Live Report: Madra Salach make the old new to the Artlot stage

Can a forest be packed? The Artlot stage, nestled on the fringes of the Hazelwood section seems to suggest yes, as a large crowd of folk enthusiasts pool together for Madra Salach’s set.

The Dublin trad artists seem suited to their setting- though there’s no border or roof on the venue, they immediately launch into an intimate cover of Spansill Hill, setting a high standard for the rest of the show.

There’s no doubts that they won’t uphold it- the sixpiece are clearly in their element, as they effortlessly roll through their set, following with a cover of the Luke Kelly classic ‘Schooldays Over’.

Their musical chemistry is immediately apparent, but as the show goes on they entertain the crowd with digs at one another, riffing off the cuff at each other and making jokes at the audience’s expense.

Their use of a drumkit, paired with the more traditional instruments of their outfit contributes to the impact of each song- they seem heavier, with the emphasis on percussion contributing to a swaying and head bopping audience.

The band follow a slew of covers with their original song, ‘The Ribbon Factory’- a ripple of approval passes through the crowd.

The fact that their own music blends so well into a set mostly covering the best of Irish folk music is a testament to Madra Salach’s talent- they get as much reaction from the audience for their track as they did for their renditions of Luke Kelly classics.

Any song dedicated to Sinead O’Connor is going to be welcome at an Irish gig- but this is no ordinary tribute, as they deliver a spellbinding cover of ‘Black Boys on Mopeds’ that sees the crowd eagerly join in for the chorus.

As they announce their closing track- another original- one audience member turns to me and says with certainty it’s going to cause goosebumps.

He’s not wrong- their song “The Man Who Seeks Pleasure” results in a roar of approval from fans. It’s atmospheric and intimate, and works as a perfect closer to the set.