Live Report: Kíla at Judge Roy Beans

Kíla were in full flow at Judge Roy Beans in Newbridge, Co. Kildare as they got the crowd on their feet with a phenomenal mix of trad and everything from funk to West African music.

Rónán Ó Snodaigh took the stage alone before Kíla lit up Judge Roy Beans with their frenetic set. Rónán kicked the show off with a bodhran solo before the rest of the group joined him under the spotlight.

“I don’t want to do too much talking. We’re not here to have a chat,” said Rónán early in the show and the band stayed true to that sentiment. Hardly speaking between songs and sets, Kíla entertained the crowd with their energetic presence and vibrant music.

Kíla at Judge Roy Beans. Copyright Ray Keogh.

The group played a hornpipe as Rossa Ó Snodaigh showed his unique ability on the whistle with gorgeous bird-like trills. Kíla then broke into a song as Rossa picked up two sets of bones and played both effortlessly.

The band performed some of their greatest songs from their historic catalogue including ‘Electric Landlady’ from 2007’s Gambler’s Ballet, ‘Ór agus Airgead’ and ‘Seo Mo Leaba.’ They also played a rendition of famous folk song ‘Bruach Na Carraige Báine.’

While Irish folk music is at the centre of everything Kíla do, they thread elements of various genres through their music. Behind the bodhran, uilleann pipes, whistle and flutes — a full drum kit added an edge to the group's performance.

Kíla at Judge Roy Beans. Copyright Ray Keogh.

Brian Hogan imbued some funk into the mix with his elegant bass playing. A djembe was passed around as Sennan Brennan played rumbling chords on the guitar. Eamon Galdubh swapped his flute and uilleann pipes for a saxophone at one stage and there was even a bit of beatboxing during the show.

“I’m just back from that big sickness. It’s lovely to have the lads around and it’s nice to be out of me bedroom — fuck that shit!” said Rónán. The group then played ‘Skinhead Reels’ and left the stage but it wasn’t long before they were back in front of the crowd again, however.

Returning for an encore, Kíla played ‘Her Royal Waggeldy Toes’ from Gambler’s Ballet. “The story is, you’re allowed to stand up,” said Rónán and the crowd rose to their feet. Kíla finished their set with ‘Tog É Go Bog É’ as the crowd danced and clapped to the easy going reggae-trad infusion.

It was a spectacular show from Kíla who ignited the audience with their performance which was just under two hours long. The legendary folk outfit combined their wild on-stage persona with phenomenal instrumentation which made for a brilliant night.

Kíla at Judge Roy Beans. Copyright Ray Keogh.

You can view more photos from Kíla's set at Judge Roy Beans here. Highlights from the show will be posted on Hot Press' Youtube very soon.

This project has been part-funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, from the Live Performance Support Scheme.