Other Voices Derry/Londonderry: Marina & The Diamonds, Bronagh Gallagher, Little Green Cars & Jesca Hoop

Just over a year ago, Little Green Cars played the Other Voices church in Dingle. At the time, that decision was a bit of a gamble, while the band were a promising proposition, they had not played stages of this ilk before and least not in front of TV cameras. The gamble easily paid off. There was no doubt that Little Green Cars were able for it. 14 months later, this band were more than capable to do it again. On the cusp of yet another milestone, a debut album produced by Markus Dravs who produced Mumford & Sons’ phenomenally successful latest album Babel and Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto, the band returned to Other Voices Derry to show just how far they've come. The five-piece huddled around a microphone for the first three songs of their set and in doing so showcased their super-strong a capella harmonies, which increased in volume and intensity in a beautiful knock-on effect during 'The John Wayne'. The full band portion was no less impressive with singer Faye O'Rourke standing out during a new song from their album Absolute Zero and an assured performance of latest single 'Harper Lee' and a now established favourite 'My Love Took Me Down To The River (To Silence Me)'. There was just enough time after the set between band changeovers for a starstruck young fan to get his picture taken with the band. They've come so far and they're not stopping yet. The pride in the Glassworks was palpably felt when Bronagh Gallagher took to the stage. A local hero greeted by a local crowd, Gallagher's lightning personality and big soulful voice commanded the room despite being flanked by a large band with backing singers and a brass section. Perhaps taking her cue from another Northern Ireland legend Van Morrison, Gallagher's set was an uplifting mix of American soul with nods to Memphis, Motown and Dusty Springfield. That music's downtrodden adversity, communicated through Gallagher who assumed the role of a gospel reverend and the stance of an operatic soprano, was a fitting soundtrack to a city looking to redefine and refocus itself. This was good time music that made it through the hard times. It was 2009 when Californian singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop arrived in Dingle on the back of her superb second album Hunting My Dress, so it was an extra pleasure to have her back for the organisers and in Derry too. Now based in Manchester, Jesca's set was culled from her latest album The House That Jack Built. What's obvious is Hoop's songwriting abilities; her lyrics are dextrous and unique and the music often pushes and pulls with unusual passages and time signatures. It all adds up to a fresh experience of not knowing where a song will end up. Songs like 'Ode To Banksy' and the album's title track sound like they're derailing but Hoop resolves them into sweet harmony. There was no doubt who the big star of the night judging by the reception that Marina & The Diamonds received for just stepping onto the stage. One fan was spotted hyperventilating during her set. It seems everywhere she goes, the Welsh/Greek singer's persona charms. Marina spent the afternoon in St Eithne's Primary school where she was received like a dignitary by a classroom of local children singing her hit 'Primadonna' to her. She returned the favour by playing a few songs on the school piano. It was clear from her performance in the Glassworks who was in charge too. Accompanied only by a guitarist, keyboard player, six inch heels and a dress decorated with plated sacred hearts, Marina stalked the stage like a sultry Spanish diva devilishly acting out the song lyrics and showing how to own a crowd and a TV show. All eyes were on her for the duration of songs like 'I Am Not A Robot', 'Bubblegum Bitch', 'Hollywood', 'Starring Role', 'How To Be A Heartbreaker' and of course her big hit 'Primadonna'. At only 11pm, there was still plenty of time to check out some impressive musical talent on the local Music Trail including Limerick anthemic indie band Drea in Tinney's, the gruff and rooty Rufus Coates & The Blackened Trees along with electronic whizz Ryan Vail in Mason's. Music non stop, just how it should be. [gallery columns="2"]