Energy Orchard
This pop rock sextet come from Belfast, Northern Ireland and are built around the nucleus of singer Bap Kennedy and guitarist Paul Toner. Snapped up by MCA their first single was titled after their hometown, ironically after relocating to London. It dented the UK Top 70, paving the way for follow-ups Sailortown and Lace Virginia. After running the gauntlet of comparisons to U2 which face most rock bands from Ireland, the reaction of the mainstream UK press hardened. Bombast and over-production somewhat neutered their debut album and the band look set to find a more natural market in the US.