I only recently discovered The 2:19, a Blues and rock band from Belfast, but they are a band who will be firmly on my radar going forward. This is their third release, and their last, ‘We Will Get Through This’, spent two months at #3 on the official IBBA charts and was also nominated for Album of the year at the Blues Awards 2024. The band consist of Chris Chalmers (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Monty Sneddon (drums), Paul Wilkinson (guitar), Ady Young (guitar), and Marty Young (bass) and they do make a mighty noise with no shortage of talent on display. John McCullough (Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor) supplies keyboards. This time around, all of the band contribute to the songwriting and vocals.
I would describe their sound as dark and intense, but with pop and rock capabilities as well as their Blues base. There is a real swagger to their sound, upfront and strong rhythms keep the music rocking and Monty Sneddon and Marty Young are a terrific combo at the heart of the band. They are also perfectly capable of making music that has beauty and emotion. ‘Hawthorn Black’ is a track that really got my attention, gently played and sung, with a lyric that brings picture to the mind. Chris Chalmers vocals are a highlight of the band – many bands have weak vocalists, preferring to focus on the guitars. That being said, Paul Wilkinson and Ady Young are quite superb musicians too.
I would guess that the variety of musical styles on display is the result of all of the band members supplying songs, and it is to the bands credit that they manage to put a band sound to them all.
I have a few favourite numbers. ‘The Ring’ is all about strut, heavy distortion and a punch from the drums. Howling harmonica and an angular guitar solo make for a brilliant listen. The aforementioned ‘Hawthorn Black’ shows the more subtle side of the band while ‘Dead Dogs & Bee Suits’ is a killer number – bordering on swamp Blues, the harp is howling and the whole song is hard and sharp. The title track has a bit of a Chris Rea feel to it, shimmering Hammond, piano and a gospel edge to the track. Suzy Coyle’s backing vocals are great and really add to the gospel sense.
One of the most interesting and exciting albums I’ve heard in a long while. Very highly recommended.
