Live review: Kíla in Whelan's

Kíla have been performing their unique blend of Irish traditional folk and world music for twenty-eight years, so it’s no wonder that they had the audience dancing through their entire set at Whelan’s. Led by vocalist Ronan O’ Snodaigh, along with his brothers Rossa and Colm, the eight-piece band incorporates everything from electric guitar to bongos into their songs. This is unlike any other trad music you have heard before.
From the opening, upbeat 'Leath Ina Dhiadh A hOcht', Kíla established their strong stage presence early on, commanding the audience’s attention as soon as they picked up their instruments. Barely stopping for a breath, they rolled through selections from their impressive catalogue.
The eight members play off of each other brilliantly, often switching instruments and happily trading the spotlight. Whether complimenting Ronan’s often chant-like Gaelic vocals and bohdran playing or Dee Armstrong’s expert fiddling, the band fit together perfectly. The audience picked up on it, clapping louder and dancing more enthusiastically when all eight played at the same time.
Finishing a month-long tour to support their tenth studio album, Suas Sios, the band had just returned from France. They might have missed St. Patrick’s Day at home, but their high-level energy suggested they were celebrating regardless. “St. Patrick’s Day continues tonight,” Rossa told the audience.
The title track from that album, concerning the struggle between good and evil, found Ronan sharing vocal duties with Colm. Aided by Eion Dillon’s uilleann pipes, the song’s intricate melody and vocals made it one of the night’s most intense moments.
Almost everyone in the room knew their 1997 hit 'Tog e Go Bog e', even though, as Armstrong pointed out, it was a primarily younger audience. Nonetheless, the audience sang along to the chorus, which roughly translates to "take it easy."
To calm things down, the band played the slower 'Seo mo Leaba' before launching into closer 'Skinheads', which starts softly but builds into a full-blown reel. The audience was certainly not finished, cheering and stomping their feet until the ensemble returned to the stage for their encore. Ronan sang the a capella 'Bi Ann / Leanfaidh Me' before finally concluding with the entrancing 'Cardinal Knowledge'.
For a band that has been touring for almost three decades, the members of Kíla don’t seem bored with their jobs or ready to pack it in any time soon. If their lively show is any indication, the band has a new generation of fans and can still mesmerise any audience.