The Young Folk at The Button Factory

The young Folk have just released their second album First Sign of Morning a solid collection of smouldering, slow-burning folk ballads with flashes of brass and expressive keys
The Young Folk ably perform their material with precision, yet tonight they are hamstrung.

View photos from The Young Folk at the Button Factory here.

A terrible sound mix failed to allow the subtitles of their music resonate marring this celebratory performance. The running order of the set also worked against them with guest musicians constantly taking to and leaving the stage preventing them from building momentum. Their individual performances cannot be questioned with each adding a different flavour to the night with Neev Kennedy’s vocals in particular adding some much-needed emotion to proceedings while a memorable jungle jazz freak out is led impressively by the guest flautist.
However, the constant stoppage between songs sees the band losing the crowds attention and starting from ground zero repeatedly. The most questionable decision of the night was also the highlight of the performance. Several members of the Delorentos joined The Young Folk for two songs including an impressive take on ‘Everbody Else Gets Wet’. The difference in stagecraft was instantaneously evident for all to see with Kieran McGuinness commanding The Button Factory in a manner The Young Folk failed to do. When you organise a gig and the most memorable thing about it is another band you know you need to raise your game. And, that’s exactly what The Young Folk did for the encore, but it was all too late.

STEPHEN BYRNE