Off the Record: ‘Raging’ trio to explore new wave of creativity

AS A traditional pub is picking an oyster colour for its fresh coat of paint, one Limerick band is ready for the world to be their oyster. Around a cup of coffee, Raging Sons catch up with the Limerick Leader/Limerick Live ahead of the release of a “new wave of creativity.”

Made up of vocalist and guitarist Fint Tynan from St Patrick's Road, Caherdavin native and drummer Adam Reeves, and Galway native Colum Kelly, the trio has been playing together since 2018.

Influenced by the likes of Muse, The Killers, and Nothing But Thieves, the group blends “mercurial and absorbing” vocals, roaring guitars and powerful drums.

In 2021, the purveyors of alternative rock released their debut album, ’20:20.’ In a few weeks, they will share their next single, ahead of a March 10 gig in Dolans.

In the midst of the pandemic, the release of their debut album got delayed. Looking back on the timing of it all, Fint comments: “We released a few singles, which went pretty well. I think we did a couple of gigs. And then, I suppose with the uncertainty of Covid-19, the breaks were hit a little bit. So, we decided to get back into the studio and write some new stuff”.

“We managed to release the album, have an album launch, play a gig two weeks later, and a week after that country shut down again,” adds Adam.

Showcasing their unique sound, ’20:20’ is a medley of dark and enigmatic synths, roaring guitars, driving bass and powerful drums; all forming a hurricane full of energy, angst, stoicism, heart - and most importantly, honesty.

On March 3, the band will release their new single, ‘Talk’, which represents the journey back to their origins, a shedding of inhibitions and an evolution of sound.

As part of a “new wave of creativity,” the trio will share the new standalone single. Described as a journey back to their origins and back to their youth, 'Talk' is a “defiant call” to their former selves.

“If you could talk to your younger self, what would you tell them? It eludes a little bit to that. I find that lyrically, when writing a song, a verse could mean one thing, and a chorus another. Once people listen to it, they can kind of get what they want from it,” explains Fint before taking a sip of his coffee.

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According to Adam, the band is going back to fundamentals.

“I think it's kind of an evolution, but we’re also going back to kind of some of the fundamentals that brought us together in the first place. Sonically, I think it brings in the best of everything we learned," he notes.

As they bounce off each other’s comments, there are times when the friends finish each other’s sentences.

Speaking of the songs they’re working on, Fint says: “It’s nostalgic, it’s kind of about what life was like growing up. The stuff we’re doing now, it’s all new. So, it seems a lot fresher and more mature as well. I think the album was such a learning curve, but it’s an experience”.

“I think the writing process has been different, we haven't been sitting on songs. I think we had a tendency of writing and playing a song and then overplaying it over, and changing things,” Adam agrees.

If they had to describe their sound in three words, they would go with energetic, passionate, and emotional.

“I think energetic is a good one, because you won't really get the whole picture until you see us live. I just think that live is where we want to be. When people listen to us, they might expect something else and then when they see us live, it's like a different kind of feel,” points out the vocalist.

Over the years, Raging Songs faced member changes and disbandment. Speaking of past differences, Fint says: “I think like with every band starting out, it's rare to see like the same members last all the way. With the members that left, I don't think there was ever really too much animosity or any l fighting or anything like that. Members that left over the years, moved away, had to go to college, or had got a job in Dublin”.

And in 2018, Adam joined the band. “We met Adam through another Limerick band, who he was playing with at the time as a young fellow. I remember myself and Colum kind of watching this guy play the drums and thinking, 'he's good.' We wanted him, so we actually stole him,” Fint smiles.

Visibly amused by his friend’s unexpected sentimentality, Adam laughs: “It's been the most invigorating morning of my life. f**king hell”.

As their new release is about going back to their roots, this reporter can’t help but wonder: What advice would they give to their younger self?

“I’d tell my younger self to just go out and do it. I think for any musician starting out, the biggest hurdle for them is to actually go out and play in front of people. Especially when you're doing original music, it’s like going out and kind of bearing your soul to people,” Fint comments.

As his friend nods, he adds: “The sooner you do it, the better it will be for you because you won't shy away any more. Any chance you have to play live, just do it”.

One thing is certain, things are looking bright for Raging Sons. On March 10, they’ll be performing in Dolans alongside special guests.

Tickets via dolans.ie