The Lions Mane debut album ‘Strands’ (Want a free copy?)

Firstly, let me make my affiliations clear; it eliminates (or backs up) the questions of biase involved in the following blog.

I’ve known Alan Dawson for about 14 years; during that time we’ve worked together on countless projects and will hopefully work on countless more. He’s one of my best friends, we’re housemates and although these could be the questionable points when I talk about ‘Strands‘, the debut album from progressive grunge experiment the Lions Mane, I’m hoping that anything I do say will be taken from this point of view; I’m not doing this because he’s my friend but I’ll be damned if I’m not supposed to talk about something this good just because friendship is involved!?

This post is more of a shout out to somebody whom I greatly admire as a musician, in the hopes that I can help spread his music to anybody willing to listen; because in my opinion it deserves to get heard. He doesn’t need me to sell his album, his music speaks quite clearly for itself. But I do feel privileged to have witnessed his progress this far as a musician, to the extent that I have to talk about it.

Over the course of our friendship I’ve watched Daw grow and develop as a musician; from the early days of fondly remembered GIGOTOS to playing in pub cover bands. He brought the heavy reggae influence to musical collaboration the Happy Medium and if anybody remembers correctly Itchy Trigger Finger were a pop rock band before he joined. His contribution led to their development towards a progressive sound.

Through the years I’ve watched in awe; as he played numerous instruments from guitar to drums. He immersed himself in every aspect of music making from being a live engineer to being a producer. He has had a huge input into the music scene in Kilkenny. And with each musical endeavor he brought something of his own into the equation. Most bands have a short life span, especially when you’re young; bands are thrown together based on friendships or image. They fall apart or just go nowhere because there was never anything there musically in the first place. Even if musical ability is there then influences change, priorities change and let’s face it some people are just assholes!?

But without going off on one, the point I’m trying to make is that some people will continue to get better despite the small town mentality that plagues music scenes, the backstabbing, the bitching and the unnecessary drama, the “he said, she said” lack of communication. I’ve witnessed all these factors through each of Daw’s musical adventures and I couldn’t help feel like all this bullshit did nothing but hold him back. He’s never been into “the scene to be seen” mentality and I can quote him warmly with “I just want to play some fucking good music!”.

So it was no surprise to me, back in early 2008, when he set up The Lions Mane Myspace account with the intention of releasing his music anonoymously; eliminating the importance of who was in the band or what they looked like, making “music for music’s sake”. He wrote the music, he played all the instruments, he did the recording and the mixing, and the result caught peoples attention. Demand for gigs led to several successful live performances in Kilkenny and Dublin in 2008, with Daw on vocals and guitar accompanied by various line-ups of musicians; each from other Kilkenny bands (Pigeon Hole, Chemical Addiction, South).

Following the gigs, he went in to the studio once again, to record additional tracks for the album, this time accompanied by drummer James O’Brien. A permanent fixture for live performances, the young percussionist quickly became an integral part of The Lions Mane, reinforcing the experimental concept with an innovative style.

‘Strands’ was due for release late last year but did not come into fruition, due to close scrutiny in the mixing stages. For the past few months, it was a common sight in our sitting room to see Daw, surrounded by empty coffee mugs, working on new mixes, constantly tweaking the sounds or unhappy with the result to the extent that he would re-record elements until everything was right.

After months of development; I’m delighted to say ‘Strands’ is finally available to buy online, exclusively through The Lions Mane’ official website www.iamthelionsmane.com. And I have no quams in saying that it’s a debut offering that he should be damn proud of. With the anonomyity of the project well and truly a thing of the past, he would still rather remain in the shadow of the music. But I feel I have to point him out because I think ‘Strands’ is a testament to his struggles and that his abilities and talent have well and truly prevailed.

Drawing influences from a wide range of genres; stemming from the progressive sounds of 70’s bands like Yes and King Crimson to the roots reggae style of Steel Pulse, whilst combining the raw grunge of 90’s Seattle bands, Alice In Chains and Soundgarden, with the modern day sounds of The Mars Volta and Tool. The Lions Mane debut album ‘Strands’ has it’s own style of melodic riffs interwoven with chunky guitars, layered vocals and strong rhythmic patterns.

I’ve waited a long time for him to make this album and it doesn’t disappoint, kudos to you dude. Long may the Lion roar!

I’m giving away two free downloads of ‘Strands’ so if you want to be in with a chance to win then just answer the following question: Name all five original members of GIGOTOS?

If you think you know the answer then just leave a comment on this post. The first two correct comments will win a free download of the album.