On Thursday last, one of Waterford’s finest songwriters of the past decade returned with the maiden single from his new project.
The Janie Mac is Andy Phelan’s latest musical endeavour and, going by their new song, promises to be just as successful as his previous ventures.
Andy made a name for himself in the mid-2010s, when he fronted psychedelic rock and roll outfit Crome Yellow.
Along with Kevin Hartery, yours truly and Sean Kavanagh, Crome Yellow released their debut EP, Yellow Road, in 2017.
When Kavanagh moved to Vietnam, the band recruited Darragh Dwyer (The Muggins, Band of Clouds, Backroad Smokers Club) on drums, and became a popular act on the local music scene.
Their popularity only seemed to ramp up following the release of Yellow Road––the band had somewhat of a cult following that showed up to gigs in both Waterford and Dublin.
Crome Yellow’s debut album, See Why, was released in March 2019––the album’s launch gig took place in a jam-packed Phil Grimes.
The album was received positively, singles such as “Lately”, “Lies” and “Wash Basket Earpiece” have been streamed almost 50 thousand times since, and more importantly, soundtracked many a good night over the years!
The band’s second album, No Friends or Mirrors, was released in November 2020 and once again received rave reviews.
Hotpress Magazine said, “with infectiously catchy melodies and a laidback ambience, Crome Yellow’s noteworthy brand of indie toes the line between 1960s rock influences, 2000s alt-rock and pop funk throughout No Friends or Mirrors.”
Once again, the band fell victim to emigration––at one point, right before the Covid-19 pandemic, all four members were living in different countries.
This, along with Covid restrictions, meant that No Friends or Mirrors never got the launch gig or tour it truly deserved.
However, the band reunited in 2022 for a series of sold out shows in Waterford and Dublin with legendary local bassist Stevie Mahon and their new drummer, Christopher “Git” Sweeney.
After the Crome Yellow reunion, Andy returned to Canada (where he now lives) and started a new band, Highdive, which included Sean Kavanagh on drums.
Highdive are a punkier, grungier sound than Crome and released three singles over the past few years, “Systems Down”, “Big Wigs” and “What’s My Motivation”.
Most recently, Andy’s trademark vocals can be heard on local electronic duo SX2’s singles “Leave Them All Behind” and “Miracle Mayhem”. He even made a guest appearance and performed with SX2 at All Together Now over the summer!
Now though, it feels he is finally back doing what he does best. The Janie Mac’s debut single, “Always Changing”, has all the hallmarks of an Andy Phelan track––infectiously poppy vocals, melodic guitar riffs and a groovy rhythm.
Stevie Mahon lends his distinctive bass-playing prowess to the track, whilst Git Sweeney’s natural feel and steady groove protrudes.
The single’s B-Side, “Blow Your Mind” is a lot more psychedelic sounding than the A-side, and wouldn’t sound of place on an early Tame Impala record!
Not only have The Janie Mac arrived on the scene with a bang, but they have also announced that they will play a show on New Years Eve in Waterford City.
They will perform in Bank Lane on December 31st, accompanied by Locker 43, Washed Out and Lady Troffea. Doors are at 8pm and tickets are now available at www.banklane.ie.
I assure you; this is not one to be missed. In the meantime, get yourself in the mood for New Years Eve by checking out The Janie Mac’s debut single, “Always Changing”, on all major streaming platforms now!
