an energetic showcase for their industrial dance influences. But it's “Paul”–with its rumbling surf licks and pogoing beat–that's probably the most potent reminder that, goofy moniker aside, Girl Band should be taken very seriously.