Chea McArdle
Hi my name is Chea and I dove into the world of band photography midway through 2023. I was really involved in the amazing music scene at uni in Falmouth, making friends with lots of super talented people. After uni I really wanted to explore the vibrant music scene within Belfast and used this creative drive to begin my exploration into the local scene and further my photography.
Im hoping to continue my photography journey further and capture many more great moments with many wonderful people!
Post-punk band M(h)aol took to BlackBox to show Belfast their new album ‘Something Soft’ with a confrontational but vulnerable set
Dawning the stage at BlackBox as a part of their Irish tour alongside JunkDrawer and Cola, M(h)aol brought their intimate yet uncompromising post-punk soundscape to the forefront. The band marked their presence by immersing the room with visceral discordant textures, heavy drones and jagged riffs mixed in with the raw, despondent vocal stylings of lead singer Constance Keane.
A standout track on the set was ‘Snare’ a song from their recently released second full-length album ‘Something Soft’, the song really showcased the band’s ability to be both confrontational and vulnerable. Their set flew by with a quick succession of their fast paced tracks mingled in with their sharp, often witty banter. M(h)aol gripped the audience’s attention upon the laden stage in Belfast and nearing the end of their set I overheard an audience member murmur – “Now they’re something special”, a gratifying final sentiment and a promising one at that, as they continue their tour across Ireland.
Read our interview with M(h)aol here.
