The Blizzards

Irish five-piece the Blizzards draw their primary inspiration from second-wave ska, classic pop, and new wave, positioning themselves in the elusive space that lies between Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, and Lily Allen. Their sound pairs frank, occasionally explicit lyrics with brisk rhythms and bright, unadorned pop melodies. Frontman and guitarist Niall Breslin abandoned a promising professional rugby path to chase commercial success alongside the indie-rock group he assembled with three schoolmates—drummer Declan Murphy, bassist Anthony Doran, and keyboardist Aidan Lynch. The decisive turning point for the Mullingar outfit arrived with the arrival of London-born guitarist Justin Ryan, whose introduction of 2 Tone ska became a signature element of their identity.

The band issued their first single, “The First Girl to Leave Town,” in Ireland in April 2005. Although it fell just short of the Top Ten, the track ranked as the year’s top-selling independent release. Momentum increased after they secured a deal with Universal Records Ireland at the start of 2006. Three more Top 40 singles followed, among them the Top Ten entry “Miss Fantasia Preaches,” ahead of the October release of their debut album, A Public Display of Affection. Produced by veteran U.S. studio figure Michael Beinhorn (Korn, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden), the record reached number four on the album chart and surfaced in the U.K. early the following year. As of August 2007 the group was preparing its second Universal Ireland album, slated for a tentative first-quarter 2008 launch.