The Riptide Movement, live at The Workman's Club

There's always a little trepidation on the floor when a band announces they're about to try some new songs out on us. The unfamiliar material from The Riptide Movement's upcoming album Keep on Keepin' On starts off too slow, and even the intrepid souls down in front seem to be on the verge of losing interest. But the instrumental climax on 'Thieves In The Gallery' is well worth the few uneasy minutes that preceded as the crowd gives one of the biggest cheers of the night to the sax, trombone and trumpet players after each of their fabulous solos. "That was fucking lovely," says drummer Gar Byrne, who looks like he is having the time of his life every second he's onstage, and there's no disagreement from the audience.

It's a refreshing taste of something different from the Dublin folk rockers who you've probably seen more than once wow-ing Grafton Street pedestrians. The full Workman's Club floor isn't too close for comfort, but there's enough body heat to make you feel very sorry to the few who are decked out in Santa Suits.

"I guess what we want to know is...ARE YOU ALIVE INSIDE?" Sure, it's a predictable way for frontman Mal Tuohy to segue into 'Alive Inside', the most successful single off 2009 debut album What About The Tip Jars?, but the slightly tipsy fans are delighted. The room is just a bit shy, but eagerly obeys Tuohy's request to come closer, admirably belting the lyrics to 'Keep On Keepin' On' and jumping on command to 'Shake, Shake'.

The lads would be fools to ignore the calls of "one more tune" after a tremendous performance of standout track 'Hot Tramp'; the audience have decisively come alive and need no prodding to stomp their feet and shout "She's a hot tramp, I mean, Goddamn!" Everyone leaves happy after a stimulating evening that comes to an end all too quickly, especially those who have snagged a shattered piece of Tuohy's formerly-intact electric guitar.