It was just after the release of their debut EP “Nothing But Trouble” that I first heard Ballyliffen rock band The Plea.
It was on a site popular in those days called Myspace.
Truth is, I came across their profile while searching for something else.  I don’t even remember what it was I was looking for, but to this day I remember the first time I heard The Plea.  Immediately i was drawn in by the power and emotion.  The song structures were immense and the combination of influences was refreshing.  I messaged their manager to say how great they were (he already knew), raved about them to all my friends, and even started an American fan club in their honor on Facebook.

May 2012 saw the release of their debut full length album on Planet Function Records called “The Dreamers Stadium”.  Produced by Chris Potter (The Verve’s Urban Hymns, The Rolling Stones, U2), and album art by legendary artist Storm Thorgerson (Pink Floyd, 10cc, Led Zeppelin, Muse) the album is just as brilliant as I knew it was going to be.  Epic, powerhouse, anthems (Oh Ah Yay, Staggers Anthem, and I Am The Miracle) along side beautiful, haunting songs (Windchime, Too Young To Die).  They seep into your bloodstream and nestle into your psyche without you even being fully aware of it.  The melodies seem familiar yet brand new at the same time.  I read somewhere that one listener was humming the songs hours after listening to them.  It’s true.  That actually happens.

The Dreamers Stadium is a welcomed release by rock fans wanting more guts, musicianship, and drive in their music, and less of that over-produced, cookie cutter sound prevalent on rock radio lately.  It is destined to influence many upcoming musicians, and will be a future high ranking album on “Top 100″ lists  around the world.

It’s been a long and sometimes disappointing road for the brothers Denis and Dermot Doherty.  One that’s been well documented.  But, with bassist Paul Toland, and drummer Gerry Strawbridge completing the band, a new era begins.  The era of The Plea.  Mass audiences, global recognition,  and limitless fame.  Do they deserve it?  You bet they do.  This is a band that put in their time and never strayed from their goal.  The outstanding collection of songs known as The Dreamers Stadium is proof of that.

It’s been great to follow The Plea’s progress from that first time I heard them on Myspace, a working band paying their dues, to a band poised for stardom.  They should be proud, and I congratulate them.  Now, if they would just tour N. America!

Be sure to download your copy of The Dreamers Stadium at i-tunes or Amazon.
The Plea on Reverbnation
The Plea on Facebook.
band photo: Jill Furmanovsky