Keltic Posse

Keltic Posse (Andrew’s Lane Theatre, Dublin)

If tonight was anything to go by, then there’s a fairly simple reason why Keltic Posse have such a loyal and substantial following: they deliver a brilliant night’s entertainment. This was launch night for their first single/ep, Vibes, Tribes & Misdemeanours, and even though I’m sure they were celebrating well pre-gig, that didn’t adversely affect their performance (though it may have enhanced it).

It was easy to sense that this band has been together for some time. They were smooth and utterly professional. There was a great love of the music too, a warm, happy energy that flowed off the stage, finding a ready response in a dancing, exuberant audience.

I’m not that much into reggae. Of course, like every fucking dimwit on the planet, I’m partial to a slice of Bob Marley, but generally, I don’t get dreadlocked too often. I might well go back and see Keltic Posse again, though, because they’re so bloody good at getting a universal dance groove going.

Sometimes you get that feeling. Sometimes things are just right. Like there’s a mood and everyone in the room is swept up in it. Like your body understands in that most absolute way why music was fashioned in the first place. Well, tonight Keltic Posse made that sort of connection. They played for two hours and it felt like ten minutes.

Particularly during the encore – when there was enough onstage to start an exodus – with the help of Angolan rapid-fire ragga man Malou, and the deep and soulful voices of Shelly from Bird and Mary Stokes, among others, they blew up one hell of a mood. You had to dance to it.

You had to be there.

• Gerry McGovern