Artistic delights—Painting By Numbers @ Cyprus Avenue

Posted on 21st Aug 06 by Contributor | 0

Artist: Painting By Numbers " Cyprus Avenue
Author: AnnMarie McCarthy

It"s Leaving Cert night and hidden away from the festivities in Cyprus Avenue its damn near peaceful in here. Well" until about 10p.m. that is".

The first act of the night was Open Door Policy" a Louth band fronted by Keith McCormick and whose drummer Craig is Ronan McCann"s little brother. With youth and energy on their side "one band member had just received his Leaving Certificate results that day" they"re incredibly keen about throwing rock star shapes around the Cyprus Avenue stage. Instead of being annoying" it"s actually incredibly endearing and most of the venue is slyly bopping along two songs in. They start off with a brilliant bang" the first three numbers insanely likeable and catchy. The words "Green Day" keep cropping up in my mind" but this is no bad thing. The worst that can be flung at them is they"re heavily influenced by American Idiot but certainly no"one on Wednesday was complaining. While they drifted somewhat with songs like "Drive You Home"" the mish"mash of heavy guitars and melodic hooks not quite fitting together" they completed their set with "Bending Out of Design"" the first song from their EP" and it put them back on form.

The second supporting act was Beveren"s Toy" fresh from their recent video shoot at An Cruiscin. Clearly still riding high from the night" they were full of banter and in good suits. I can"t resist a well"dressed band. They"re a dynamic and original band" no doubt but suited as a support act to Painting by Numbers" No way.

It"s no doubt that after the pure fun that Rex Mundy et al put out there" following them is a daunting prospect. There was also an overwhelming feeling of their set being cut short. Beveren"s Toy are clearly not used to sharing the spotlight and have obviously grown out of it.

Painting by Numbers finally reach the stage gone eleven. Their melodic and artful tunes have been the subject of much critical acclaim including an impressive mention in HotPress. From the moment they"re seen on stage" it"s clear that this band is all about the music. Gone are the suits" chatter and eyeliner of the previous acts" replaced by four members all in black and minimal movement. It also takes at least half the set to spot a smile from bass player Diarmuid Galvin. Trust me" I was watching intently for it.

The main appeal of Painting by Numbers is the obvious care and thought that has been put in to every song. The intricate chord changes and melancholy vocals have a hint of the Editors in there. There"s no doubt that Ronan McCann is one of the best singers on the Cork scene" his voice effortlessly gliding through the songs.

The debut of new song "Logic" represents the evolution of Painting by Numbers. It"s harder" edgier" the bass line more harsh and unforgiving. And it"s also damn good. One of the highlights of the gig" it sits well with the softer tracks of their debut and provides an exciting peek at their second EP" currently in the making. This new approach suits the band and long may it continue.

Their encore consisted of a Posies cover and it"s pulled off with zeal" comfort and there"s even some teeth showing. This is the sound that McCann is clearly striving towards but as yet has failed to hit upon. Doesn"t matter" it"s obvious after tonight that Painting By are on the right track to becoming a steady favourite of the serious music press and hopefully ten times more comfortable in their musical skin.