Donegal’s rock band Turbulent EDDY rocked the Alley last weekend, snatching the Sounds Like Summer crown against tough competition from Derry and Strabane bands, eager to be seen as the next big band to come out of the North West.
With over 200 people packed into the Alley to see 4 great bands play live and perform their own material it wasn’t long before the audience knew it was going to be an epic final night of this popular North West music festival. Over 5 nights, 50 bands, only 4 bands made it to the final, including Strabane’s Catalyst, Derry’s Rainy Boy Sleep and the Flying Castros, however it was eventual winners Turbulent EDDY which not only took the title but also the prize of a professional video shoot, studio time, photoshoot and marketing support.
On the night the first on stage was Lifford born, Derry singer songwriter, Rainy Boy Sleep, who wowed the audience with a range of quality material, which he later went on to share in the Celtronic Music Festival in Derry. Songs such as Ambulance and I Heart Holidays had the audience transfixed, as this quiet performer offered a stage presence far beyond his youthful years.
Strabane’s Catalyst was the only local band to make the final stages, however this great band certainly produced an outstanding set. Driven by the vocals of local star musician Gav Kelly, he was backed up by his backing band, complete with accordian, violin, mandolin, drums and bass guitar. “The judges loved ‘Legends of Arranmore’” commented Nathan Flatman from the Alley, “If the band can get air play for this wonderful song we are sure some record producer will snap them up. “
Derry’s The Flying Castros, certainly made an impact on the night, with the judges commenting that the band had “the most charismatic front man of the competition.” With such a strong vocal, singer Damien and his Flying Castros immediately captured the audience’s attention and held them there throughout their 30 minute set.
Turbulent EDDY was the last band to take to the stage and they did not miss the opportunity to take the festival by storm. A regular on the Irish festival circuit for a number of years, the band has grown in experience and stature year on year.
The band was knocked out in the heats stages last year, however we were delighted they decided to come back and their hard work has certainly paid off. The band now receives a professional video shoot, studio time, CD production, marketing support and a photoshoot. We would like to thank our sponsors, the Strabane Chronicle for their support during the festival and wish Turbulent EDDY the very best fro the next 12 months as Sounds Like Summer champions!” concluded Nathan Flatman from the Alley. For more information on the Sounds Like Summer festival check out www.alley-theatre.com or visit www.facebook/thealleytheatre.