Gig Review-Keith Mullins

Sunday last saw Tuam native Keith Mullins play an intimate gig in The Crane Bar as part of his album launch tour. The former Pier Nineteen (yes, that band that released their album At Evensong to critical acclaim and supported Bell x1, Duke Special and The Stunning, to name just a few) frontman subtlety awed the crowd with a distinct blend of folk infused songwriting which managed to escape the typical monotony that is regularly associated with contemporary Irish singer-songwriters.

Each song played professed a different story from a songwriter that was no less than at home on stage. The decision to do this session unplugged was an inspired one as the subdued atmosphere mixed with the acoustic soundings set an ambiance that could only be described as intimate.

Mullins' sound is best described as alternative country and one couldn't fail to recognise where he gets his influences from- the subtle mix of Ryan Adams' esque harmonies coupled with Nick Drake sounding guitar before taking the honest subtlety of Mick Christopher with a blend of originality as iceing.

Keith played songs off his debut solo record -The Great Atlantic, and also threw in the Ryan Adams' tune Sweet Carolina. After the previous crucifixions Adams' songs have received off "artists" such as Mark Ronson(Amy), it was a nice change to hear an understated version of one of his songs (I don't like mentioning the Corrs' version of When The Stars Go Blue so I won't).

After playing an encore Mullins' must have chatted to every audience member before returning back to his Dublin base, a nice touch to a nice evening.