Strand
STRAND, formed in 2018, is a five-member indie-pop band from Finglas, North Dublin. The lineup consists of Dara Clancy (vocals), Shane Aherne (bass), David Solola and JP Roche (guitars), and Jude Finn (drums). Their sound has evolved since their early days as schoolboys, moving from a style similar to the Buzzcocks and Housemartins to a mix of indie-pop, garage-rock revival, and new wave influences.
The band has performed at several Dublin venues, including The Workman's Club, The Grand Social, Fibber Magees, and Whelan's.
STRAND released their first music on streaming platforms in 2024, starting with "American Radio" in March. They then worked with Keelan O'Reilly from Post-Party on a 5-track EP. The first single, "Progress," was released in October, followed by "Upside Inside" in November.
Upside Inside, STRAND's third single, is about the experience of doing nothing as a young adult. Despite this theme, the song showcases strong songwriting and performance.
The song combines a catchy rhythm, clever lyrics, high energy, a guitar hook reminiscent of Nick Valensi, and a memorable chorus. It's an enjoyable track that listeners are likely to remember.
The single was recorded at Transmission Rooms in Drumlish, Co. Longford, a studio used by well-known artists like Shane McGowan, Kodaline, Declan McKenna, The Script, The Waterboys, and Cronin. Keelan O'Reilly from Post-Party produced the track, giving it an accessible sound that makes listeners want to hear more.
Oasis - I Hope, I Think, I Know
David: Oasis were essentially my first introduction to rock music apart from like the Beatles and Coldplay (if that counts), beforehand I had listened mainly to house and pop. I had been able to somewhat play guitar for years beforehand but it wasn’t until my introduction to Oasis that I began to enjoy it because I wanted to learn their songs. This is, by far, my favourite Oasis song.
Fontaines D.C. - Boys In The Better Land
David: I would say Fontaines DC are my current favourite band. This was the first song of theirs I heard, it was shown to me in January of 2020 by one of my band mates. I think Fontaines represent the possibility of success from an Irish band and without sounding cliché are a big inspiration to us and I’m sure to most other Irish artists at the moment.
The Cure - Just Like Heaven
Dara: For me, Just Like Heaven captures what it’s like to fall in love better than any other song. Robert Smiths’ timeless vocal delivery, as well as the lyrical content, do so much to strike the same chord as knowing you’ve made the right romantic decision. That is a chord I strive to strike as a songwriter, and conveys emotion in such an authentic way, one which I think every artist should strive towards.
Talking Heads - This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody) [Live]
Dara: This Must Be The Place came to me at an important time in my life. I was going through a lot personally towards the end of last year, and I went to see A24’s restoration of Stop Making Sense around that time. Dancing with dozens of strangers in a cinema to This Must Be The Place lit a fire under me - this is not just a hobby, this is what I need to do for a living.
Placebo - Teenage Angst
Jude: Placebo was one of the first bands I was ever introduced to and the first band I ever saw live. This song always made me strive to get a great sounding and creative feel on the drums. Although slightly slurred and misconstrued, the drums always seemed to hold everything together. I still to this day try to replicate the sound.
The Smiths - This Night Has Opened My Eyes
Jude: My first introduction to music was through The Smiths. When I was very young, almost every time I was in my car, my dad would put on the compilation album ‘Hatful of Hollow’ in the CD player, and although I didn’t really know it then, this album would shape the way I thought about music. My favourite song from the album was and still is ‘This Night Has Opened My Eyes’.
The Only Ones - Another Girl Another Planet
Shane: When I first started really getting into music I was mostly listening to 70s punk, and I prioritised lyrics and attitude over melody. This song bridged the gap for me between punk and other genres. It had the attitude but it was the melody that grabbed me, even the guitar solo which up to that point I was opposed to.
Squeeze - Up The Junction
Shane: I first heard this around the time I began writing lyrics and it blew me away. I don't know if any song comes close in terms of lyrics, it's a life story in three minutes. I still think it's in the back of head whenever I'm writing.
Jason Isbell - 24 Frames
JP: This song perfectly shows how to weave raw storytelling with subtly powerful guitar work. The track has an intense introspection and its conversational lyrics paired with great chord progressions feels personal but relatable all in one. It feels contemplative too, like sifting through life’s pivotal moments all of which resonate with me deeply.
Dawes - A Little Bit of Everything
JP: A Little Bit of Everything’s pacing and melody is world class, showing how a gentle, minimalist style can feel grand in an emotional sense. The songs’s narrative shines thanks to its minimalist sound, and reminds me that sometimes it’s better for the guitar to serve the song, and not overpower it. It feels bittersweet, and captures that emotion as well as any other song I’ve heard.