Kodaline - O2 Apollo, Manchester, 8/12/2017
by Harry Sherriff
published: 23 / 12 / 2017
intro
Harry Sherriff finds Dublin band Kodaline's effortless form of pop surprisingly appealing at the O2 Apollo in Manchester
Kodaline are a guilty pleasure. This was my first thought walking into the sold out Manchester Apollo. Before the gig their Wikipedia page told me they got their break coming runners up in a talent show and their borderline annoyingly catchy tunes regularly soundtrack American film and television. These are components of a band’s rise that can provoke prejudice and I had definitely judged far too soon. The band from Dublin definitely know how to put on a show and I was pleasantly surprised with how many songs I somehow knew, as if I’d heard them in my sleep but clearly this wasn’t the case and I must have heard them on the radio or out shopping. Catchy pop songs are like tha. They find a way for you to hear them. At a certain point they’re inescapable. Kodaline’s singles have this power. Sometimes lead singer Steve Garrison’s showmanship leads much to be desired and at other times, letting the audience repeat back vocals, he skirts close to tribute act at a wedding but he’s an impressive talent. His vocals held up to the record, which is no easy feat considering the high notes in 'High' Hopes. Irish flags were flying in the Apollo and for the devoted it was clearly a memorable night. For the less informed like myself, it was still time very well spent. For a band with only two albums they really know how to write a pop song and I look forward to their next release. Support act Aine Cahill had great, effortless vocals and relaxed in between song banter that started the night off brilliantly. Her track 'Blood Diamonds' felt like an odd, brilliant mash up of Rihanna and Adele. Highlights of the night include 'Brand New Day', 'Love Like This', 'High Hopes' and Cahill’s latest single 'Blood Diamonds'. Photographs by Marie Hazelwood http://mariehazelwood.tumblr.com
Also at Apollo, Manchester
Band Links:-
http://www.kodaline.com/https://www.facebook.com/Kodaline/
https://twitter.com/Kodaline
Picture Gallery:-
reviews |
One Day at a Time (2020) |
Minimalist and balladic fourth album from bestselling folk-influenced Irish rock band Kodaline |
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.Dennis Tufano - Copernicus Center, Chicago, 19/7/2024
Elliott Murphy - Interview
Wreckless Eric - Interview
Adrian Gurvitz - Interview
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #16: Living in the Minds of Strangers
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #17: Tom Robinson
Norman Rodger - Interview
Chris Spedding - Interview
Penumbra - Interview
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPIn Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #5 - ‘We all have good intentions/ But all with strings attached’: Music and Mental Health Part 2
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Allan Clarke - Interview
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Madeline Bell - Interview
Sound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 1
Jimmy Nail - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Groovy Uncle - Making ExcusesBill Wyman - Drive My Car
Hawkestrel - Chaos Rocks
Philip Parfitt - The Dark Light
Deep Purple - =1
Ross Couper Band - The Homeroad
Jules Winchester - The Journey
Popstar - Obscene
John Murry and Michael Timmins - A Little Bit of Grace and Decay
Splashgirl and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe - More Human
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart