BostonNOW (Jan 31, 2008) - Bleedins in the spotlight
"The perfect way to start the weekend." Yeah, they said that! Here's some more of what they said: "The Bleedin Bleedins are headlining a great bill of music at the Paradise Lounge Friday night featuring Build a Machine, The Appreciation Post and the Vital Might. Look for the band to do a bit of experimenting with this show, trying out some new songs....check it out."
State Magazine (Ireland) - Bleedins going to SXSW
Performer Magazine - Review of Bleedins Live Show
by: Miriam Larney
Photo by Kris Ireland
The Bleedin Bleedins took control of the stage next and launched into an exciting set of Britpop-influenced new wave songs, thrilling fans. The rockers seemed to enjoy themselves immensely, laughing with one another and running through their songs with both enthusiasm and focus. Highlights of the set included tracks from the band’s 2006 release, Life Without Computers, particularly the dramatic “Darkest Day.” Singer Mike Coen’s voice soared over the driving guitar riffs and rapid drums. Evoking Morrissey and Robert Smith, Coen’s vocals were the centerpiece of the band’s sound. Another highlight of the set was “Weather,” a more subdued piece that combined slightly more ominous, ringing guitar riffs and tuneful, harmonious vocals. Urgent drums and pronounced bass guitar formed a thunderous rhythm section that spread throughout the venue. The crowd seemed visibly disappointed when the band’s time ran out.
Click here to see the entire article.
The Bostonist - Bleedins in "On Broadway"
Click here for the article in The Bostonist.
The Noise - Bleedins Nominated for Best New Band
Boston Music Awards - NEMO - Aug 28, 2006
Metro New York - Aug 3, 2006
by: Amy Benfer
NPR - All Songs Considered/Open Mic, June 12, 2006
Yes, that's right... National Public Radio!Check out our song Weather with some commentary about the song on NPR's podcast here. Click here.
Blog Critics - Review of Life Without Computers, May 4, 2006
by: Greg Van Dyke
Excerpt: "There are bands that should be huge... and then there are bands that sound huge. Boston's The Bleedin Bleedins satisfies both categories. Their self-released debut, Life Without Computers, is a tour de force of summertime driving-with-the-top-down-singing-at-the-top-your-lungs ditties. (Wow! That was a mouthful.) Think early U2 anthems combined with The Killers' rock 'n' hip shake and you have The Bleedin Bleedins." For the rest of this great review, click here.
Boston Globe, April 1, 2006
by: Jonathan Perry
Bleedins at SXSW in Austin Chronicle - Mar 17, 2006
Read the Day Party Crawl article featuring The Bleedin Bleedins by David Lynch... just click the picture.
Photo by Aubrey Edwards
Metro New York - Mar 20, 2006
by: Selene AngierHere's an excerpt from Selene's SXSW Journal...
... A gentleman sitting next to him turns to say, “Who was that?” Lewis responds, “The Bleedin Bleedins.” He jots down the name. He is wearing khakis and a polo shirt. Autonomically, my eyes dart a glance at his badge. In black and white 36-point Arial, it says... (oh the mystery. Click here to see who it was)
Our SXSW appearance was also tipped by the Austinist, A&R Worldwide, Hot Press, and more. And we woke up to a nice photo of our mugs and a review of the Breakfast in Friday’s Chronicle. That’s a way to cure the hangover.
Pop Matters - Mar 16, 2006
by: Stephen Haag
You know the phrase "fake it til you make it"? Boston-by-way-of-Dublin trio the Bleedin Bleedins certainly have, and please take that as the high praise it's intended to be. No phonies here; on their debut, Life Without Computers, the Bleedins sound like a rock band accustomed to filling arenas, though they've only recently hit the Boston club circuit. Soaring, earnest modern rock is the order of the day for the Bleedin Bleedins - U2 comes favorably to mind on tracks like the propulsive "One More Minute" and the shimmering "Fly Me Home". And they never get overearnest, either, keeping the proceedings like with the danceable "The Lights Are Out" and "Don't Stop City", which, if it's about Boston, is hilarious, given that city's well-know early-to-bed reputation (and if it's not about Beantown, it's still a fun, funky song). Folks waiting for U2 or Coldplay to get back into the studio would do well to pass the time with the Bleedin Bleedins. They may not be selling out arenas yet, but give 'em time.
Metronome, March 2006
by: Douglas StoneWell-produced high energy rock anthems is what the Bleedin Bleedins deliver on their 9-song debut CD “Life Without Computers.” From the opening song “Tonight,” the band — featuring Michael Coen on vocals and keys, David Franz on drums, bass, guitar, keys and vocals and Barry Kelly on guitar, bass and keys — turn on the intensity with driving rhythms, lush instrumentation and effectual vocals (that, at times, remind you of A Flock of Seagulls or Duran Duran). The band is tight, coursing their way through their originals like a good rollercoaster ride. Lots of extra sound bytes and effects add to the song as well, making the Bleedin Bleedins sound much larger than just a trio. Best songs: “Weather” and “Override.”
Patriot Ledger, February 23, 2006
by: Char BerndtsonThe Irish element and the triumphant-sounding, metallic guitar-driven strains (‘‘Darkest Day’’ and ‘‘Running Again,’’ especially) bring lots of comparisons to ‘‘Boy’’- and ‘‘October’’-era Bono and Co. but the band is actually closer to The Who (check out the throttling ‘‘The Lights Are Out’’), and to the retro-sounding garage rockers who roared out of New York and the U.K. a few years ago. To read the entire article, click here.
The Herald (Ireland) - Feb 17, 2006
Playing tomorrow at the Hub, this Irish American band have already upstaged The Strokes and The Frames with their raucous rawk sound.
The Star (Ireland) - Feb 14, 2006
Boys To Bleed Country Dry
Rising Boston outfit The Bleedin Bleedins kick off their Irish tour in Cork on Wednesday night. The Bleedins have been gaining a lot of airplay in the US thanks to their urgent, alt-rock sound — which blends influences from new-wave heroes The Strokes with classic hooks from the likes of U2 and The Who... The Bleedin Bleedins write and record songs in a highly collaborative process — trading instruments to try out new ideas. And their energetic, yet melodic, live shows in the States and Ireland have drawn rave reviews.
Stuff @ Night - Feb 14, 2006
by: Henley Vazquez
Looking for a new favorite band? Yearning for music that’s catchy but not overly commercial, rocking yet melodic? Then head to Bill’s Bar (55 Lansdowne Street, Boston, 617.421.9678) to see the Bleedin Bleedins, a trio poised to capture the hearts of those on our city’s music scene. The group’s members, who hail from Boston and Dublin, blend the influences of early U2 and the Who with a thoroughly modern sense of songwriting. Trust us — if you like the Killers, you’ll love these guys.
The Wire - Feb 1, 2006
by: Tim Deal
Bands like The Bleedin’ Bleedins will spell the death knell for the bloated emo/screamo scene. With their debut CD, “Life Without Computers,” The Bleedin’ Bleedins demonstrate that fast-paced alt-pop needn’t rely on wailing adolescent vocals nor hackneyed overdriven chord progressions in order to set pulses racing.Instead, the Boston-based trio call upon the ghosts of indie rock past to construct an array of textural and dynamic compositions that demonstrate an understated confidence and maturity. This does not mean, however, that “Life Without Computers” is your dad’s adult contemporary fare. It means that The Bleedin’ Bleedins deliver rock songs purposefully, directly and with authority...Read the entire amazing review online! 02.01.06
Avoid Peril, Feb 1, 2006
by: Evan Mauser
Based on what the Bleedin Bleedins are bringin’, one might believe that they were releasing their third album and not their debut. These three guys have a thick press kit, polished casual looks, and a single rumbling around the charts in Ireland. For a local rock band, that’s quite something if you’re not dubiously named the Click Five. (Shudder.) Regardless, with a band name that at least gives a notion of severe bloodletting, one had to figure these guys were set to rock...Read the entire amazing review online!
Boston Globe, Jan 27, 2006
by: Linda Laban
The Bleedin Bleedins' curious, jocular name conjures an image of a fun pop-punk outfit. And ''Life Without Computers" is certainly an amped-up, energetic affair, with an overall good-time vibe. However, this Boston trio's self-released debut is seriously packed with anthemic power rock. These kings of the catchy chorus mix power pop with alt-rock, without hiding other influences as varied as U2 and the Strokes. The propulsive, melodic stand-out ''Tonight" launches the CD and is powered as much by the yearning in Michael Coen's moody, urgent voice as it is by drummer and multi-instrumentalist David Franz's tight, driving rhythms. ''The Lights Are Out" is a weighty grungy rocker, highlighted by Irish guitarist Barry Kelly's cascading, twinkling chords -- a sound that recalls U2's The Edge, and one that crops up throughout the disc. The warm and pulsing ''One More Minute" has a hooky chorus and a seductive lilt reminiscent of early Strokes. Affable, danceable, and emotional, and with tunes that stick around, ''Life Without Computers" has plenty of heart. A bleedin' one, of course. The Bleedin Bleedins perform at T.T. the Bear's tonight.Read the Globe review online! 01.27.06
Boston Metro, Jan 27, 2006
by: Luke O'Neil
Blood sells
The Bleedin Bleedins bring rock back to when it was ‘raw and melodic’
When you say a band is influenced by the Cure and ’80s-era U2, that’s usually code for “pretentious wankers.” But the Boston trio the Bleedin Bleedins totally throw off our calculations. Everything you expect from a contemporary rock band is here — the jerky disco rhythms, the bass leads, the affected vocals and the delay turned up to 5 million, but it somehow comes off as — dare I say it — sincere. I spoke with Irish expat and multi-instrumentalist Barry Kelly on the phone recently.To read the interview with our own BK, click here... Bleedins in the Boston Metro 01.27.06
Weekly Dig, Jan 20, 2006
Dear Leader sure does a nifty job of curating the lineups for their two-night stints at TT’s—but we’re especially interested in Friday’s show, which features Irish transplants The Bleedin Bleedins. Their name makes them sound like a band that might punch you, but they won’t. Fans of super-hooky pop in the vein of the Killers will go ballistic for these boys—not to mention their new CD, Life Without Computers, which drops tonight.
Boston Magazine, Jan 2006
by: Daniella Gallego
“Critical Mass”
A product of Dublin and Boston, the Bleedin Bleedins are retro rock with a British punky edge. Songwriter-vocalist Mike Coen’s melodies find an ideal complement in guitarist Barry Kelly’s fast riffs and David Franz’s catchy instrumentals. Simultaneously upbeat and relaxing, this record raises high expectations for the band’s future. Click here for the actual article from the magazine.
Dissolver Magazine, Nov 2005
by: Jason Holloway
The BLEEDIN BLEEDINS
Life Without Computers
(Self-Released, 2005)
The Bleedin Bleedins is the newest incarnation of singer Michael Coen, guitarist/songwriter Barry Kelly, and drummer/multi-instrumentalist David Franz. While Coen and Kelly have worked together in other manifestations, they hope they've finally found the perfect mix— and after listening to their debut full-length, there's a good chance they have.
Masters of the chorus, The Bleedins specialize in inspiring, soaring melodies that catapult their songs, and they never leave you wishing for more— even after a drifting bridge or instrumental break, they always give you that last refrain to ensure you've had your fill of the hook.
While their sound shouldn't just be thrown haphazardly into the garage disco bin, it's easy to do, as Coen has a terrific voice for the genre and most of the songs boast at least a touch of that underlying 80's moodiness. Indeed "Tonight" is one of the best post punk disco rock (whatever they're calling it these days; you know what I mean) tracks available, full of throttling guitar and keyboards and Coen's alternatingly mournful and powerful vocals. And while the opening verses of "The Lights Are Out" sound like they could've been lifted right off a lost Strokes album, the exhilarating and ballsy chorus is closer kin to AC/DC than anything released this decade.
There are a few misses along the way. The inspired "One More Minute," one of their best songs, is unfortunately buried near the back of the CD, and gets lost amidst a couple of interesting (but ultimately forgettable) trudgers that bulk up the tail end of the album. And while "Weather" has a promising melody, something about it doesn't live up.
Altogether this debut presents a lot of promise though. Coen carries the hooks with an intoxicating tenor and the requisite swagger, and the orchestration throughout the album is terrific, hurtling the songs forward in a dense fabric of pulsing instrumentation (Kelly's at times even-better-than-the-Edge guitar work stands out in particular). If they can keep churning out more hits than misses, the Bleedins have a very bright future ahead.
The Noise, Nov 2005
by: Tim Emswiler
THE BLEEDIN BLEEDINS
Life Without Computers
9 songs
God (or T Max) must love me, because I’ve been getting a ton of cool shit to review. The Bleedin Bleedins come up with a serious contender for album of the year. I usually listen to these things three times before I review them---this slab has been played at least 40 times since I got it, and I’m still in love. Okay, the first comparison is inevitably going to be with U2, perhaps because the guitar sound is rather Edge-y a lot of the time, or perhaps it is because the band has roots in Dublin as well as in Boston. But this is U2 without the pomposity or politics (and a singer who can carry a tune better than Bono), and with far catchier tunes (trust me). If you’re smart enough to realize that Coldplay is fucking brilliant, then how much more would you like them if they had bright, shimmering, and occasionally edgy (not Edge-y) guitars? You’d like them a lot. But the keyword here is harmonies. Sweet Jesus, the Everlys were just barely cooler than this, and they ruled. I am dying to see these guys live, and if they disappoint, I’ll kill ’em all. And keep listening to the CD.
Hot Press, Ireland
by: Jackie Hayden
Another mob based overseas and making waves are the Boston-based The Bleedin Bleedins who will be exhibiting their wares on the forthcoming IMRO Showcase Tour before they launch their debut album. They have a confident swagger and a sound that’s as contemporary as to-morrow and one that should have broad appeal to discerning rock fans all over the planet. ‘The Lights Are Out’ is a feisty guitar-driven track with occasional U2 influences, but with a more fragile approach in the vocals. ‘Darkest Day’ has more U2 touches, and it sweeps along with rolling tom-toms that give a degree of urgency. ‘One More Minute’ is a gorgeous track on all levels, great chugging riffs, solid playing and a great vocal performance. The Bleedin Bleedins are definitely a band to put high on your shopping list.
Boston 's The Bleedin Bleedins - Bringing Crisp Power-Pop to Palmetto
by: WADE TATANGELO Herald Staff Writer
"Us, opening for Rick Derringer," David Franz laughed. "We love it. All our friends here think it's great."He added: "I grew up listening to classic rock. I'm well-acquainted with (Derringer's big hit) 'Rock n' Roll Hoochie Koo.' "
Franz, of Boston, is the Bleedin Bleedins' drummer/bassist/producer. His group's precision brand of power pop harkens back to early U2 and modern hitmakers such as The Strokes, The Killers and Franz Ferdinand. In other words, Bleedin sounds nothing like Derringer or any of the other local bands on the lineup for Palmetto's Fourth of July Celebration.
"We wanted something that was different, something that was fresh and a sound that's new for the area," said Del Couch, the organizer for the free Independence Day fireworks and live music spectacle that will explode along and across the Manatee River on Monday.
The Bleedins are used to sounding different.
Franz said that most of the bands in Boston are of the "Garage rock variety." At the annual South By Southwest music conference in Austin, Texas, where they were invited to perform on the "Music From Ireland Showcase," the Bleedins had a "fantastic time," although they were stylistically at odds with the other acts on the playbill.
"We sound different than a lot of Irish music out there," Franz said. "We push melody to the forefront as much as possible."
But that doesn't mean the Irish don't like the Bleedin's brand of big hooks and tight harmonies. Last month, the group enjoyed a string of well-received Dublin dates.
" Dublin is absolutely amazing," Franz enthused. "The people they are so friendly."
The Bleedins represent both sides of the Atlantic. Multi-instrumentalist Barry Kelly relocated from Kildare (he's a native of Dublin) to Boston in 2000, and soon became pub-crawling buddies with vocalist Mike Coen. The pair eventually hooked up with Franz and by the fall of 2003 the Bleedin Bleedins were working on their debut album "Life without Computers," which should be ready to sell at Monday's gig.
The irony of the disc's title is that it was produced by Franz with Pro Tools. For the past five years, the Berklee School of Music alumnus/instructor has been a leading proponent of the popular computer software. Berklee Press has published Franz's book/CD-ROM "Producing in the Home Studio with Pro Tools Second Edition" and the book "Recording and Producing in the Home Studio: A Complete Guide."
Franz writes, teaches online classes and produces records for other Boston bands from his home. So he jumps at the chance to hit the road and get behind the drum kit as often as possible.
"We love to play in front of people," Franz said. "The more people the better we perform."
THE BLEEDIN BLEEDINS SLAVES TO MELODY
FUNKYMOFO WEBZINEThe Bleedin Bleedins are a three-piece Boston band with an Irish connection. Thanks to support slots with The Strokes and The Frames, they're causing waves on the competitive East Coast. Lili Forberg spoke to guitarist Barry Kelly.
Miss Lili: For those who aren't familiar - who and what are the Bleedin Bleedins?
Barry Kelly: A three-piece band based in Boston – I was born in Dublin and grew up in Kildare, been living in the U.S. about 6 years now. As band we trek over and back to Ireland to play a lot, we see it as our second home. Love to play in Ireland as much as we can and hope to transition back over at some stage.
Miss Lili: What would you list as your influences?
Barry Kelly: Tough question unless you're a tribute band, suppose it's that fear of being pigeonholed. To be quiet honest we're a bunch of melody and harmony junkies, we crave and strive for it in our songs. So when it comes to influences we reference bands that gravitate towards melody. For influences I would say, Supergrass, Stone Roses, The Smiths and The Cure, I think maybe for Dave and Mike Stone Temple Pilots who are just really great songwriters.
Miss Lili: What can you tell us about the new album?
Barry Kelly: Where to start? We recorded it last summer (August) at our Studio in Brighton, just outside Boston. We recruited the talent of a gentleman called Will Robertson to produce it. As myself and Dave (the drummer) take bass duties it is more difficult for us to jam the songs live so Will played bass and we did pre-production for a good 2 weeks getting the songs super tight and ready for primetime. Myself and Mike (the singer) had a very strong idea for how we wanted the record to sound, so Dave and Will really focused on the arrangement of the songs.
The record is incredibly up beat. It's dancey, and it rocks at the same time. I think it's got something for everyone. My dad even likes it and he hasn't liked anything I have written in years. As we're so close to it, it’s difficult for me to tell you what it sounds like, just better to take a listen and make up your own mind.
Miss Lili: To date, what do you think has been your best gig and why?
Barry Kelly: Most of the Irish gigs last October were great, but the best by far was Temple Bar Music Center. The sound was just killer and there was a good crowd there. In those cases you really feed of the audience and then everybody gets what they pay for. Every time we step on a stage we try and give it everything we got, you really got to try and enjoy yourself it's a real gift to be able to play for people. We've had some great gigs in Boston it's our home town and we have worked hard at generating a following there. Just recently we were lucky enough to be chosen to play at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas on the "Music From Ireland Showcase". Ourselves and 8 or 9 other Irish bands played. Iain Archer, The Things, The Immediate, Mainline, Mighty Stef, Jessie and Leyla, Bellx1 and Mono Band (New Cranberries project).
Miss Lili: What are your ambitions for the album?
Barry Kelly: For as many people as possible to hear it! We've worked really hard on it for a year or so on and off and are proud of it. Just want folks to give it a listen, I think as I said before it's got a little something for everyone. Now it's only being released in Ireland, we have no immediate plan to put out in the U.S. just yet – we'd be over the moon if it caught on in Ireland before we tackle America.
Miss Lili: What is your favourite track on the record?
Barry Kelly: The 8th track is called "Override" it's my favourite tune, it's got this great keyboard and guitar riff that I just can't get out of my head, Mike and Dave's performance on the song is just really powerful too. I also love the song "Tonight" it's got an infectious chorus and was one of the first tunes we wrote together and it still gets me every time.
Miss Lili: What was the South By Southwest festival like?
Barry Kelly: It was nothing short of incredible. First of all, we drove from Boston in our van – 36 hours straight. We played a gig in Boston on the Monday night, got in the van about 2AM and drove in shifts for 2000 miles; saw a lot of America on the way and got there Wednesday afternoon. The festival was just overwhelming, roughly about 2000 bands and 10 to 20 thousand spectators, mostly all music industry connected. There was non-stop music and a lot of great private parties. We saw, Bloc Party, Kasabian, Dogs Die in Hot Cars, The Frames, The Bravery, Go Team, Idlewild, The Music, New York Dolls, Ambulance Ltd... the list goes on and on. It was a good trip for us in terms of making connections and focusing on getting the record out. Hopefully we'll get back next year with a bit more momentum.
Miss Lili: What is the Bleedin Bleedins definition of a good time?
Barry Kelly: Being with our friends drinking. We have a lot of parties at our studio and just love to have a good time and share the wealth. Whatever measly pennies we get paid for gigs we just spend on beer and have a party for all the folks who come to out to support – it's just simple pay back. Most times when we head back to Ireland we take a few days in Clare or Kerry to catch up with our buddies.
Miss Lili: What's your live show like?
Barry Kelly: We have an interesting mix of people on stage (the three of us – ha ha), so it naturally sounds different than what you've heard before. We use some technology live so it's got a lot of break-beats and synth lines going along with the guitar and bass. Dave is an animal on the drums and really entertaining. It's really energetic music and we'll have ya banging your mullet. We play our hearts out and promise a great live show.
Miss Lili: What is the Bleedin Bleedins manifesto?
Barry Kelly: Slaves to the Melody!
(Words and Pictures: Lili Forberg)