County: Cork

Decades Active: 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s

About Paradox

Paradox is an alternative rock/grunge band hailing from Cork, Ireland. Formed in 1996 by brothers Pete and Mike Mac, the band’s early sound was heavily influenced by the 90s grunge era, incorporating vocal harmonies and powerful guitar riffs. After honing their sound on the local music scene and recording a series of demos, Paradox ventured to Los Angeles in 2000, where they secured a deal with an independent label. Their debut album, Circle of Growth, was recorded in just two weeks, with Pete and Mike playing all instruments and producing the album themselves. The release marked the beginning of a long journey of touring and evolving their sound.

Following the departure from their US label, Paradox embraced a DIY approach to their music. In 2003, the band recorded a batch of new material that marked a shift in their musical direction. The track "Lame and Languid" introduced a more melodic side to their sound, and by 2004, they had recorded enough new material to release their sophomore album, Sacred. This album saw a departure from their punk rock and grunge roots, incorporating more melodic and alternative elements. It was a critical success and solidified the band's place in the underground scene.

In 2009, Pete Mac released his first solo album, In Limbo, which he recorded using a 4-track, embracing a more intimate and lo-fi approach. However, by 2010, Pete and Mike regrouped to work on a new Paradox album. The result, Corporate Pollution, was recorded in 2010 and released in 2011. The album continued the band’s evolution, with its politically charged themes and powerful guitar-driven sound. The track "Mr. Bureaucracy" was released as a single, accompanied by a music video that garnered attention at various film festivals. The song "Repress Excess" was also featured in the soundtrack of the Canadian horror film Truth, which screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

By 2014, Paradox returned to the studio to record their fourth album, Chapters, at Wavefield Recording Studios in West Cork. The album marked a new phase for the band, incorporating new sounds and experimental techniques. Chapters featured a range of influences, including the melancholy tones of cello, used on tracks like "Nothing Lasts" and "Eat," a song addressing the treatment of animals in factory farms. Pete Mac recorded the bulk of the album alone, with Mike Mac contributing drums to several tracks. The band’s approach was more experimental than ever before, incorporating noise tracks and spontaneous guitar improvisations to create a raw, live feel. The album, released in January 2015, was described as a new chapter in the band’s history, with many songs reflecting personal moments and experiences in the lives of the band members.

Pete Mac has also branched out from the band as a solo artist and released albums, In Limbo (2009) and Disappear (2020) and Hiber Nation (2024).

Video

Paradox - Mr. Bureaucracy