Arthur's Day, Academy live review
Craig Fitzpatrick reports back from last night!
Craig Fitzpatrick, 23 Sep 2011
St. James’s Gate is the centre of the action, pubs lining Dame Street and in Temple Bar are full to capacity. In the Olympia and Vicar St. there are some fine acts playing. You’d be forgiven for thinking that Arthur’s Day was only celebrated on the South Bank of the Liffey, but you’d be way off the mark. Those gathered on Middle Abbey Street will tell you a different story – for many, tonight, The Academy is the place to be.
We have our now customary toast at 17.59 and we’re immediately greeted by Ireland’s own Ryan Sheridan. The Monaghan man has been steadily raising his profile this year and his accomplished set eases us into proceedings. By the time our next act arrives, the place is heaving. Unexpectedly, one of the night’s marquee names is second on the bill. Intro’d by Ruth Scott as the sharpest dressed men playing Arthur’s Day (they are sartorially excellent to be fair), Miles Kane and his band take to the stage. They’re met with rapturous applause and immediately raise the tempo of the evening, Miles proving, if any proof was needed, that he’s more than a mere wingman for Alex Turner.
After that burst of exhilaration, it’s time for Joshua Radin. The singer-songwriter (and perennial TV show soundtracker) from Cleveland brings a nice campfire feel along with him. His acoustic tunes make everybody feel a little warm and fuzzy and are instantly recognisable, even if you don’t know the face. Plenty of “Oh, I know this one!” exclamations are overheard in the crowd, particularly for his premier anthem ‘Brand New Day’. Radin, by the way, is a dead ringer for comedic actor Stephen Mangan. Just thought we’d put it out there. The ‘late-night session’ feel does hamper him slightly, as people are content for him to slip into the background. He comments on it himself, dedicating ‘Winter’ to “the seven people who are listening” but the sincere, wholehearted applause he gets at set’s end confirms he’s very much appreciated.
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