Superb indie outfit Oh Boland! for Citóg showcase

Oh Boland! are listenable, loud and lakes. The latter means crazy or mad in Tuam slang, and although there’s a madcap side to the trio, Oh Boland! have what really matters – great tunes.  The Tuam band play Citóg in the Róisín Dubh next Wednesday, May 17.

Led by the charismatic Niall Murphy, with Éanna MacDonnacha on bass and Simon McDonagh on drums, the trio are one of the most incendiary bands to emerge from the Galway indie scene.

Where’s the Beach? is an insanely catchy track that draws you in from the get-go with its ear-friendly riff and Niall’s endearing, ramshackle vocal line. The track is taken from the 2013 Ho! EP, which is available for free at ohboland.bandcamp.com.

Last year, the American indie label Volar records released Oh Boland’s album Spilt Milk on limited-edition clear vinyl.

That album opens with Jane Russell and rollicks on from there. Other standouts include First Dog’s Death and a song inspired by a glorious Galway landmark, Mutton Island.

The Citóg event, which showcases emerging national and local talent, is responsible for the excellent Oh Boland!

“We’re named after [Citóg co-founder] David Boland,” Niall says. “I played my first show at Citóg in DeBurgo’s in 2011. David gave me a chance. At the same time, Simon and Eanna’s previous band were picked up by Dave. Then we all came together and became Oh Boland!”

Their show on Wednesday night is free, as are all the Citóg showcases.