Time to expect the unexpected as My Fellow Sponges play free show

One of Galway’s most exciting original acts, My Fellow Sponges play a free show in Róisín Dubh on Thursday, February 2.

They are a relentlessly inventive live band, which means no two Sponges shows are ever the same. They’ll invite storyteller and actor Jonathan Gunning onstage, they might improvise with comedian Tommy Tiernan, or a brass section could saunter through the crowd and join them onstage. Basically, a Sponges gig is always melodic and full of surprises.

Their approach to their music can be seen from an interview they gave to us about their forthcoming second album, while preparing for Electric Picnic.

Anna Mullarkey, who sings and plays synths, piano, bodhrán and guitar with the group, described how they were taking their time to make sure the recording was right.

Donal McConnon, who also sings, and brings clarinet, harmonica and banjo to the mix felt the songs needed to have something tying them together; “a bit of a story”, is how he put it.

‘A bit of a story’ is guaranteed at a show from My Fellow Sponges.

The band are completed by Sam Wright on bass and David Shaughnessy and drums, and the pair make for a rhythm section who are adept at improvising, which comes in handy in this band.

See the Sponges if you haven’t – and if you have, well . . . go again!

■ Doors at 9pm.