While Wexford town was undergoing its final transformations into Fleadh Ceoil HQ, the Breakwater Festival welcomed in crowds for the first of eight nights of live music on the banks of the River Slaney.
Amble, who have seen a whirlwind rise in popularity in the last year, were supported on the night by Seamus Harty and David Keenan.
We all know Kerry won the All Ireland last week but did anyone realise that as well as great football success the Kingdom has produced what could be Ireland’s next started. Seamus Harty who could almost be described as the Kingdom’s own George Ezra, opened Thursday’s show with great energy and stunning vocals which he accompanied effortlessly on his acoustic guitar. Had you been at the bar, in full conversation mode you’d have found yourself twisting around in intrigue as soon as this man opened his mouth. Harty’s set was dominated by original music, most notably his latest release ‘The Butterfly House’. Harty did a great job of warming up the crowd, that was continuously filing into the tent, full of banter, chatting with the crowd in between songs and getting great interaction from the fans at the barrier who sang along with him throughout his set. A great voice, great charisma and definitely a bright future ahead of him.
David Keenan was next on the docket and was a commanding yet understated performer. Armed with an electric guitar and excellent stage presence, his performance was engaging and similar to Harty, was a great demonstration of the vocal and lyrical strength of this generation of Irish artists. Keenan remarked how he was a fan of Amble himself and it was clear to see the influence. This new era of Irish musicianship focuses in on pure musicality and expressive lyrics, and it was evident how Keenan and Harty have leaned into this model, which has gathered momentum overnight in mainstream media catapulting other artists like Amble and Kingfishr to enormous heights.
Amble came onstage just before nine to a tent which had filled almost to the brim. Their entrance was understated and simple with each member waving with a big grin to the cheering audience. There was really an air of appreciation coming from this group as multiple acknowledgements of thanks to the support they had received thus far in their careers was said in the interludes between most of the songs. What came as a surprise to me was that this band were relatively new, having only formed in 2022. Given the level of support online, the crowds gathered in this tent and the multiple appearances across some of Ireland’s biggest stages their success is nothing short of groundbreaking. Frontman Robbie Cunningham joked how they all quit their day jobs in 2024 to pursue music full time and they still were amazed and gratetul for all the support sent their way. Having watched this show, their popularity is completely deserved and I look forward to catching them again. They put on a whopper of a show!
Seamus Harty photos:
David Keenan photos:
Amble photos:
Photos & Words – Lisa Hamilton @lisahamiltonphotography