Whelan’s,Dublin, Ireland
Great venue, definitely a musicians paradise. The night opened to an amazing acoustic set from an up and coming talent from Cork City in the form of James Keegan, without his full band (that includes an accordion player), who burst onto the streaming platforms just over a year ago playing tracks like “Take Me Home”; played tonight with great audience participation and “Love Grows Easy” (being the latest that reached number 1 on the Irish i-Tunes download chart), with an acoustic Folk/Pop fusion – with his soulful melodies and storytelling captivated the audience tonight, most definitely one to keep an ear on ..
But Cry Before Dawn, from the opening song (from the second album Witness For The World) Victorians; the roof was raised in this packed venue. The sound of the band is still electricifying. The amazing melodies with traditional Irish add-ins, even a wee ditty song called the “Croppy Boy”; their music is proving to still be as fresh sounding and relevant today. Tonight they gave an incredible performance, they delivered their songs with as much passion and meaning now as back when they started. Tonight they were very well received – just like the very first time I saw these lads from Wexford play live in the UK in the late Eighties (alongside Big Country) .
From the magic fingers of guitarist Tony Hall; the amazing rhythm from bassist Vinnie Doyle, the heavenly sounding vocals and traditional whistles and Irish Uilean (elbow) pipes of Brendan Wade, aided by the keyboard maestro Terry Bryne and the man keeping the beat Brendan Carthy – standing in for an unavailable Pat Hayes, they played old and new (with the promise of a new album to follow shortly). From the 2013 single “Is This What You Waited For” to the classics “Gone Forever” and “Seed That’s Been Sown” (which was sung loudly and with gusto from the crowd in yet another of their the sold out shows) to the amazing “All Breaks Down” (penned by Pat Hayes), a night to remember.. and with another night announced today they are back here on October 26th 2024 and along with the rest of the dates of the 2024 Tour, catch them if you can before even more shows sell out – they are not to be missed! And it’s not just for the old fans reminiscing…they are making new fans along the way.
Set List
Cry Before Dawn
Victorians
Seed That’s Been Sown
Yesterday’s Girl
No Living Without You
All Breaks Down
Girl In The Ghetto
Only Want You For Your Soul
Last of the Sun
Nobody Knows
Always To Win
Precious Land
White Strand
Stateside Europe
Flags
Gone Forever
Witness For The World
Encore
Seed That’s Been Sown
Links
https://www.crybeforedawn.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/jameskeeganmusic
Article By Guest Reviewrer Cris Turnstill.
