With some great new releases and exciting new bands emerging onto the local scene, 2013 was a great year for Northern Irish music. Sadly last year also saw some talented bands and artists calling it a day. Here’s a quick run-down of some of the acts that called it quits in 2013.
Fighting with Wire
By far the biggest casualty of 2013 was Derry’s alternative rockers Fighting With Wire. Throughout their ten year career the band toured with the likes of Biffy Clyro, Coheed & Cambria and You Me At Six. Other highlights include headlining Glasgowbury and playing numerous festivals such as Download and Radio One’s Big Weekend. Their last release was 2012’s Colonel Blood. The band went out in style, creating Cut The Transmission festival to give fans one last taste of their energetic live show.
General Fiasco
Another big loss to the Northern Irish scene is General Fiasco. With acclaimed albums of indie rock the band received airplay on BBC Radio One and performed at Glastonbury and Oxegen. Sadly General Fiasco cancelled their 2013 January/February tour and announced the band was being put on hold. A couple more gigs followed last year, including playing with Duke Special, so fans will be hoping this is a hiatus rather than a split.
Eatenbybears
The delightfully experimental Eatenbybears had gained quite a bit of buzz in their relatively short stint as a band. Combining the violin and electronic elements to the rock trifecta of guitar, bass and drums, Eatenbybears offered something different in the scene. The band called it a day back in March but fear not, the split led to new projects. Three members created the rising Affleck while Olan is making music under the name The Bedroom.
Bomb City 7
Combining hip-hop with punk rock Bomb City 7 brought something a bit different to the local scene. Known for their lively gigs and energy filled tracks ranging from social commentary to party tunes. Each member is now involved in a rather eclectic list of projects: BeeMickSee, Empty Lungs, Hornets, Axis Of and Project Billiards. There’s plenty to check out.
Vanilla Gloom
Sounding somewhere between Pixes and Warpaint, this female trio was acquiring a good bit of buzz following their EP, Vexed. The band had a brief existence, releasing Vexed after only 6 months together. Sadly the band broke up in late 2013 when bigger things seemed to be in store for them. Download Vexed for free from bandcamp.
The Red Velvetines
The Red Velvetines from Ballymoney had been bringing dirty blues rock à la Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Wolfmother to the scene for a couple of years. After 2 Eps, slots at Glasgowbury and Sunflower festival and some BBC airplay, the band announced an indefinite hiatus following the departure of two members to Australia.
Basic Translation
More 90s grunge inspired rock out of Belfast with this female fronted quartet, Basic Translation. After a few years of angry teenage rock, the band decided to call it quits in December. It is a shame as they were participants in the Scratch My Progress scheme which ultimately means the team at the Oh Yeah Centre saw their potential.
Everyday Superheroes
Everyday Superheroes had been bringing us some pop rock from Lisburn since 2010. The band released two singles with airplay on the likes of Radio Ulster and Foyle but disbanded in the second half of last year with a debut EP in the works. Three tracks are up for free download on the band’s Bandcamp.
Before Machines
There’s no shortage of indie and alternative rock in Northern Ireland but last year Before Machines decided to call time on the band with one last Transmit show in October. Their album Tundra is available for free on the band’s Bandcamp page.
