THE SPIKES

"Everyone loves rock and roll bands, especially greats such as Led Zepplin ( a personal favourite), The Rolling Stones and The Who. But what if you were to mix it up a little and add some Nick Cave, Joy Division and The Undertones? Only then would you start to get a feel for The Spikes and their sound. However, in saying that, a live stage performance is really from where you can start to understand these four musicians. Famous for their raw, high energy performance, this band revel in their ability to disseminate an infectious, raucous sound that would invigorate any crowd." - Connected Magazine, Oct 2006

"...The Spikes pretty much have it all. A song like Monster is better than anything that the likes of Jet have shorn upon us, while Croatian Lover could be the The Strokes if they were Cream fans. They have no bad songs, and it's only a matter of time before they make some kind of breakthrough..." - Drop-D August 2006

"The Spikes sound like a less gloomy version of Editors on 'Hypnotized', the flagship single from their forthcoming debut long-player. Having already troubled the singles charts with previous efforts, hopes are high that The Spikes can truly establish themselves in 2008. 'Hypnotized' sounds like the perfect tool for the task, with the insanely catchy chorus lending the song instant indie anthem status."

Stephen Errity - HotPress, April 2008

"Surely their most vibrant offering to date, Hypnotised is the new single out on Thick Neck Records, and one has to now start asking, is this a band on the verge of greatness? As with the previous three singles, again the influence of The Doors can be heard in the bass line and the confident swagger, though now out of their minds on a half a dime, the new single is more explosive than what we have come to expect. The gamble pays off, and is surely the Ace they have been threatening to pull all along... With a naturally compelling hip-swaying beat, expect this new offering from The Spikes to be as big of a hit on the indie dance floors as on the air waves. One awaits what will surely be an arresting début album. Scores 9/10."

Tom Kenny - Frequency-Ireland, April 2008

"...after watching the group in soundcheck, it is tempting to say that their tastes are as far away from the leftfield as possible - a contrast with much on the Dublin indie scene. The Spikes' sound is soaked in American classic rock: pure, heads-down Southern-fried boogie. Indeed, it is difficult to think of many contemporary Irish groups whose stage figurehead is unencumbered by instrumental responsibilities, or who really 'goes for it' in the live setting."

Killian Murphy - Hotpress, Jan 2007

"This is good. From the conversational vocal entry, staccato guitar and throbbing drum part, there's a Doors-ian strut to 'In Love No More' that is hugely refreshing. The guitar slashes are straight out of the Keith Richards textbook and there's one of those small touches of brilliance that confirm the band have a pop sensibility in the judicious 'Hey!' thrown in at just the right moment on backing vocals. On this evidence, The Spikes know how to mine a good groove, keeping it tight and potent. Play it on daytime radio: the kids can stand the heat."

Phil Udell - Hotpress, Nov 2006

"Dynamic Debut from Dublin Delinquents"

"It's all very well being youthfully brash and brimful of attitude, but do you have any songs? Well, actually, The Spikes have loads of them. Some we've enjoyed already as singles and some we meet on this, the debut album by the lads from Dublin whose influences run the gamut from The Who to The Zutons by way of The Doors, The Stones et al.

"The anthemic, and eminently danceable 'Hypnotized' kicks it off with a dash of Editors fuelled by robust percussion, crunching guitar riffs, a nod to The Doors in the melody and shouty hooks. The soaring 'Wearing Rain' is a glorious riff-fest, and the equally hook-laden 'Monster' is as cocky and sinister as when it first emerged, driven by a sparse gutsy rhythm, and a hint of The Zutons about it. 'In Love No More' has more of that Doors strut plus Stonesy guitars and vocals. 'Painted in Gold' is deliciously cheesy, all restless rhythms, woo-woos and handclaps, while the surging 'Guess Again' turns up the temperature and throws in some demented vocals. 'Smug Little Kiss' blends The Stones with The Who so you never want it to end.

"Vocalist Tom Dunne is splendiferous all the way, propelled by the exceptional guitaring of Gareth Lewis.

"There once was a time when Irish bands made a damn fine noise but didn't quite get around to writing noteworthy songs. Not any more.

Jackie Hayden - Hot Press, February 2009

"... a sweltering, fiercely intelligent salvo of angst-pop, distinguished by a barrage of guitars and frontman Tom Dunne's hyper-articulate approach to lyrics. Spitting out words like knock-out punches,he is practically breathless by the end of single Hypnotized. But it's not all spittle and fury: Painted In Gold suggests Lloyd Cole fronting Blur; Wearing Rain starts off like a ringer for The Jam's That's Entertainment before segueing into a Nick Cave dirge... you can't accuse these newcomers of not packing their share of surprises.

Eamon De Paor - Metro, February 2009

Listening to this highly-polished three-track salvo of embraceable FM rock, its hard to believe that THE SPIKES have flown under the Irish rock radar for so long.
Opening track Chain Me borrows as much from The Killers(stadium rock outro) as it does early U2 (soaring vocals) and Bruce Springsteen (bottomless optimism) and doesnt outstay its welcome - tipping the four minute mark.
Betty Ford opens with the kind of feel-good guitar riff that was once the preserve of J Geils Band and the first MTV generation, but expands into hands-up rock that showcases the bands versatility - simmering verses dovetail into huge choruses without a fuss.
Super Modern Queen, a cowboy-tinged stomper, rounds out proceedings, promising much from a live show for the Dublin rockers.
Frontman Tom Dunne's heartfelt vocals let fly at every oppurtunity, recalling the days when it was fine to be a lung-scraping rock frontman. Theres a touch of the young Thom Yorke there, for sure.
Watch this space.
VERDICT : Local band are born to rock. 7/10 - Irish Daily Star

THE SPIKES made the front page of the Irish newspaper Metro after their now legendary performance at Castlepalooza festival 2009. As well as the front page THE SPIKES were featured on page 6. Copy and paste the link below into a browser to see the online edition featuring THE SPIKES.
http://e-edition.metroireland.ie/2009/08/04/?p=1&keywords=TheSpikes - Metro