24 November 2023
Newsdesk
Rising Irish indie-folk band Kingfishr have today released their ‘EP: Live From Doonan’, containing live, stripped back versions of singles ‘Headlands’, ‘Caroline’, ‘Anyway’ and ‘Heart In The Water.’
Kingfishr were formed while members Eddie (vocals, guitar), McGoo (banjo), and Fitz (bass) were studying engineering at university in Limerick. The EP was recorded at Mcgoo's homeplace, a house built in Doonane, Ireland during the 1840's. It is also the very place where all of the band's songs to date were written.
Speaking on the release of the EP, the band said “We recorded these tracks in the kitchen at home. It felt about as true as we could possibly make it. No fluff, no tricks, just the three of us sat in the kitchen playing them back to back, with plenty of tea in between takes. Improper, heartfelt bits and pieces, very much like ourselves.
The EP opens with the beautifully cinematic ‘Headlands’, a song “about conflict and to a lesser extent, greed.” The stripped back nature of this version allows the low burr of Eddie’s vocals to feel all the more prominent, alongside the steady picking of the acoustic guitar and banjo.
The second track on the EP is ‘Caroline’, is inspired by Eddie’s love of Irish poet Seamus Heaney, the song sees him take a poignant look back over a past relationship, citing a “combination of hubris and impulsivity” as the sole reason for walking away. There is an endearing vulnerability to the lyrics as he reminisces about “the girl that got away”, with a defiant slice of introspection.
The original recording of third track ‘Anyway’ opens with a dramatic burst of synths and layered vocals. For this acoustic version, the resolute quality of Eddie’s vocals matching the determined beat and sharp pluck of the banjo, creates a feeling of equally grand proportions, but in a softer, more melodic way to the original.
The EP closes with ‘Heart In The Water’, a paean to the fleeting nature of life, a song that calls to that instinct in all of us to take a chance before it’s too late. The track effortlessly combines elements of traditional folk music with lush textures and compelling, honest lyricism.
Kingfishr’s music is hugely cinematic, they pride themselves on deep textures and a grand sonic atmospheric nature, with influences ranging from Hanz Zimmer to Ben Howard. Previous releases include flowers-fire, eyes don’t lie, Heart In The Water, Anyway, Headlands, Caroline, flowers-fire (feat.Jamie Duffy) and Vancouver. Which combined, have racked up over 4 million streams on Spotify. Three of these tracks were recently performed on The Independent's live music session Music Box. To To coincide with the launch of their most recent single ‘Vancouver’, and in response to numerous fan requests, the band have just embarked on a Canadian journey, playing host to Kitchen Sessions and engaging in fan meet-ups in the city of Vancouver.
The band spent the summer of 2023 supporting established musicians including world-famous rock legend Bruce Springsteen at BST. They have also had support slots for George Ezra’s UK/ Ireland tour as well as Dermot Kennedy’s Limerick shows at Thomond Park & in Dublin at Marlay Park.
Alongside this were a run of festival dates that included Electric Picnic (main stage), Neighbourhood Weekender, Live At Leeds, Latitude, All Points East, Sea Sessions & Indiependence. They have also appeared on BBC Introducing Belfast and performed on Irish TV Series Other Voices.
The band will be heading on tour across the UK in 2024. They will play headline shows at King Tut’s (Glasgow) on Thursday 15th February, The Wardrobe (Leeds) on Friday 16th February,, Deaf Institute (Manchester) on Saturday 17th February, Clwb Ifor Bach (Cardiff) on Monday 19th February, Hare and Hounds (Birmingham) on Tuesday 20th February, Lafayette (London) on Thursday 22nd February and Olympia Theatre (Dublin) on both Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd March. Tickets below.
TOUR DATES
December 2023
Saturday 9th - MILK MARKET, Limerick (SOLD OUT)
February 2024
Thursday 15th - KING TUT’S, Glasgow
Friday 16th - THE WARDROBE, Leeds
Saturday 17th, DEAF INSTITUTE, Manchester (SOLD OUT)
Monday 19th, CLWB IFOR BACH, Cardiff
Tuesday 20th, HARE AND HOUNDS, Birmingham
Thursday 22nd, LAFAYETTE, London (SOLD OUT)
March 2024
Thursday 21st - OLYMPIA THEATRE, Dublin
Friday 22nd - OLYMPIA THEATRE, Dublin (SOLD OUT)
