STILLROOM

Their debut album ‘Good To be Alive‘ kicks off with ‘Rock n ‘Roll (O.F.O) ‘. A full on 1 min 10 second rip rockin intro even AC/DC would be proud of ! Great beat and rhythms wake you up in true 80’s style. Moving onto an inspiring song called ‘Keep On Walking ‘ a slower beat, but has the gut’s and ball’s of a raging bull on heat! This song could have been written way back when, but I’m sure has just found it’s place in the rock history of 2014. There’s some real nifty lead guitar work here and compliments must go to Paul Scott & Dehna Bennett for the amazing solo’s. ‘Now Your Gone ‘ is a great song and you can definitely hear it’s a song made in the 21st century, a very modern sounding track full of just about everything musically i think they could get in there! Made me smile.

Second to last song ‘The Wake ‘ starts with touches of classic blues riff’s reminiscent of the late Gary Moore. This song as the power to make you think about what’s being said in the lyrics. Very nicely composed and arranged so much so, it stands out here as again something a little bit special and could be an anthem track for this young band! I know I’ve said this already, but the guitar work these chaps put down is just phenomenal. Don’t get me wrong, the drums, bass and vocals are all spot on but obviously the lead and rhythm are just a cut above some bands, both old and new. Amazing!!

The final song is the albums title song ‘Good To Be Alive ‘ a rockin bouncing track I can’t wait to see the guys perform this live. I can hear so many influences in this album, but it’s unfair to keep barfing on about who they sound like. They sound like Stillroom! That’s it, no more, no less.

A great album that would compliment any collection, and can stand shoulder to shoulder with anything I have on my shelves! As a good friend once told me, and you too should heed this…… ” Get on it”!!

Band Members

Vocals… James Berkeley
Guitars & BV’s… Paul Scott & Dehna Bennett
Drums & Percussion… David Ebbs
Bass… John Hogan - Planet mosh

Stillroom - Another (Lonely) Christmas Song (iTunes 99c)

Irish rockers Stillroom have released their charity single Another (Lonely) Christmas Song in aid of the Simon Community, a charity which provides homeless support services and emergency accommodation.

As part of Stillroom's fundraising efforts for the Simon Community, the band will play with the Pat McManus Band on December 20 in the Voodoo Lounge, Dublin. - The Independent.ie

Dublin rockers Stillroom are finally releasing their debut album and it’s a face melter. They have kindly sent us an advance copy of Good to be Alive so that we can be the first to review it and review it we will.

This long awaited album was recorded in Dermot Lambert’s Ashtown Studios with the assistance of chief engineer, technician and producer Tommy O’Sullivan. The album was mastered by Aidan Foley who’s worked with U2, The Foo Fighters and Van Morrison. Last year’s comeback single Christopher Cloud doesn’t make an appearance on the album so if you bought it, and hopefully you have, you’ll get value for money when you purchase this 11-track stomper. Was it a brave move to leave out the well known single or does it show an honest to goodness belief in their own ability to rock? Well let’s see.
Dublin rockers Stillroom are finally releasing their debut album and it’s a face melter. They have kindly sent us an advance copy of Good to be Alive so that we can be the first to review it and review it we will.

This long awaited album was recorded in Dermot Lambert’s Ashtown Studios with the assistance of chief engineer, technician and producer Tommy O’Sullivan. The album was mastered by Aidan Foley who’s worked with U2, The Foo Fighters and Van Morrison. Last year’s comeback single Christopher Cloud doesn’t make an appearance on the album so if you bought it, and hopefully you have, you’ll get value for money when you purchase this 11-track stomper. Was it a brave move to leave out the well known single or does it show an honest to goodness belief in their own ability to rock? Well let’s see.



In case, despite having seen the Aerosmithesque band logo and brash title fonts on the cover, you were unsure as to content of this album, track one Rock -n- Roll (ono) [sic]) sets the tone immediately. A classic teaser riff steps from toe to toe like a prize fighter until the main guitar riff bounds in at frenetic pace and proceeds to thrash the place. This song is reminiscent of times gone by, of AC/DC, ripped denims, long hair and throat wrenching vocals. In fact the track is like the kind of homage to rock-n-roll that Jack Black’s character would have written in School of Rock. This will be the first single from the album and the band are currently working on an accompanying video.

All Flash pokes fun at a self obsessed poser but it does so in a way that even the protagonist would be happy to tap the steering wheel (of his ‘latest wheels’) along to the beat. This is how I imagine the subject of Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain probably gets caught out; joyfully singing along to the delicious tune until realising that the lyrics are about him. I doubt the boy racer subject of All Flash is much of a threat though- he apparently lacks substance, plus he still lives with his mom (then again so did Norman Bates- sort of).


Take You Home picks up from the same party that kicked off by ‘wrecking the gaff’ with Rock-n-Roll before poking fun at the guest with the All Flash car. Dave Ebbs barely misses a beat on drums as our hero, James Berkley croons at the cutey in the corner who happened to catch his eye. The guitar riffs are backed up by a Hammond organ as the three chord riff bends around the honest hook, ‘let me take you home’.

Scott and Bennett (backed by the powerful John Hogan) are at the forefront again in Keep On Walkin. A duelling, distortion vs Spanish guitar, reverb ridden riff underpinned by a deep layered bass and drum heartbeat open this hazy track. The vocals enter with an anguished cry. The call and response parts, sometimes played by the same voice, plead with their subject the non believer saying they’ve done all they can for their ‘brother’. It’s never clear why the ‘brother’ needs their help but the voices aren’t wasting any more time on him.
Beautiful Bitch is the song that Jessie from Breaking Bad would have penned if he’d had the time. Like most classic rock albums you’re not going to get a lot of variation in style with this album. By track 5 you’ll have noticed a progression of full bodied guitar riffs interspersed with ever more daring Scott solo’s, but you might have started wondering where else this band can take you. Then, halfway through what the title would have you believe to be the heaviest tune on the album, they break into a candy coated pop-song bridge and dive back into a distorted sing-a-long ‘I’ll be there for you’.

Take It Back winds up into a more rhythm and blues type genre complete with big ballsy brass and rockabilly keyboards. There’s a slide guitar lick in the intro that brings to mind another monster of rock, sliding from AC/DC to ZZ Top. As they say themselves- they’re playing ‘the old songs, the old fashioned way’ but with a swagger and confidence as if there isn’t any other way.

A foreboding air-raid siren introduces That’s What You Get which brings about a darker muff distortion guitar riff and carries this track into a more modern take on the rock genre. Gone is the open air screaming stadium distortion because in this future the classic guitar style is under threat and is forced to hit back in a darker edgier form. This band aren’t taking any shit, ‘play with fire and you’ll get burned’ … ‘that’s what you get’. The lyrics are straight forward and to the point, as always.
Beautiful Bitch is the song that Jessie from Breaking Bad would have penned if he’d had the time. Like most classic rock albums you’re not going to get a lot of variation in style with this album. By track 5 you’ll have noticed a progression of full bodied guitar riffs interspersed with ever more daring Scott solo’s, but you might have started wondering where else this band can take you. Then, halfway through what the title would have you believe to be the heaviest tune on the album, they break into a candy coated pop-song bridge and dive back into a distorted sing-a-long ‘I’ll be there for you’.

Take It Back winds up into a more rhythm and blues type genre complete with big ballsy brass and rockabilly keyboards. There’s a slide guitar lick in the intro that brings to mind another monster of rock, sliding from AC/DC to ZZ Top. As they say themselves- they’re playing ‘the old songs, the old fashioned way’ but with a swagger and confidence as if there isn’t any other way.

A foreboding air-raid siren introduces That’s What You Get which brings about a darker muff distortion guitar riff and carries this track into a more modern take on the rock genre. Gone is the open air screaming stadium distortion because in this future the classic guitar style is under threat and is forced to hit back in a darker edgier form. This band aren’t taking any shit, ‘play with fire and you’ll get burned’ … ‘that’s what you get’. The lyrics are straight forward and to the point, as always.

The guitars on this album are relentless and even after eight tracks the pace is frenetic. If this becomes your road trip album you’ll get wherever you’re going pretty quickly. Actually this might be a case of commentators curse because Now You’ve Gone does take a swift five minute break and slows down in Guns-n-Roses Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door style letting the strums ring out in a brief interlude before launching straight back into overdrive.

The follow up, Doin’ Fine seems to answer any questions of doubt that may have been raised in Now You’ve Gone. This band are having fun thrashing through a snappy storyline of love, loss and rock-n-roll. In fact this song is bluntly joyous with the re-introduction of keyboards and organs to beef up the sound.

On track ten, The Wake, the foot has been lifted from the accelerator for the first time. There’s a sense of remorse and reminiscence in both the listener and the air of the lyrics. The listener is surprised by the sudden drop in pace, as loud distortion guitars are replaced with a melodic Spanish/bluesy wail in the style of Gary Moore. For the singer Berkley, the track is deeply personal and dwells upon the untimely passing of his father. The track slowly morphs into a rock anthem, the kind that could go on for hours in a live show should the guitarists be given license. Strong though his vocals are the singer takes second place in this track beneath layers of guitar.

To end it all, Good To Be Alive gently restores that euphoria from the early tracks as the opening riff washes away the melancholy of previous tracks before launching into a no nonsense proclamation ‘it’s good to be alive’. It is good to be alive and rock is clearly alive and well in Dublin.

The album will be released on Saturday 7th June in Sin É in Dublin and will be available on iTunes and all the usual digital formats. The band will be touring this summer in Ireland and the UK including a slot on the You Bloom festival. - Krank.ie

Stillroom release Xmas charity single to raise funds for The Simon Community, Another (lonely) Christmas Song can be downloaded from itunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, Amazon and all major online distributors.

The Dublin rock band have released this fantastically humorous song for Christmas. The band are generously donating all the sales from the single to The Simon Community, who help homeless people. Speaking with the lead vocalist James Berkeley, he told us about the idea behind the Christmas single.

“Basically we were due to release a second single from the album but in the run up to Christmas we decided to postpone the release until February and release a Christmas song instead. So a few weeks ago we worked a demo of a Christmas song recorded years ago. We went into Ashtown studios ( Dermot Lambert) and spent the day there recording the track. With regards to the video, we have worked with film maker Anthony White, and the previous video for Rock and Roll or Fuck Off (the devils woods horror movie) and we decided we wanted to work with him again.

“We came up with the idea collectively and to be honest we would do anything for a bit of Craic. We contacted The Simon Community late November, played them the track and video and asked if they would like to use it for their Song for Simon campaign. The single is available from amazon, iTunes and all the online distributors. 100% of the profits are going to the Simon Community. This time of the year is particularly hard for people on the streets and we hope that any money raised will benefit somebody somewhere. Thanks to all those that donated so far.” - PureM

Irish rockers Stillroom have released their charity single Another (Lonely) Christmas Song in aid of the Simon Community - watch it here.

The track is available to download from iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, Amazon and all major online distributors.

As part of Stillroom's fundraising efforts for the Simon Community, they will play with the Pat McManus Band on December 20 in the Voodoo Lounge, Dublin. - RTE.ie

Stillroom - 'Good To Be Alive' (Self Released) Print E-mail
CD Reviews
Written by Mark Ashby
Wednesday, 23 July 2014 03:20

Stillroom-300x300A few years ago, a self-titled demo winged its way northward from the fair city of Dublin to Uber Rock's Belfast output... to say it was atrocious would probably be something of an understatement: the production was shoddy in the extreme, the songs were only half-formed and the overall presentation was amateurish. A little while later, a single arrived from the same source: it was somewhat more professionally produced and packaged, and the material showed a distinct sign of improvement... but, it still didn't set any bells ringing.

Fast forward five years, and through the letterbox pops the debut album from the same act: to be brutally honest, expectations (based solely on previous experiences) were not overly high - but, wow, this could be a completely different band, as what is contained between the grooves of this particular disc is a collection of damn fine li'l rock 'n' roll songs played with fire in their belly and pure vitriol in their veins!

Almost immediately comparisons with two other bands from this part of the world come to mind - the late, lamented Sweet Taste and the Screaming Eagles: Stillroom's sound possesses the cheeky strut and funky swagger of the former, especially on the likes of 'Let Me Take You Home' and 'Take It Back' (which has a really sweet - sic - piano breakdown at the beginning of its final third), and the grist-to-the-grindstone bluesiness of the latter, such as on fiery opener 'Rock 'n' Roll (Or F*** Off)' and the laconic groove of 'Keep On Walkin'.

It's a sound draws heavily on Ireland's rich blues legacy, but adds a pop sensibility to the hooks and melodies - and especially the choruses - which should enhance the band's chances of gaining some serious airplay on Ireland's notoriously rock-free radio stations (and that comment applies to both sides of the border!)

The only slightly negative comment I would make is that James Berkeley's voice sometimes is not as deep as it needs to be to do the songs true justice, but the efficient use of backing vocals helps out in this regard. Stillroom have a bit of work to do yet if they are going to break out of playing back street bars and into more mainstream venues, but this is a powerful, emotional and raw statement of intent, and I definitely look forward to shelling out a few of my hard-earned pennies/Euros to catch this mob live and hopefully equally raw.

https://www.facebook.com/StillroomRock

To pick up your copy of 'Good to Be Alive' [Explicit] - CLICK HERE - UberRock

Ok, lets take a look at the current rock scene in Ireland! What rock scene? This seems to be the answer that most people utter in response with a look of total bewilderment on their faces. Well, let me tell you as far as health goes, Irish rock bands are in rude health! So was the case when I made my way down to The Academy on a pleasant Sunday evening to catch the opening acts for The Burning Crows, the down and dirty UK rock band that has gained recognition mostly through their mildly famous manager, ex-Quireboys member Matt Goom.

So let’s get into it then. Upon arriving at the venue, I was pleasantly surprised by the first band STILLROOM, who have been kicking up dust since 2004 with their infectious rock anthems. This band have the tunes, there is no doubt about it. They are confident on stage and throw down some bourbon laced swagger that is normally seen by more established recording artists. Singer James Berkley has an abundance of confidence and looks like he is totally at home when performing with the band on stage, however there seemed to be a lack of danger from the vocals when mixed with the rasping guitars and “Slash” like solos slung out by effortless-cool looking lead guitarist Paul Scott. Don’t get us wrong, James can whale on the mic and has a great range, but a little more street-fight, back alley “don’t fuck with me” vocal attitude would not go amiss. STILLROM ripped though a set-list that was a little to short in my opinion, as they were just warming up to what I can only expect would be a fine display of the current Irish Rock scene. With songs like “Alright” and the ass-kicking “Your Love” there is no doubt that STILLROOM can pull it out of the bag and deliver. These guys are one to watch, as they seem to have a strong foundation, good image and solid songs. For more information check out – STILLROOM INFO . Band member: James Berkeley(Lead vox),Paul Scott(Lead guitar),Dave Ebbs (Drums),Dehna Bennett(Rhythm Guitar), John Hogan(Bass). - OVERDRIVE

Clink Link below: - The Echo

Jackie Hayden music journalist from Hot Press recently reveiewed their new EP and made comparisoms to the like of Judas Priest, Rory Gallagher and Bonjovi ..."Stillroom have an exuberent unbounding zeal for the job in hand". - Hot Press Magazine

HOT PRESS gives STILLROOM kudos on great marketing move!!
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/5735469.html - Hot Press

STILLROOM release brand new EP, LICKIN`A PROMISE with local newspaper to over 13,000 readers for free!!!!
http://www.echo.ie/CustomPages/CustomPage.aspx?pageid=79944 - The Echo

THERE are three definitions of a Stillroom 'Aroom for distilling,''An apartment in a house where liquors, preserves and the like are kept,'and 'The hardest working rock and roll band in Ireland.'

THe last one didn't come from any dictionary.
Formed in 2004 in Tallaght Rockband STILLROOM saw five friends come together to achieve one ultimate goal- to make it and the lads, threee of which are childhood friends fron knockmore, have the CV to prove they are doing a damn good jobof realising their dreams.

Fresh from a successful trip to Los Angeles band members James Berkeley, Paul Scott, Dave Ebbs, Dehna Bennett and David Grehan came back on a high to Dublin to take both The HUb and Fibber Magee's by storm earlier this month and this weekend they'll be Rockin' up the Voodoo Lounge as part of the Emergenza Festival.

BAnd member James told The Echo: "Things are going great for us at the moment and LA was a fantasic Experience.
"Both gigs intown this month went down brilliant too and we are really looking forward to this weekend where we hope we'll have an equally great turn out to come and support us."

On their Website the band proudly state that in a modern day senario where blood sweat and tear performances are few and far between from bands in a live setting, Stillroom will genuinely recapture the spirit, chemistry and energy of their predecessors.

They include among their influences Guns n' Roses, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Thin Lizzy and Queen amonf others.

They say the bands's stage presence is highly evidential from the audience participation and the committment to bringing the full entertainment package.

Unuasually, and quite impressively, the band never do cover versions as a rule so if you're ready to Rock prepare to do it some original tunes, Tallaght-style! - Emer Mulvaney (The Echo) 23-11-06

"The Most ROCKIN band to cross the Atlantic this year" - Sue Flavvy (The ROXY promotions, Sunset Strip)

"These Guys FUCKIN ROCK!!!!" - Melrose Larry Green (The Howard Stern Show)

"These Irish guys are fucking Crazy" - John Corabi (RATT, Motley Crue)

"Best New Irish ROCK Act" - Jonny (Metal Words Magazine Belfast)

"Cat Club is home for you Guys ANYTIME" - Kenny (Cat Club Promotions)

"I went all Mel Fuckin Gibson when i met these guys" - Bob Murphy (Top LA Photographer)

"The full package" "It's only a matter of time" - Dermot Lambert (Garageland Promotions - Dublin)

"Professional, hard working band, these boys will stop at nothing" - Thomas Black (A&R Mogul)

"Pleasure to work with, one to watch in 2008" - Vanessa Monaghan (Music Matters International)

- DIFFERENT MAGAZINES

THE GERMAN CONNECTION
Category: Music


GERMANY GOT ROCK'D




The crowds showed up in their thousands, as did the JAGER and of course the rain (The rain had no affect on the mood what so ever), The venue was ROCKINBURG aka Rottenburg o.d.Tauber.

It all started on Thursday 9th August 2007 in the now infamous ROCK CAFE, it was there that the now unbreakable bond of friendship was made between STILLROOM, The Fire Flies and The New Hotness. The connection made over a few special brew beers and a whole heap of JAGER was amazing.

As we took to the stage seeing the guys form NY and LA cheering us on, it gave the set so much more meaning and of course enjoyment . The favour was no doubt repaid by STILLROOM and our fans during their amazing sets.

We retired everynight for a few quite drinks in the rock cafe, ( I'm not sure that sarcasm comes over to well in text form). to be continued......
(TAKEN FROM INTERVIEW) with David Grets - THE IRISH TIMES

Sunday, April 22, 2007

THIS ISLAND ROCKS


"We at Stillroom HQ were delighted to be mentioned on Belfastmetalheadsreunited click to view. We're looking to expand our already growing fanbase north of the border. Read below what Belfasmetalheadsreunited had to say"



This island rocks!
Ok, being a blog based in Northern Ireland we're a wee bit biased! But of late it has come to our attention that this island is rockin' like a bastard!

Elsewhere on here you can read about the plethora of metal talent emerging (Residual Effect, Sorrowfall, Waylander, Honey for Christ, Bad Boat, Triggerman, Psyatica...to name but a few), but there is also a hard/classic rock rump reaching out to convert the masses!

On March 11th The Answer are back to rock Belfast (Mandella Hall) and they have led the New Wave of Irish Hard Rock...and check back soon for an interview here and insight into the inner workings of the juggernaut!

While The Answer have been leading the charge, there is a host coming in their wake that deserves to shake the rock music scene on this island to it's core, while at the same time awakening the world to what this small blighted and beknighted isle can achieve!

Gaining tour dates with Thunder will, no doubt, expand Glyder's experience, reputation and confidence yet further when they enter the studio to lay down their 2nd CD.

Of those bubbling under now, here's a few names to throw out....

Blind Friday...they're still getting a feel for their ultimate direction, but on the strength of their exisiting CD and set-list the right management and promotion will get them there. Commitment will take 'there' even further.

Hunger's Mother have been quietly building up their craft, but now comes the decision as to how far they are prepared to go to sate that hunger.

And, south of the border is emerging Stillroom.

Their self-titled and self-financed debut shows off a band that is both steeped in local heritage and paying homage to global rock gods. The right management and marketing will get Stillroom and others mentioned above to the right level, in front of the right audience, at the right time (now!)

Ireland - north and south is rockin' like as bastard, time we got behind the bands and the labels come with their cheque books!

Story by Jonny April 07

- JHN PUBLISHING