Get in there a day early – Open Ear jumps the gun on NYE

With much of the summer taken up by blockbuster festivals that simply hoover up all the biggest buzz bands to sell tickets, or a big race to the middle of road, Open Ear is a bit of a palette cleanser.

While you may get sucked into a vortex of nearly 60,000 heads at Electric Picnic, Open Ear, in the stunning surrounds of Sherkin Island off West Cork is a festival that caters for a few hundred discerning and clued-in fans, with a line-up of underground and experimental electronic music and a focus on conservation and unique presentation.

The festival was launched in 2016 with a “one stage one audience” policy with no clashes and an ability to catch up on cutting edge acts.

This year the Open Ear Crew started throwing city parties, with the Ears Open all-day event at A4 studios in Dublin, with a blinding set by Ambulance later at Jigsaw.

The Sound House is the scene of the party tonight, with sets going on from 8pm to late. Acts include Cignol (Live); Eliza; JK Rollin; T-Woc (Live); Vicky Langan; SIAS; Karla Healion; Cathy Flynn and Noid the Droid.