Ye Vagabonds at Bank Lane (Photos)

A Masterclass in Intimate Folk! Waterford's Bank Lane, an intimate space already known for its excellent acoustics, proved to be the perfect haven for the soul-stirring harmonies of brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn, better known as Ye Vagabonds, on Saturday night.

The atmosphere was one of immediate, almost palpable warmth. The venue's historic charm only amplified the timeless quality of their music, transforming the packed room into a quiet, rapt congregation. The brothers' signature "blood harmonies" were, as always, the centerpiece. They weave together with an uncanny, effortless precision, whether delivering an a cappella traditional ballad that silenced the entire room or providing the rich texture to their own evocative, original songs.

The setlist was a beautiful journey, seamlessly blending ancient folk tales picked up at sessions with the new, deeply resonant tracks from their latest work. Their instrumentation—a tasteful mix of acoustic guitar, bouzouki, and mandolin—was subtle yet masterful, serving the songs rather than overwhelming them.
Beyond the music, the brothers are charming hosts. The spaces between the songs were filled with shaggy-dog anecdotes and good-natured banter, giving the night a convivial, front-room feel. This connection with the audience often resulting in a joyful, spontaneous singalong being a huge part of the Ye Vagabonds experience, and Bank Lane's close-quarters layout ensured every patron feels included.

In a venue that prides itself on showcasing top-tier live music, the combination of Ye Vagabonds' authentic, glorious folk and the Bank Lane's pitch-perfect sound system was nothing short of a triumph and was only heightened by warm, coloured strobes with intensive backlighting raining across the stage, ebbing and flowing to the beat. It was a night of shared history, breathtaking musicianship, and a reminder of the power of simple, honest songcraft.