Shadows & Dust

I've put off writing this post on Shadows & Dust for quite some time- I haven't wrote anything like this before & I'm so scared I wont do the band justice, but I think it's time I shared my little find with you all. 


Whilst roaming through Youtube, I some how managed to stumble upon this quaint set up & was instantly blown away. Shadows & Dust are a five piece 'soft-spoken rock' band based in Dublin. Band members include:

     Dermot Kennedy Guitar and Vocals                                         

Micheál Quinn Drums

Lia Wright Violin and Vocals

Simon Glynn Lead Guitar

Donnchadh O’Malley Bass and Vocals

It's hard to know where to begin with this band... I genuinely mean it- they're amazing! Dermot's voice instantly captivates the listener, followed by the lyrics & beautiful pitch of the violin set in among the remaining choice of instruments. The talented bunch are musically driven with three of the band members, Dermot, Micheál and Donnchadh all studying pure Music degrees at University level.

After their recent performance in Bewley’s Café Theatre Grafton Street, fans of the band have been able to download their latest recordings for free- ‘Cobblestones’ and ‘The Hunter's Tale'. The mellow, relaxing tone of Kennedy’s voice is beautiful as well as the violin which adds that extra something to the musical creativity of the band. Each member adds something unique and special to the works, Quinn steady on the drums, and both Glynn and O’Malley heightening the atmosphere with their talents.

‘Cobblestones’ sets a mood of relaxation and freedom. Dermot’s cool tone in his voice for this one is alluring. The song itself is truly beautiful, both the lyrics and the musical content itself. It’s slow relaxing air, smoothes out a bad mood and allows the listener to become relaxed & at ease.

‘The Hunter's Tale’ is a more upbeat tune than ‘Cobblestones’, yet Dermot makes it his own exquisite work with his captivating voice. The violin, yet again, sets the tone of the piece as well as the added xylophone, which adds an exciting aspect to the beginning of the work. The harmonies enrich the voice of Dermot, adding to the fascinating music.

Both recordings are honestly both inspiring and impressive. The band can do no wrong. The choice of lyrics are desirable and definitely not the choice of lyrics we are so used to hearing in current music in the industry. We’ll be seeing plenty more of these guys around, you can be sure of it!  

I can think of big names to compare these guy's to; Bon Iver being one of them. Being a fan of Vernon & his gang, Dermot reminds of him with the way in which his passion comes through in his work; singing about real things, real life. So I'll leave you with my favourite find from the band & live in hope that these guys become huge! I honestly think they're amazing & hey, here's to hoping they sell out the Royal Albert Hall as well as the o2 ;)

Seriously hope I've given Shadows & Dust the appraisal they deserve & don't forget to go download these two tracks; its free & you won't regret it....

I promise!

Shaunna :)