Having played Electric Picnic in 2014 and last year, indie rock band, The Lost Messiahs, is thrilled to find themselves back at Stradbally Hall.
“We are really looking forward to playing EP this year. Last year’s gig was epic. The tent was packed and the atmosphere was electric.
“We were booked immediately after our performance for the same stage this year,” said Ollie Plunkett who plays electric guitar as well as being on backing vocals.
“This year we play twice: on Friday night in the Mindfield Arena, word stage at 11pm and Sunday ArtLot stage 5.45 to 6.30pm. We would greatly appreciate Laois support,” Ollie said.
James O’Connor is on lead vocal/acoustic guitar; Eamonn Duff on bass/backing vocals; Martha Cummins on drums/backing vocals; and Rachael Bonham from Abbeyleix has taken over on keys and vocals, replacing Azzy Fitzgerald who left the band last year to travel to Canada.
Formed in 2014, The Lost Messiahs write and record all their own original music at Ollie’s Golden Egg Studios, just outside Portlaoise. “We have our own distinct sound and use synths and mellotrons to add ambience and electronic feel to our sound,” he said.
The Lost Messiahs have released two singles since last year’s Electric Picnic: ‘Brown’s Field’ and ‘Radiance of Moon.’ “Brown’s Field’ received enthusiastic reviews.
Hotpress premiered the video and said: ‘The haunting vocals and resonating guitar riffs captivate the listener as they are taken back to the lively extraordinary and imaginary worlds so artfully crafted by juvenile minds.’
Earmilk United States premiered the video and reviewed ‘Brown’s Field’, saying ‘This hauntingly beautiful song and its accompanying video are both mesmerising and emotionally charged, inviting the listener into a world of introspection and raw emotion.’
Sound Six Read, in its review, noted that the track was written about a cherished outdoor space where guitarist Ollie used to play. ‘The music draws on the image of everyone’s magical escape to a world of play and imagination.’
‘Radiance of Moon’ was placed on RTE1 Recommends playlist and also attracted positive reviews. Illustrate magazine said: ‘This ethereal soundscape transports us into a world of wonder, mirroring the profound emotions that the lyrics convey, boundless creativity and a distinctive musical vision.’
Stitched Sound USA said the interplay of haunting vocals and intricate guitar work weaves an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere, evoking a sense of mysticism and wonder that truly captivates the senses.
The band enjoyed many memorable performances in the past year including at Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city; Aunty Nora’s, Portlaoise; and the Perfect Day stage at Forest Fest.
“We plan to bring out the final single and video ‘Lucky One’ from our album ‘Connected to the Real’ after Electric Picnic,” said Ollie. “We have already commenced recording of our fourth studio album with pre-production work completed on 14 songs.”
The band has earned a reputation for its music videos. “Producing music videos to support our singles has always been a highlight for us. It’s another opportunity for us to tap into our creativity and have fun,” says Ollie.
“We love storyboarding them and getting local people to act out roles that you would not generally associate them with. We also like to capture local landscapes and buildings that may not always exist in their current state into the future.”
- To keep up to date with all developments with The Lost Messiahs, check out their socials and website, www.thelostmessiahs.com
SEE ALSO – Laois band Cua set to take six as they get ready to take on Electric Picnic 2023
