Kingfishr immortalise their performance at a legendary Irish venue with their new album Live In Dublin.
By Graeme Smith
Kingfishr are an Irish indie folk band consisting of Eddie on vocals and guitar, McGoo on banjo, and Fitz on bass.
Their soon to be released new album Live From Dublin was recorded at their sold-out show at The Olympia Theatre on 21 March this year. A prestigious venue in Ireland, the trio always dreamt of playing there, so it was only fitting they immortalised the moment.
Opening ethereally with Heart In The Water, plucked banjo is paired with echoing guitar to build atmosphere before rousing drums and bass come in. Things come to a head before expressive vocals take centre stage. Each word of the first verse is sung back by the crowd and it’s easy to imagine yourself there. I got chills.
Headlands ups the tempo with a moment that’s easy to dance to before Shadow keeps the vibe going with a cantering, cathartic follow-up. Leave slows things down with some acoustic intimacy that ends big. Afterglow then rounds off the early listening in soulful fashion.
Shot In The Dark sits at the heart of the performance, vibrant with harmonica-led Americana and powerful, poetic lyrics. It certainly proved to be a crowd favourite.
Like all good gigs, the show ends strong. Vancouver and Eyes Don’t Lie are anthemic and singalong. Anyway has a soaring rock edge and heart-breaking lyrics. Flowers Fire gives us a gentle, slow-burning number before Caroline closes things in bright, storytelling style.
Kingfishr are playing a series of festivals this summer, including locally at Leeds Festival. They’ll also set off on tour later in the year, with Yorkshire stops at Sheffield and Leeds. You can get your tickets here.
Live From Dublin is out this Friday 19 July 2024, available to buy on signed CD and vinyl. Pre-save the album before 17 July and be in with a chance of attending an online pre-release listening party.