Mountains, maybe

Mountains, maybe are a four piece band who play what can loosely be described as rock music. Drawing on a range of experiences and influences they fuse the intensity of punk music with the dynamism of prog while giving the odd nod to ska, jazz and folk and embracing pop sensibilities.

The genesis of Mountains, maybe began in mid 2008 when Shane Faherty and Mark Finlay began writing songs together, mostly for the craic. The two had known each other since childhood but musically had taken very different directions. A latecomer to music Shane had for a number of years been writing minimal and abrasive folk punk. Lamenting the lack of substance in modern music Shane channels his left wing beliefs and analysis through his music in a way that is witty and self effacing.

Mark had played drums in a number of bands since his teenage years including the sorely missed Dublin prog outfit Schpampipe and more recently Culture Vandals. In addition he has for a number of years being making electronic music under the Rude Doc moniker. However Mountains, maybe in its current format was not to take shape until January of 2009. With their first gig looming the lads needed to figure out exactly what direction the music was going to take. As luck would have it two old friends had heard and liked the early demos and were eager and willing to get on board. Mark surrendered the drum stool to concentrate on guitar and so entered the ultra talented Brian Gosker.

Like Mark, Brian had no shortage of playing experience having played with countless musicians and groups including the notorious Galway based prog metal outfit Spungo’s Winged Warriors. Following the inevitable implosion of the warriors Brian had taken some time to soothe his head by playing with brushes and developing his Jazz finesse as well as concentrating on his epic side project RBE. He was now ready to start hitting things hard again.

Neil Reilly was also an old friend of all involved and had played with Mark in many groups throughout the years including their teenage grunge outfit Indifference and more recently Culture Vandals. Playing bass-lines so solid you could build a church on them and melodies sweet enough to cause tooth decay Neil Reilly is definitely a better bassist than hurler.

With the band now a four piece a new momentum began to develop. The lads have played numerous gigs over the past year and a bit including Whelan's in Dublin, Baker place in Limerick, The Cellar in Galway and in a bizarre twist of events Dunsany GAA club, but that's a whole other story. Wherever Mountains, maybe play they put on an energetic and entertaining performance which combines quality songs, accomplished performance, crowd interaction and a sense of humour and playfulness which never fails to win over an audience.

In June 2009 Mountains, maybe released their debut four track ep Tested on Animals and are at present working on their debut album, Did you figure that one out for yourself or did someone else tell you? Which is tentatively scheduled for release in may. Tested on animals is available for purchase on www.whereitsat.ie