Having been pivotal in bringing to prominence the likes of My Bloody Valentine, Primal Scream and Oasis, it’s fair to say that Creation Records founder Alan McGee has a nose for up-and-coming guitar bands. The Clockworks first came to his attention in 2019 when guitarist Sean Connelly messaged him on Instagram, saying: “McGee: We’re the punk rock version of the Streets.” McGee was impressed enough by a demo to go and see one of their rehearsals at home in Galway, at which frontman James McGregor performed with such intensity that he broke his mic stand. McGee felt it was the best rehearsal he’d seen since early Oasis, and signed them that night.
The Irish four-piece have since relocated to London, and Feels So Real, their new single, is a love song to the city that finds them broadening their post-punk palette, inviting comparisons with compatriots Fontaines DC and the Murder Capital. “London feels like our second home,” says McGregor. “I think the last two years have made us feel like this is where we’ve needed to be as a band. Like we belong here.”
McGee believes they will be massive: “They’re great live and have the songs to make them big. Now the major labels are circling. I can’t see them failing.”
Feels So Real is out now on It’s Creation Baby
