Energy Orchard

This pop rock sextet came from Belfast, Northern Ireland and were built around the nucleus of singer Bap Kennedy (b. Martin Kennedy, 17 June 1962, Belfast, Northern Ireland) and guitarist Paul Toner. Snapped up by MCA in 1990 their first single was titled after their home-town, ironically after relocating to London. It dented the UK Top 70, paving the way for follow-ups ‘Sailortown’ and ‘Lace Virginia’. After running the gauntlet of comparisons to U2 that face most rock bands from Ireland, the reaction of the mainstream UK press hardened. Bombast and over-production somewhat neutered their debut album and the band’s subsequent releases ploughed a similar path. They disbanded in 1996, their final release being a credible live album. Kennedy later embarked on an acclaimed solo career, debuting with the Steve Earle -produced Domestic Blues in 1999.