They say good things come to those who wait… it’s only taken two years, €40,000, one Orchestra, four studios, a clatter of musicians and a deranged individual on a didgeridoo, but now, like a fine pint of ale, this double disc beast is ready to be enjoyed. The second album ‘Keep On, Keepin’ On’, from The Riptide Movement will be released on Friday April 20th. Are you ready?
In the year 2007, two local Dublin bands disbanded, joined forces and The Riptide Movement was formed. Guitars, bass, drums and harmonicas were mixed with some deep rusty vocals and this fast roots, folk-rock ensemble were good to go. They spent their first two years gigging together across Ireland and the UK and through plenty of hard practice they created a finely tuned, rugged sound and a kick-ass live performance. Their hard work also set them on a path to meeting their producer, the legendary Tony Colton (The Doors, Rory Gallagher and Ray Charles).
Their 2009 debut album, 'What About The Tip Jars?' clocked up 15,000 in album sales through sheer grit, determination and hard work, without a record label, publishing company, manager or agent in sight. Besides their obvious playing and writing talents, it is the band’s work ethic that is their greatest asset. There can be no argument about this - they have gigged, busked, sold, bought, traded and sweated their backsides off to pay for their albums, equipment, tours and label-running costs. And still they have remained debt-free. They've toured Germany, Russia, France, the UK and the length and breadth of Ireland playing killer gigs, destroying innocent civilians in mosh-pits of the international festival circuit and shared stages with Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Bon Jovi, Thin Lizzy, Ocean Colour Scene, Doves, White Lies and many more.
Their new album ‘Keep On, Keepin' On’, written on a burly five week stint in France and recorded at Grouse Lodge, is the follow up to their hugely successful debut album. It is a solid reflection of what these Dublin swamp rockers have to offer. From the superb rock track ‘Hot Tramp’, to the gentle, powerful lead single ‘Thieves In The Gallery’, the new album is an accomplished collection of prog-folk, power pop and dirty fat rock tunes which literally scream to get out of your speakers. With Mal Tuohy on lead vocals (reminiscent of a young Lemmy), Ger McGarry on bass and harmonica, J.P.R. Dalton on lead guitar and Gar Byrne on drums, this well oiled machine is rounded off by top-notch vocal arrangements from all four band members throughout the record.
The Riptide Movement are an independent band in the complete sense of the word – they are self-managed, self-produced, self-distributed, self-published and are their own booking agent. Their story gives an all-encompassing glimpse into the world of an up and coming band getting stuck into the music business and doing it all themselves, a group of hard working musicians and the life of a DIY record label striving in the depths of a recession. It’s a great story. They are an uplifting example of how through hard work, determination, faith and resilience you can overcome any obstacle put in your way. At a time when record labels are going bust and the banks aren't lending to anybody, the Riptide Movement are sourcing new revenue streams and investment opportunities. While record stores are closing and artists are lamenting the death of CD sales, they're selling thousands. The Riptide Movement are an inspirational story that would rouse anybody to get up and do what they want to do. To celebrate the release of 'Keep On, Keepin' On', The Riptide Movement will be undertaking an extensive national tour this April, including two shows at The Academy in Dublin. Renowned for their phenomenal live performances, this is one show you really don’t want to miss.
