Gifted: Sister Ghost, Born Only Yesterday, The Sea, Close By and LetGo Dive- The Belfast Empire

For the second event of Sound of Belfast’s premier night, I made a quick dash over to the Empire where Gifted had put together an absolutely amazing line up. Unfortunately I missed alt rockers ‘Let Go Dive’ as I was making my way from one venue to the next but will be sure to catch them next time.

Self described as polite rockers from Belfast ‘The Sea, Close by’ are up next and by this stage The Empire has started to fill out. Starting of their set with ‘Never Ever’ the band grow in confidence as they continue and become more relaxed throughout. After a few songs the drummer interrupts to tell the audience that bass player Kate and singer Alastair have just recently got married after originally meeting in the very venue we are standing in, ‘The Empire. Finishing off their set with ‘Humphrey’s Got a Heat Lamp’ they tease the audience briefly with the Friends theme tune before launching full force into their track and ending the set with their strongest song.

North Coast post rock four piece ‘Born Only Yesterday’ are next to the stage. The boys who released their EP ‘The Eyes, The Heart, The Sin’ in September have been busy making their rounds on the local scene. Clearly having built up a burgeoning legion of fans there is a small crowd gathered at the front of the stage who are attentive throughout. Front man Danny McClelland is a commanding presence on stage and the band have an addictive energy with a great vibe between members. Above all Born Only Yesterday are enjoyable and fun to watch and they exude the kind of spirit that makes you want to join a band and I look forward to see what the next few months bring for them. 

Finally finishing off the night is the ever confident Sister Ghost who assuredly take their position on stage. Lead singer Shannon O’Neil is an incredible force to be reckoned with as she navigates and leads the rest of the band with ease. Already entrenched in the NI rock scene it’s easy to see why they have become favourites with their ferocious rhythms, diverse textures and distinct delivery. With highly rhythmic, rapid paced songs and O’Neil’s vocal power and ability always make Sister Ghost a very entertaining act to watch.

By Aine Cronin-McCartney
Photos-Bernie McAllister