The atmospheric surrounds of the Jameson distillery. Exposed wooden beams, tumblers of plant-infused cocktails and a general air of hushed awe. It was a magical setting. But for what?

Laura Whitmore, of MTV fame, took to the stage first, adding to the sense of expectation. And then came the stars of the evening. Kodaline, one of the great success stories of Irish music over the past five years, stepped onto the stage to a tumultuous reception. From the start, it felt like a very special occasion…

The amps and guitars on the stage told us that there would be music. But first, Laura had the opportunity to quiz the boys in the band on our behalf. Her laid-back line of questioning and obvious rapport with the lads yielded some interesting nuggets for the rapt audience. The laughs came thick and fast. Lead guitarist Mark Prendergast was at the center of the hi-jinks, revealing that lead singer Steve Garrigan believes socks are disposable; and that drummer Vincent May feels the curious need to take two separate showers every time he washes.

The band also insisted that they don’t subscribe to the rock-star way of life.

“We’re the least rock ‘n’ roll band in the world, we’re so boring,” Mark insisted. The audience all had a good chuckle when Vinny chimed in, “Yeah, we just stay in and watch Fair City!”

The lads also revealed that a third album is very much under way.

“We started writing our third album as soon as we finished our second, so we’ve already got a big batch of songs,” Steve explained.

And then it was on to the music – a special eight song acoustic set that had the feel of an intimate glimpse into what makes the band tick.

The Dubliners’ easy-going nature was evident throughout the performance; with their setlist scribbled on a napkin, the four Swords men alternated un-selfconsciously between endearing camaraderie and soulful music-making.

They kicked off with the much-loved ‘Ready’, taken from their latest album Coming Up For Air. And from there on, it was musical treat after treat.

The heart-felt strains of ‘The One’ elicited such excitement that Steve felt the need to ask a lady in the front row if she needed to take a breather, while their slow-burning anthem ‘High Hopes’ rendered everyone more than a bit breathless, as it reached its harmonious crescendo.

Every song felt like a passionate ode to the power of alt-rock, all the more so when it is delivered with a pop twist: there were swelling beats, soaring vocals and foot-tapping rhythms aplenty in Kodaline’s wonderfully relaxed yet well-crafted performance.

The band signed off with their emotional ballad ‘All I Want’, from their debut album. The warm embrace of their combined vocals was the perfect, melodious farewell to a crowd that, by this stage, was riveted in awe.

Kodaline’s ascent may have begun in a humble Fair City setting, but performing at Jameson’s Bow Street Distillery last night, it was obvious that this was the very special homecoming of modern Irish heroes. Long may they run…

• As part of Jameson’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Kodaline play a special show in the Bow St. Sessions series, run in association with Hot Press, in the Academy, Dublin, tonight (March 16) with Walking On Cars, Canadian stars July Talk and Little Hours.

Check out the photos from last night here.