CLARE | DUBLIN | WALES | WATERFORD

2004 -

OVERVIEW The Spikes was a Dublin based rock band active for about 10 years - from 2004 to 2013/4. The group was formed by Tom Dunne [Vocals], Gareth Lewis [Guitar] and Peter Redmond [Bass Guitar]. The band tried for some time to get the right drummer but with little success. Enter Waterford man, Aaron Mulhall to fill that vacancy. With a full team in place the band set about conquering the rock world. It was 2006 when the band exploded on to the local Irish music scene. The quartet released its debut single, 'Monster' in July. Much of the remainder of the Summer months was spent performing and playing the festivals circuit. Indeed, The Spikes played both the 'Le Cheile' and 'Castlepalooza' festivals that year. By Novemeber, the band had readied its second single release. 'In Love No More' was released on 03 November and showed the band in fine fettle. 2007 saw the band continue with the momentum which had been built the previous year. In March, a thrid single, 'Ninja Girlfriend' was released. The band also recorded 'Fear Seó' for the 'Ceol 07' compilation. The Ceol series of compilations saw bands re-record their own songs in Irish to help promote the language. 'Fear Seó' is a re-recording of 'Showman' which was the B-Side of the 'Monster' single. In 2008, the band was reading the release of its debut album. In spite of this, the band found time to release a further single, 'Hypnotised'. In the following February, the aforementioned debut album was released. Entitled 'Urges & Purges', the album included the singles 'Monster', 'In Love No More' and 'Hypnotised' as 9 other tracks. In a rich vein of creative form, the band followed up quickly with an EP of new material. Released in August, the 3-track collection included 'Chain Me', 'Betty Ford' and 'Super Modern Queen'. 2011 saw the band continue its relationship with the Irish language. They re-recorded 'Painted In Gold' ['Clúdaithe In Ór'] for the 'Album Rí Rá' compilation. It was a further two years before the band's next album. By this time the band's lineup had evolved. Band founding members Tom Dunne, Gareth Lewis and Peter Redmond were still in place. The remainder of the group included Dave Lawless [Drums] and Paul Hogan [Guitar]. Keith Lawless was enlisted to produce the album. Keith spent part of his earlier career playing keyboards with Juno Falls and he lends his skills to this record. Keith has since joined the group. In early 2013, the band released a couple of teaser singles ['Specialist' and 'Move To Mars'] in the build up to the release of the group's new album. 'Joyous' was released in April. 2006 - Release of 'Monster' single [07 July] - The Spikes perform at the 'Le Cheile Festival' in Oldcastle, Co. Meath [03 August] - The Spikes perform at the 'Castlepalooza' at Charleville Castle, Tullamore, Co. Offaly [06 August] - Release of 'In Love No More' single [03 November] 2007 - Release of 'Ninja Girlfriend' single [23 March] - The Spikes record 'Fear Seó', an Irish recording of 'Showman' for the 'Ceol 07' compilation 2008 - Release of 'Hypnotised' single [March] 2009 - The Spikes contribute the track 'Painted In Gold'to the 'Dublins Unsigned' compilation - Release of 'Urges & Purges' album [20 February] - Release of 'We Are' EP [21 August] 2011 - The Spikes record 'Clúdaithe In Ór', an Irish recording of 'Painted In Gold' for the 'Album Rí Rá' compilation 2013 - Release of 'Specialist' single [11 February] - Release of 'Move To Mars' single [29 March] - Release of 'Joyful' album [26 April]