The boutique record label Blowtorch Records, based in Galway, Ireland, put on its first showcase festival in the city’s Róisín Dubh on 1 May 2025. Cheekily titled West v Sound West (WxSW) they had eight bands and a DJ set split between the two rooms in the venue. The event was put together alongside Old Crow Promotions and A Modern Movement and the three organisations pooled their resources and expertise to create a night to remember in the West of Ireland.
The event saw attendees travel from Ireland and beyond. Carrie Snow had travelled from Stone in Staffordshire where she presents a weekly two hour show on 6 Towns Radio (6TR Indie Show) based in Stoke on Trent which goes out on DAB in the Stoke area on Wednesday evenings and online elsewhere. The aim of the show is to share new music from punk, post punk, alternative rock and indie folk artists. When asked why she had travelled to Galway for WxSW she explained:
“I first became aware of Blowtorch Records in around 2022/23 when they put out the Nixer EP ‘People Feel’ and the Adore 7” ‘Stay Free Old Strangers/Postcards’ and discovered that the label were supporting and promoting punk, post punk and shoegaze Irish bands. I love the support being given to the bands by the label and the chance to be able to see so many bands from their roster in one evening was one I couldn’t pass by.
A couple of last minute cancellations saw Galway bands Echo Chamber and Bees & Sawdust step in at the last minute, and it’s a credit to the music scene in the city, and the organisers that both bands were a seamless addition to the line-up.
Echo Chamber opened proceedings in the upstairs room with a cover of Wunderhorse’s ‘Leader of the Pack’ before continuing with their own music. The indie rockers had just a few hours notice before playing and yet there was no evidence of this, with a tight cohesive set and an obvious joy for what they do. Next onstage were Dublin’s iNNUENDO in the main room downstairs, and this is how the day progressed with performances alternating between the upstairs and downstairs rooms with no clashes. The art rock band blend contrasting influences, with the aim of creating the kind of music they want to hear. It was becoming clear that every band was going to thoroughly enjoy being part of this showcase.
Back upstairs for The Savage Hearts who formed in 2022 by Evan Walsh, former member of Irish rock ’n’roll band The Strypes, who toured the world both as a support act for Arctic Monkeys, Liam Gallagher & Blur and playing their own headline tours. The quartet based in Cavan included the tenor saxophone of Eugenio Collinassi which added extra spice to the rock n’ roll shenanighans of The Savage Hearts, at one point playing keyboards at the same time! The main room again for the second last minute call up, Galway’s Bees & Sawdust. As with any music showcase event discovering new music is thrilling. So far every band was new to this attendee and none disappointed. Bees & Sawdust describe themselves as “Brash. Loud. Unapologetic.” and I would have to agree. A headline show in Whelans, Dublin at the end of May further confirms their credentials.
Upstairs again for Sligo’s Some Remain. Leaning into the raw energy of punk this was an utter blast of a set. The quartet make the best sort of racket and the crowd had now been warmed up nicely and was ready to let loose. Lead singer and guitarist Jamie Conway ventured into the crowd, and they went down an absolute storm. In the main room Nerves carried on with the energy but at a different tangent, which is hard to define but impossible to ignore. This is noise punk from County Mayo and Wicklow and Nerves are already beginning to generate a stir. Latest single ‘Dirty Fingers’ is the sound of a band well into their stride. Wowing crowds in Europe at festivals such as Rotterdam’s Left of the Dial, the four-piece led by Kyle Thornton are utterly exhilarating live, and tonight was no exception. Exhilarating.
Upstairs the trio Adore, hailing from Galway and Dublin, are perhaps the best example from tonight’s showcase of just how important labels such as Blowtorch Records are, particularly for bands at the start of their career. They released debut single ‘Postcards’ on the label in June 2023, and on the day of this showcase announced they were in the process of signing to Big Scary Monsters. Adore have already supported Sprints and Chalk and to see them play in such an intimate space felt very special. This is garage punk, full of bone-rattling energy which shakes the whole room. One further admission. Bassist Lachlann beat this reviewer at Connect 4 while playing their set. No further comment!
Virgins from Belfast closed out the night in the main room downstairs. The shoegaze outfit creates an ethereal soundscape which envelopes the room and everyone in it. It is captivating, weaving its spell but with a depth in the guitars to accompany the vocals of Rebecca Dow. It rounded off an evening of live music where all eight bands provided performances enjoyed by the crowd.
Richard Burke runs Blowtorch Records and we simply had to find out more about how WxSW came to fruition.
How did you come up with the idea of putting on a showcase for Blowtorch Records?
It was really John O’Connor (promoter – A Modern Movement) and Michael Smyth (Virgins and also a promoter with Old Crows Promotions) who came up with the idea. The way they pitched it to me was irresistible really – a celebration of Blowtorch Records. It was also going to be Virgins first Galway gig. This was in June/July 2024 – that’s how long it’s been in planning.
What was the biggest challenge of putting it together?
While we were doing it there were the usual hassles which are part of any live event. Looking back now I think the hardest part is keeping a sense of perspective. For us it’s the biggest thing and can become an obsession! For most people it’s just another gig so you have to maintain a sense of perspective
And perhaps the most important questions. Did you enjoy the night, and will there be an event next year?
Yes, loved the night and more importantly so did the bands and crowd. And also it’s a gorgeous thing to reflect on afterwards. As to next year – we’ll see!
Every single band playing gave a shout out to Blowtorch Records. The impact the label has had on these musicians is extraordinary, with most having a tangible item of recorded music which of course meant the world. Richard changed his t-shirt between each set, supporting as many bands as possible on the night! The whole event ran seamlessly, with no technical problems (that the attendees could see!). The night finished with a DJ set by Rob Smith of The Swedish Railway Orchestra and the dancefloor was soon full of revellers ready to continue the night.
WxSW was indeed a celebration of a boutique label based in Galway who is doing so much for the artists in the West of Ireland and beyond. For example, Richard worked with Jagged Baptist Club from Los Angeles before they partnered with Nice Swan Records to release their first album since 2021. He has produced a compilation of the bands who were originally scheduled for the showcase. A Right Release is available to purchase now via the website on various formats.
So only one final thought. WxSW – a showcase for Blowtorch Records, will we see it return next year? Fingers-crossed.
Photos credit: Julia Mason
For more information on Blowtorch Records including details on the artists and the compilation album please check the website, facebook and instagram.
