Live Review: David Keenan at The Ambassador Theatre, Dublin

The 30 degree heat couldn’t keep the crowd from swarming to the Ambassador Theatre Saturday night, July 12, to see David Keenan take the stage in Dublin for the first time in 2 years. Hydration in hand, the audience eagerly took their seats to await the Dublin native’s performance.

Opening for Keenan was Lucy McWilliams and her enchanting melodies held the audience in complete silence and awe. Demonstrating her incredible piano playing on top of her haunting vocals, she sat alone centre stage with smoky lights echoing behind her. Her small hand movements within her performance were subtle yet exquisite and provided extra meaning to her already beautiful storytelling. Her modern yet classical style set the tone perfectly for the night to come. Her passion was evident and I can’t wait to see what more she has in store for us.

David Keenan took the stage with his band opening with his latest release “Amelioration” followed by “50 Quid Man”. These alt rock/pop tunes set the mood perfectly as the audience bounced their head with the beat. Keenan’s natural chemistry with the audience as well as his smooth movements only proved that he’s a natural performer. Throughout the set he often worked with the crowd to create his own choir of sorts, encouraging humming and singing along at certain intervals. It was brilliant to see the lighting cues follow suite and light up the house at these parts. This was a perfect venue for Keenan’s return to Dublin as the acoustics supported his stadium style sound, yet carried an intimate nature as well.

Earlier in the year, Keenan was posed with the opportunity to compose the soundtrack for the film Salvable. He treated us to a performance of “Stay Still” from the soundtrack and I have to say, this one is immediately going onto my personal playlist. I don’t know what the film is about but I do know that Keenan was absolutely the person for the job. My film background kicked in with every snare kick and acoustic strum and image of a big Hollywood blockbuster started to roll through my mind. In my opinion, music that can stir the imagination is some of the most special and meaningful.

Transitioning to a few solo pieces, Keenan demonstrated his instrumental skills on the keyboard and guitar as well as his vocal prowess with fan favourites “Altar Wine” and James Dean”. With accompaniment from his bandmate on the accordion, Keenan performed a chilling rendition of “God is a Magpie”, conducting the crowd to participate in the piece as backing vocals. I don’t think I saw one head not humming along. It’s one thing to talk and banter with an audience, but to actually make them a part of the show is such a spectacular feeling and a special talent.

“Evidence of Life” only solidified in my mind his incredible storytelling abilities and meaningful and thoughtful lyricism comparable to the likes of David Bowie or Joni Mitchell. The song ended with an epic drum solo that lead to a well deserved standing ovation. To finish off the set, he played “Subliminal Dublinia”, and, after yet another standing ovation, the band came back out for two more new tunes; “Incandescent Morning”and “We Live, We Learn, We Love”, an anthem with equally beautiful and powerful lyrics and intrsumentals.

With three standing ovations I think it’s safe to say David Keenan had an incredible show in Dublin Saturday night and fans can’t wait to see what he has coming up at the start of his new chapter.

Review and Photos by Eily Jones