The Dublin Academy 26/03/10 by Angela Macari O’Looney Joe Echo Taking to the stage for the first set, was singer-song writer Joe Echo (Ciaran Gribbin) from Castledawson. This guy has a really entertaining style and was previously a member of Leya, who played support to acts such as Snow Patrol, Interpol and Franz Ferdinand. Joe Echo himself played support to well known Irish band The Script during their Irish tour. He is admired widely for his amazing vocal prowess and song writing ability and helped co-write Madonna’s recent Grammy nominated single Celebration and actually performed on some tracks of Snow Patrol’s album Eyes Open. With just one other guitarist alongside him( his brother), this young man performed a few samples of his exciting repertoire. Using inventive programming, he had a big sound. With a guitar intro, a very effective baseline and a lively beat, Joe began with The Heart that knows desire. A memorable chorus and the sweet riff from the intro with its seductive bending notes are the key features in this number. Joe’s vocals have a distinctiveness that would set him apart from anyone I can think of. A touch of Chris Martin (Coldplay), combined with Keane’s front man Tom Chaplin, he has some range! Interacting well with the growing crowd, Joe went on to perform Where we wanna be; A rhythmic intro and a delectable chorus make this a memorable song, plus vocal percussion. A catchy lead riff also draws my attention here and I really admire the sense of originality about his music, which is experimental electro/acoustic at its finest. Slow and soulful was the third song; What if. Wonderful chord combos throughout made this yet another lovely choice of song. Tillys Cowboy - He sings the melodic ‘to loo’ chorus of this number and effortlessly glides up to falsetto notes. It’s an adorable reflection about good old days, innocence and happier times. Imaginative lyrics make you smell food aromas, hear cheerful chatter, laugh about when people had ‘a tin bath on a concrete floor’. Ciaran alias Joe, a fountain of sentimental and musical wonder, draws the listener into his stories. With a warm up act as good as this, I knew I was in for an unforgettable evening. Joe finished with Sold out Hallelujah a memorable piece with a catchy riff throughout. Unique and extremely enjoyable, he definitely got my juices flowing.