BANTRY, CO. CORK

2010 - 2013

OVERVIEW The Calvinists were an alternative folk band from Bantry in West Cork. The group was formed in 2010 and chose their name as an ironic acknowledgement of Calvin's disdainof music in an entertainment sense. The original lineup of the band featured Noel Maguire [Vocals & Guitar], Taidhg Burke Neff [Bass Guitar, Vocals & Percussion], Frank Wieler [Guitar, Vocals, Mandolin, Melodica & Yueqin] and Darragh Coakley [Drums, Cajón, Vocals & Percussion]. Noel had previously performed with Mannikin as well as a stint as a solo artist. The band's sound has been described as alternative, gypsy, indie folk and has drawn comparisons to the likes of The Lumineers and Mumord & Sons. The band received a leg up early its career when, by chance, New York Times journalist, Matt Gross, came across the band performing at The Schooner Bar in Bantry. He went on to enthuse that "...the Calvinists were awesome: straight-up rock with a country accent, courtesy of the banjoist Taidhg Burke*, and the range to cover both Johnny Cash and Gorillaz, thanks to Noel Maguire’s effortless voice.“They’re the next U2!” shouted the older gent next to me...And I believed him; the whole room hummed with enthusiasm and pride. I was part of something. Maybe this was a moment that, years from now, I’d remember as a big one..." 2011 was an important year for the group. Released in December, 'Durango' was The Calvinist's debut EP. The collection featured 5 tracks in total including 'Jump Into My Arms', 'Rattlin' Bones', 'Memphis Belle', 'Anchor' and 'Any Other Way'. The band started to garner good radio coverage with tracks such as 'Memphis Belle' and 'Anchor' receiving regular airplay. In 2012, original member, Noel left the group and was replaced by Marc de Zoeten. Marc had previously played with The Sneakies. Later that year, The Calvinists reached the Regional South Final of the 'Guinness Arthur's Day ::: Play On The Day' competition. The band duly won the regional final and went on to perform at the Grand Final in Whelan's in Dublin. While In Their Thousands won the final, each finalist was rewarded by being featured on a flip cover of Hot Press magazine. With the band's stock on the rise, the quartet retired to the studio in July 2013. By the end of the month the band had laid down the tracks for what would become its debut album. The band intended to finish the record over the Autumn. However, tragedy struck. Taidhg was a passenger in a car accident on 20th October. He was seriously hurt and died two days later from his injuries. While Taidhg's death, effectively, brought an end to the group, the remaining members launched a FundIt campaign to raise funds to release the album. The record, 'King Of Lies' was released in May 2014. [IMcM] 2010 - Band formed 2011 - Release of 'Durango' EP [10 December] 2012 - Noel leaves the band and is replaced by Marc de Zoeten - The Calvinists reach the Regional Final, South of the 'Guinness Arthur's Day ::: Play On The Day' competition. The Grand Final took place in Cyprus Avenue in Cork [08 November] - The Calvinists reach the final four of the 'Guinness Arthur's Day ::: Play On The Day' competition. The Grand Final took place in Whelan's in Dublin [21 November] 2013 - Tragically, Taidhg died from injuries suffered in a car crash on the morning of 20 October. [22 October] 2014 - Release of 'King Of Lies' album [22 May]