Ireland has given the world a number of legendary rock bands and artists. Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, Van Morrison and of course U2, just to mention a few. Carrying on the tradition, into the new millennium, are a group of up and coming bands, that are destined to write their own chapters in the almighty book of rock. One such band is, THE ANSWER, hailing from Northern Ireland. They are, Cormac Neeson on vocals, Paul Mahon on guitar, Michael Waters on bass and James Heatley on drums. In 2006, the band released their debut, ’Rise’ and it was like setting off a nuclear reaction. The response that their album received from both Europe and the States, was tremendous. So impressive, that the band found themselves opening for such legendary acts like, Aerosmith, Paul Rodgers and The Rolling Stones.
Two days after St. Patrick’s Day, The Answer played their first show in L.A. at Spaceland in Silverlake. The second was at The Viper Room. The band put on two memorable performances that were PURE ELECTRIC, PURE POWER & PURE PASSION. The Spaceland set clocked in a little under an hour, featuring eight songs that literally shook the walls of the venue. The band’s charismatic singer, Cormac Neeson introduced the band "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the show we are The Answer", then proceeded to open their fiery set with "Come Follow Me", it was like a shot of adrenaline that flowed out into the crowd, like whisky running through Irish veins. The next song, "Revolution" was one of three new songs that the band unveiled that night. Just before they ripped into "Under The Sky" , it was introduced as Foot Stompin’ Irish Swamp Rock, and that paints a pretty picture. It is truly a spiritual experience watching this band perform. When the band shot into "Preachin’" it was like a rock and roll revival, with frontman Neeson jumping into the crowd and working his mojo over the masses. Each member played their instruments with a fieriness and unbridled passion. Guitarist Paul Mahon is a guitar god in the making. Think Paul Kossoff meets Brian Robertson with of course his own fire, as he proved on the blistering "Never Too Late". You could almost feel the heat from his Gibson Les Paul Sunburst. The rhythm section of Waters and Heatley are as solid as a rock and work each song like it’s the last they’ll ever play. From start to finish The Answer’s set was a pure adrenaline rush. The lads closed their rocking set with, "Be Want You Want". For those that were there, they witnessed a band that is the epitome of what a rock and roll band should look and sound like. Thank your lucky stars you had the pleasure of seeing them, some of us saw them twice. Spread the word, if there is one band that is a MUST SEE, it is this band. The Answer are well on their way in becoming ROCK LEGENDS!
