Kilkenny musicians Burnchurch launched the debut EP to a hugely enthusiastic audience in the new venue, downstairs at the Pembroke Hotel. Martin Bridgeman was there for the packed event to celebrate the next stage in this young band’s career
Words: Martin Bridgeman
Picture Credit: Ian McDonnell of McGig Photography
Sadhbh, Síofra, Éanna and Ruairí Ó’Casaide arrived at the band’s name which re-flected their beginnings during lock down where they spent much of their time in and around their home townland. I was lucky enough to see their first gigs and was an instant fan. They have put in considerable work since then and have been seen in many live events, such as Kilkenny Tradfest (supporting Iarla O’Lionáird), Electric Picnic, the Dublin St. Patrick’s Festival and their music has received worldwide exposure as part of the television coverage of the home coming of Irish boxer, Katie Taylor.
I’ve heard it said that for live events to work, there’s a type of three legged stool analogy. The band, venue and audience all need to be in place. All were there and in perfect synchronization.
Friday night at the Pembroke Hotel was a homecoming for Burnchurch. Owner, John Ryan, spoke about the connections to the band and told the story of their arrival in 2021 to record a video in the hotel for that year’s Trad Fest. Such was the impact of the band’s energy and enthusiasm that many of the staff returned to take part in the recording. Both John and General Manager, Paul Broderick spoke about the lift it gave their team at what was a very uncertain time.
There was a palpable excitement in the beautiful downstairs venue, with a packed audience of many young friends, as well as fans and supporters of all ages, with a real sense of county pride and expectation for the next stage of the band’s career path. It was hard to avoid the obvious comparison with sport: to sum it up in a Kilkenny context, this was “senior hurling”. As sports people will tell you, the hard work takes place on the training grounds or the gym, and in the case of music, it equally applies: the mastery of an instrument and practise all has to take place, but in tandem with the creative spark.
Talent alone won’t get you far in sport or in music. It helps, of course, but in the case of Burnchurch, they display both a talent that is remarkable and music that shows creativity and hard work. Switching instruments, dropping in and out of vocals, each member of this band are multi instrumentalists and their ‘blood harmonies’ are exquisite.
Just before the band took to the stage, internationally renowned music producer, Leo Pearson from Thomastown, spoke with an obvious enthusiasm about his experience; he praised both their abilities as Musicians and their willingness to engage in the technical aspects of production. He spoke about how enjoyable the recording process at Barn Studio was, while being productive and interesting. His was a generous tribute and it also spoke to his admiration for their work ethic and is evidence of a great working relationship.
On the night, the band played the tracks from their debut EP “Maidin” and showed, to full effect, their abilities in the high tempo songs and their subtle command of pace for some of the lower, reflective pieces. Joining them on the night, on guitar and percussion, was Ciarán O’Dwyer from Thomastown, a schoolmate of Éanna and Ruairí from CBS, Kilkenny.
This is a band that is creating new Irish music, rhythmically and harmonically, but very much underpinned by their own style. This group listens widely, subtly weaving their individual influences with a subtle Irish sensibility, blending their songs in a contemporary context. Each song has a hook, a feel or a musical twist that catches the ear without being showy. The young audience members certainly responded to their sounds, but they were not on their own. This was music for everyone
Back in 2019 I suggested that this band were destined for great things. I’d argue that anyone who witnessed this band in full flight would be in full agreement.
Burnchurch’s music and videos are now available on all streaming platforms.
