Tru // Cry Monster Cry // The Whileaways

Sunday 3 February | Dé Domhnaigh 2 Feabhra
An Croí, Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin
Doors/ Doirse: 17:30 | Start/ Am tosaithe: 18:00
₤10

TRÚ is a trio from Northern Ireland with an eclectic musical heritage. They explore songs from folk traditions in Scotland, England, the Appalachians & Ireland, with a particular passion for traditional songs from their native Ulster. Emerging from the worlds of alt-rock, math-rock and choral music, their unique approach to folksong is both reverent and contemporary. Collectively, TRÚ’s sound is sensitive, soulful and timeless. TRÚ is Michael Mormecha, Zach Trouton and Dónal Kearney.

“They may just save us from relentless assault of uninspiring traditional folk music that gets released each year.” - tradconnect

Dublin brothers Richie and Jamie Martin formed Cry Monster Cry in 2010. Both singer-guitarists, they write honest, lyrically rich songs with tight fraternal harmonies and evocative melodies, taking listeners on an intimate journey. Releasing their debut EP in 2012, the band has toured extensively, playing sell-outs across Europe and performing on television shows - such as Other Voices and The Imelda May Show - to millions of viewers. Their debut album Rhythm of Dawn (2015) was RTE Radio 1 Album of the Week, its catalyst effect seeing the brothers push their songwriting up another level.

The Whileaways represent three powerful forces in Irish roots music in their own right— being individualistic singers who have fronted their own projects and have six albums to their collective credit. While touring separately, Noelie McDonnell, Noriana Kennedy and Nicola Joyce came to know each other’s singing on home ground while playing sessions in that folk melting-pot of Galway city. Experimenting with vocal styles as a trio, they gelled and were hailed as ‘a knockout of the festival’ at the legendary Port Fairy Folk Festival, Australia in 2012. The Whileaways have continued to make waves in the folk music scene both abroad and at home. Their critically acclaimed 2016 album Saltwater Kisses received a four-star review in the Irish Times and was the RTE Radio 1 Album of the week on its release.