Essentially Pop March 2015 | Page 20

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<- Aslan are an Irish rock band from Dublin formed in 1982. Composed of Christy Dignam, Joe Jewell, Billy McGuinness, Alan Downey and Rodney O'Brien they took their name from the fictional lion in The Chronicles of Narnia. Contemporaries of U2, Aslan released a demo single, "This Is", in 986. It was a success and a popular single on Ireland's RTÉ 2fm.

In recent years lead singer Christy was diagnosed wtih cancer. The band held a benefit concert in 2013 to help fund Christy's treatment. "Bullets & Diamonds - the Best of Aslan" was released in October 2014.

Hal was feted by some as “the” band of 2004 upon the release of their first single, “Worry About the Wind”, & their eponymous debut album went on to be one of the best reviewed of 2005. Tracks What a Lovely Dance” & “Play the Hits” were featured on Match of the Day & 2004’s World Cup.

Hal released the EP “Down in the Valley” in 2012, followed by second album, “The Time The Hour”. Hal appears to have broken up. A pity for a band with such promise. ->

<-Keywest are a Dublin-based five-piece Irish/English band who made their name busking, primarily in Grafton & Shop Streets, in Dublin and Galway respectively.

2012 saw them nominated for Best Debut Album by Hot Press Magazine, with "The Message", and Best New Act at the Meteor Awards.

Keywest are currently working on their second studio album.

The Thrills formed in 2001 in Dublin, Ireland. Lead vocalist Conor Deasy and guitarist Daniel Ryan, guitarist & bass player Padraic McMahon, pianist Kevin Horan and drummer Ben Carrigan, their big break came with their debut album, "So Much for the City", charting at number 1 in Ireland & number 3 in the UK.

Inspired by classic American pop of the 60s & 70s, they released 2 further albums, before parting with record label EMI. The Thrills have been on extended hiatus since 2010 - let's hope they're back soon! ->