Live Review: Dani Larkin / Brona Keogh – Upstairs Whelans, Dublin 5.12.2021

Ian said:
“Tonight i was back at Upstairs Whelan’s to see Dani Larkin, one of Irelands most exciting artists emerging on the contemporary and alt folk scene.

Opening the night with a short set was Brona Keogh who, while in-between songs, would get lost in her own conversations. These proved to be quite funny, really warming up the room and relaxing the folks that had came out on this cold Sunday night and pointing this out herself at times.

Brona released her second single December 4th 2020 which can be found on her debut EP Packed My Bags released February 2021 that single being Far Away. Playing her soulful indie folk and playing acoustic guitar accompanied by a mandolin. Stand out song for me was Sea Witch debut single back in 2018.

Brona Keogh (click on thumbnail for full image)

There was a quick change around and then Dani took to the stage. Here to promote her critically acclaimed debut album Notes For A Maiden Warrior (shortlisted for Best Album in Northern Ireland Music Prize) released June this year.

She has had special guest appearances with Snow Patrol and Glen Hansard and sold out shows & tonight we get a run through her fantastic debut album, most of the songs just taking the audience away on a journey through sounds and romance of ancient Ireland.

On hearing ‘Blood Thirsty’ you can feel the Goosebumps rising and one is transported to the wilderness, running wild in the woods and forests of old. 2021 has been a huge year: Selected to showcase at Folk Alliance 2022 and Americana Fest UK 2022 Nominated for Best Emerging Artist at this year’s RTE Folk Awards Showcased at International Folk Alliance and Great Escape 2021 Major Spotify placements: Fresh Folk, Infinite Acoustic, Contemporary Folk and more (amassing to over 3 million new listeners!)

And if last night is anything to go by 2022 is going to be no different and if there is any justice in this world Dani should soon be selling and playing to a lot larger audiences.

Dani Larkin (click on thumbnail for full view)