Is it possible to have a style crush on a man? I mean you can appreciate, admire and respect the sartorial choices of a man, but can you actually covet his wardrobe? Can you dream of breaking into his home and stealing his jewellery? Of knocking him out and whipping the coat off his back? Generally no; but by god, James O’ Neill from Bitches with Wolves gives me criminal urges like no other man. Bitches with Wolves bring their first live show of 2011 to Whelan’s on Thursday. For any of you unfamiliar with the Bitches, hop on that aul My Space thing and give them a listen. Sleazy, sexy, witty, poppy, electric, rousing dance-floor fillers. I beseech you to listen to Broken Hearts and not start bopping your head and mouthing along (I only lip sync – this Mc Ginn sister was not blessed with a soothing, pleasing musical timbre. Sometimes I even hurt my own ears).
The Bitches encapsulate the zeitgeist of a newly emerging Irish style and sound that is ballsy, media-savvy and fizzing with energy. O’Neill is the charismatic lead singer and electrifies the stage with his edgy fashion and magnetic personality. The fashion – OH THE FASHION. O’Neill works a sequin likes nobody’s business. Sparkly hotpants, harlequin neck collars, bum bags, leather cycling shorts, peaked shoulders – the guy just keeps giving and giving. I spotted the man himself at an event once with an Ashish studded hoodie and Jeremy Scott for Adidas runners…a style crush was born.
Bitches with Wolves have created a loyal cult of followers to rival any emerging ‘big city’ act and the fans are composed of art-school misanthropes, club kids and Renaissance DIYers. This guarantees off-the-wall sartorial experimentation and dress-up. Not everyone’s cup of tea for certain, but a great opportunity for people watching and fashion inspiration. Get thee down to Whelan’s on Thursday night for an inter-galactic, orgasmic fashion experience. And if he throws any clobber into the audience, be a pet and grab if for me would you? I’ll gladly take it; stage-sweat and all.
