NSMA: Galway!
Tuesday, March 18th, 2008Thursday night saw the first regional heat of Bank of Ireland’s National Student Music Awards at the NUIG bar in Galway. After a frantic start involving three taxis, two trains and a bus, I arrived just in time to catch Highwired under a surprisingly powerful light-rig. Normally red gels wreck photographers’ heads but I rather like the deep saturation of colour. Highwired are a five-piece hailing from Limerick, taking their own stance on steadfast rock with inventive melodies and frontwoman Stacy’s attractive vocals. Wish I’d caught more of their set to hear how far they push their sound. They didn’t win a place in the final heat though perhaps they’ll expand outside the spotlight and return with more force next year.
