Mayo's rising punk sensation unveils date for debut EP "Glórach"
Caoimhín Rowland
NERVES, a pulsating punk trio from Mayo this week announced plans to unleash their debut EP, "Glórach," on March 15.
The group, comprised of vocalist Kyle Thornton and instrumentalists Adam Nealon and Charlie McCarthy, hails from Knockmore and Spideal in Galway, collectively contributing to a sonic concoction that blends punk, hardcore and industrial sounds.
In an exclusive interview with the Connaught Telegraph, frontman Kyle Thornton, originally from Knockmore, shared insights into the band's journey and the thematic depth embedded in their music.
The EP, shaped over two years, delves into poignant topics such as loss, mental health, and the broader Irish experience, weaving a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply rooted in the band's rural west of Ireland heritage.
Recorded and co-produced by Daniel Fox of Gilla Band, "Glórach" captures the raw intensity of Nerves' live performances, showcasing the sonic devastation the band is capable of delivering. The EP reflects the culmination of the groups meticulous efforts, refining their sound and experimenting with a fusion of melody and noise.
Born out of a musical partnership between Thornton and Nealon, found their roots in the vibrant punk scene of Ballina. The duo's musical journey kicked off during secondary school, eventually evolving into a full-fledged band.
Their initiation into the local music scene was marked by a memorable gig at Riverfest, the end of Summer festival in Foxford, “word got out myself and Adam had been trying to set up a band, he was a piano player but started using his drum set at home when I got my first electric guitar and in TY we had about two months to make the move from messing about in Adam’s attic to preparing a set.”
The duo never looked back and admit “it was that kind of deadline that helped us progress to play gigs in Emmett’s in Ballina when we were in fifth year.” The bohemian Ballina gig venue, “we were just 17 sneaking in to see Ballina punk bands who’d then have some Norwegian hardcore bands or French punk groups on after.”
On the music scene in Ballina Thornton tells me that when he says it to people in Dublin, they basically don’t believe him that it exists. The fact punk thrives in Mayo is "a shock to their system, then I mention some names and bands from Mayo or Ballina and they know exactly who they are."
There’s a good reputation for alternative music in Mayo throughout the last few decades. A lot came through the scene in Emmett’s which is unfortunately no longer there, but signs of its embers remain with recent gigs re-emerging in Tarbh 47 with bands from all over Europe choosing Ballina as a place to play.
Thornton's perspective on the Dublin music scene sheds light on the challenges faced by aspiring musicians in the capital. Despite the abundance of venues, the high cost of living often becomes a barrier for young talents. In contrast, places like Mayo, Sligo, and Waterford offer a more hospitable environment, fostering a tight-knit music community.
While Nerves draws inspiration from local acts, as well as Fontaines DC and Altered Hours, their influences extend to internationally acclaimed bands such as My Bloody Valentine, The Cure, and Bauhaus.
The debut EP, carefully crafted over time, features tracks that have been part of Nerves' repertoire since 2019. Thornton expressed excitement about the upcoming release.
“We took our time with this EP, a lot of the tracks on it we have been playing since before the pandemic but we sat back and assessed what we enjoy most about the songs we kept and now we can look forward to putting the EP out there and touring in the new year.”