Groove in the dark of the evening

One of Cork’s most interesting bands have re-emerged in 2021 revitalised and with a new sense of purpose.

The Art Crimes Band released their first single in five years recently with the soulful ‘In The Dark Of The Evening’.

They’ve been regulars on the gigging scene in Cork for years, bringing a wide array of styles and genres, combined with great musicianship. They often have a strong jazz influence but the band seem to be moving towards more of a R&B/Soul sound this year.

The band released their first album ‘Radio’ on the Sugo Music record label in 2015, but the band say now that back then they were a group still searching for their groove.

Now they’ve a great new single with a fresh studio album in the works, due for release at some stage this year.

“This is a pivotal moment for us as we turn our backs on the typical bar gigging scene of eight years and we will now focus solely on developing our career as an original outfit,” said drummer Niall Dennehy.

Recorded during 2020, 'In The Dark Of The Evening' attempts to channel the late night soundscapes of the early 1980s LA studio scene pioneered by the likes of Quincy Jones, Toto and Steely Dan.

Production was handled by drummer Niall Dennehy and features a Fender Rhodes-heavy arrangement by Shiori Okawa.

Aptly, the single focuses on mental health and particularly the effects of isolation. The song's lyrics offer a message of hope, love and friendship amidst a deep funky groove reminiscent of D'Angelo, Jill Scott and Stevie Wonder.

Band members include Gary Baus (alto saxophone), Stephen Kirby (guitars), Niall Dennehy (drums and percussion), Grace McMahon (vocals), Tim O'Leary (bass) and new member Katie O’Donnell (piano and keyboards).

Hampered by Covid-19, the final stages of the single's production employed a workaround that saw its guest backing vocal choir send in their takes by smartphone. The Lockdown Choir consists of Colm Hayes, Colette Forde, Clare O'Mahony, Alan Murphy and Kevin Morrison and Rob Foley.

The single was co-written with Kevin Morrison from the alt-roots and blues outfit One Horse Pony and was recorded at Flashpoint CC Studios in Cork city where the band write, record and produce exclusively.

The single’s slick sound was accomplished by legendary mastering engineer Miles Showell (The Beatles, Phil Collins, Police, Amy Winehouse, Queen) at Abbey Road Studios, London.