Vasco Junior

Vasco Junior are 80% South-West Dublin, 20% North Mayo. They bring with them bracing melodies, pounding or nuanced drumbeats, and alternately unhinged and direct guitar. They sing tall tales and lies, embracing politics, love, history and revenge.

On a tentative, informal basis, they played gigs as The Dots in 2004, before changing their name and becoming serious. Their catchy rock stomps, presented alongside pleasant pop swoons and the odd divilish groove, have attracted the attention of a growing number of people. The "Exhibition" E.P., recorded in April 2005, captures the schizophrenia that gives the band its unique flavour - it features surging radio rock; sinister reggae-tinged scaremongering; and lilting pop beauty. It has garnered Hot Press' Pick Of The Fortnight (16th June 2005) and rave reviews on garageband.com.

Dig deeper, into their live set, and you'll find other aspects to their oeuvre - it is the song itself rather than a rigid sound that's cultivated. There is more to come from Vasco Junior.

- Vasco

Vasco Junior scoop Hot Press' Pick Of The Fortnight (Added Friday, 17th June 2005)

Vasco Junior have been chosen by Hot Press' Jackie Hayden as his Pick Of The Fortnight (Hot Press, 29 th June). Reviewing the “Exhibition” demo EP, he wrote:

"The five-man Vasco Junior are only 20 per cent guaranteed Mayo. The remainder is south-west Dublin and used to be the Dots.
'My Best Mistake' suggests their pedigree is Crowded House with a tougher guitar edge, gutsy vocals and a couple of good hook lines.
Stabbing guitars inject some drama to the intro of 'These Colours Don't Run' which exhibits hints of reggae and has a terrific break, driven by Dermot Egan's restless drums.
'Still on the Latch' is more Crowded House but good enough to be forgiven. Vasco Junior are not as angry as they'l like to be but can easily fix that
- Hot Press Magazine