‘Two by Two’ by The Hard Ground – Review

After delivering their second album Triptych in three instalments, fitting given the title, Cork four-piece The Hard Ground have released their new single ‘Two by Two’ with an accompanying video from acclaimed theatre director Pat Kiernan. The track is one of the highlights from the album and Kiernan, best known for directing productions such as Disco Pigs with Corcadorca Theatre Company, has crafted a video which is equal parts fun and surreal.

Goldfish, boiler suits and a host of extras feature prominently alongside the band as Kiernan reflects the layered, dynamic nature of the music through the use of clever editing techniques and some surreal yet sweet-natured images. Both visually and sonically, Marlene Enright’s lead vocal acts as something of a central thread as the song, and the video, build towards a frantic crescendo, characterised by quick cuts and shimmering slow-motion shots of the band’s spirited performance.

The release of this video comes ahead of a number of live shows the group have scheduled for August and September, including a slot on the Body & Soul Stage at Electric Picnic next month. If the energy on display in ‘Two by Two’ is anything to go by, those heading to Picnic, or any of the other shows, should be in for a treat when The Hard Ground perform.

By Shane Croghan