Photos: Ross Costigan

Formed as an online experiment for multi-instrumentalist Alan Dawson, The Lions Mane quickly built up a following through songs uploaded on MySpace.

The online support led to several successful live performances in Kilkenny and Dublin in 2008, with Dawson on vocals and guitar, accompanied by musicians from other popular Kilkenny bands.

Following the gigs and accompanied by drummer James O’Brien from the live performances, recording of the album continued.

The advent of MySpace and such sites, offers the opportunity for a project like The Lions Mane to flourish. The site allows an experimental projects such as this to reach a worldwide audience and receive instant feedback. In fact the experimental nature meant Dawson could take his time to make sure the sound was the way he envisaged and he re-recorded some of the older tracks when it came to releasing the album.

Taking influences from progressive 70's rock bands like Yes, to the roots reggae of Steel Pulse, through early 90's grunge and modern sounds of the likes of Tool, The Lions Mane sound is described as melodic riffs interwoven with chunky guitars, layered vocals and strong rhythmic patterns.

As an engineer for online music community Kilkennymusic.com, the production talent shines through on Strands. The Lions Mane sound invokes memories of staying up late watching Headbangers Ball on MTV back when MTV used to play music and Pearl Jam and Nirvana won MTV awards. The tracks and in particular the vocals, could sit in right beside the likes of Layne Staley and Chris Cornell.

Download Strands: www.iamthelionsmane.com

Check it: www.myspace.com/iamthelionsmane