Day 9 on the Essential Advent Calendar sees us opening on ‘Give Anything’, by Irish band, Great White Lies. Not specifically a Christmas song, it’s nonetheless a song about hope, so quite fitting for our calendar.
We introduced you to Great White Lies a few days ago, in our interview with founder Siobhán Shiels. Based in Inishowen, County Donegal, Great White Lies is spearheaded by Siobhán, who also founded the Inishowen Gospel Choir. The band also features Neil Burns on keys, Sally Lafferty vocals, Ruth McCartney vocals and ukulele, Peter Doherty on Double Bass and Gary Raymond on drums.
‘Give Anything’ is a song of hope – the interplay between the strings and the vocals is almost hypnotic. It’s hard to describe their style: Great White Lies describe themselves as “infectious and innovative experimental pop”, while Siobhán Shiels’ lyrics are a,
“journey through her often surreal, psychological landscape where Regina Spektor meets Amy Winehouse for a cuppa after a dinner with Frank Zappa. Great White Lies can uplift and soothe your soul all in one sitting.” Perhaps that’s selling themselves a bit short – Great White Lies are more than that, they’re professional, polished, and have cultivated a sound of their own.
‘Give Anything’ is available from their Bandcamp store, and you can find Great White Lies online on Twitter, Facebook, Soundcloud, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube, and their website. If you’ve not read it already, check out our interview with Siobhán Shiels.
