Dublin, Ireland’s The Minutes mark their US debut with the release of their blistering Self-Titled EP on February 14th 2012 via Model Citizen Records. The songs within, recorded in upstate New York with producer Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, The Walkmen), channel the primal surge of rampant rock ‘n’ roll with elements of the blues and gospel.
Born in Dublin in the mid-nineties, Mark Austin (Vocals, Guitar), and cousin Shane Kinsella (Drums) recruited Tom Cosgrave (Bass) to round out a trio bound together by family ties and their common love for late 70s NYC punk, The Smiths and Thin Lizzy. They invested in some serious vintage amplification, honed their skills playing every dingy basement and back alley bar in Ireland that would have them, and began to cement a reputation as gig-thirsty monsters with tunes to match their impressive swagger. Audience interaction resembling the energy of hand to hand combat became the trademark of their shows and won them support slots with Supergrass, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and The Von Bondies. They bring their live show to the US this Spring at SXSW 2012.
Already much adored in their native land, they made their first foray across the Irish Sea to England this October, turning heads with the release of their first UK Single “Black Keys”. “This debut booms, bangs and pulsates from the first note,” write The Sunday Times, “boiling over with a sense of urgency.” Artrocker has heavily endorsed them as “The greatest rock ‘n roll band in Dublin,” and a 5 of 5 star review while Q Magazine tipped the single as one of their “Essential Tracks to Download” in their December issue.
The Minutes – Black Keys (Official Video) from The Minutes on Vimeo.
