5 Awesome Irish Bands That Aren't U2

4. And So I Watch You From Afar

Taking the post rock handbook and putting it through a blender, Northern Irish rockers ASIWYFA play high energy instrumental music that escapes the quite quite heavy heavy HEAVY format of most guitar driven post rock bands. Genius layered riffs, stomping beats and beautiful production made their 2013 record 'All hail Bright Futures' the perfect party album. Featuring infectious rhythms and hooks, it had listeners dancing before they even realised they were listening to anything. Uplifting without being vacuous, this is the power of rock taken to its most high minded ideal. Peppered with group vocals they've strayed even further from their roots but its a progression that's bearing good fruit and a band that makes you want to boogie while still bringing the heft in emotionally resonating soundscapes is a good thing. It's a life conquering soundtrack and it feels good because they are good. ASIWYFA are a heavy touring band and in demand in far flung places like Russia, Belarus and China and that's because they're great live. All that energy you can hear on the album explodes out on stage making their performances unmissable. Now based in the UK there's no doubt they'll be playing a slew of festivals over the summer. If you find yourself lucky enough to be at one of them do your self a favour and get to the front row.