Since the launch of their debut album ‘Cold Old Fire’ at Dublin’s Button Factory back in May last year the Irish four piece traditional folk music group Lynched have been on something of a roll. With a recent appearance on Later with Jools Holland on BBC2 which you can watch a clip of below they have announced a UK tour in November which includes a performance at London’s King Place as well as performances in Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh and more (dates at end of this post).
Here they are performing Father Had A Knife/ Salonika on Later with Jools:
Whilst described as a traditional folk group their influences are broad – from the traditional folk music to anarcho-punk (Rudimentary Peni got a mention at their album launch). I found it difficult at first to translate into words what it was that made such an impression on me – they perform exceptional four-part harmonies and between them play uilleann pipes, concertina, Russian accordion, fiddle and guitar. Their repertoire covers classic ballads from the Traveller tradition through to their own original material. So far, nothing too out of the ordinary…
Maybe it’s a combination of factors – whilst punk and folk are by no means new bedfellows it doesn’t feel like they arrived with an imprint from those that have come before. Whilst they nod in respect to the players that took Irish music and shook it up a bit they also bring their own twist. Together, all four have an edge, one that is steeped in a fiery passion, both for the music, the song and the folklore.
They have an empathy, an understanding of the songs that really comes across in their delivery: musically and vocally they have a raw appeal. They are by no means your typical traditional Irish band, whilst they play traditional tunes they also cleverly build atmosphere that heightens each performance and places you on the edge of your seat. This is music that transports you to Irelands distant past and has a strong tie to the words being sung, one that feels closer to Ireland’s once strong storytelling tradition. In short, Lynched are nothing short of brilliant, my ticket’s booked, don’t miss out!
UK Tour Dates November 2015:
Mon 16 Nov – TELFORD, The Vic
Tue 17 Nov – FAREHAM, Ashcroft Arts Centre
Wed 18 Nov – BASINGSTOKE, The Anvil
Thur 19 Nov – DEAL, The Lighthouse
Fri 20 Nov – LONDON, Kings Place
Sun 22 Nov – SWANAGE, The Square & Compass
Tue 24 Nov – TAVISTOCK, The Wharf
Wed 25 Nov – FALMOUTH, The Tolemen Centre
Thur 26 Nov – BRISTOL, St George’s
Fri 27 Nov – BURY, The Met
Sat 28 Nov – LEEDS, Heart Arts Centre
Sun 29 Nov – EDINBURGH, 42/43 Royal Park Terrace, House Concert.
Photo Credit: Brian Flanagan