The Shamrocks music review: A lively celebration
The Irish vocal ensemble brings Belfast pub spirit to Adelaide, blending tight harmonies, folk favourites and a touch of West End polish
This double Emmy award-winning five-person ensemble of Irish lads (joined by Michael Gaffney for their Adelaide Fringe debut) are here to take you on a journey to a Belfast bar. You’ll be tempted to join in, stomp your feet and clap along to the swaying melodies of Celtic classics and, while the band bring plenty of Irish charm, there’s a sprinkling of glamour added to the old folk classics thanks to their collective West End training, which brings an entertaining, theatrical quality to the table.
The band was founded by Les Misérables veteran Raymond Walsh in 2018, aiming to bring Northern Irish folk music to the masses. Their songs grow on you, even if you are slightly confused by some of the lyrics, thanks to the lads’ encouragement and evident enjoyment. The five-part harmonies are tight and well-synced and their training shows. They also throw a few surprises into the mix to display their other talents: unofficial Australian national anthem ‘Waltzing Matilda’ appears, along with local classic ‘Bound For South Australia’, which strikes a chord with the audience. The undoubted highlights, though, are a beautiful rendition of ‘Red Is The Rose’ alongside a merry ‘Whiskey In The Jar’. If you’re after some vocal fun, grab a Guinness and head to Gluttony to revel in some good craic.
The Shamrocks continues at The Virago at Gluttony until March 22.