There are gigs where a crowd watches a band, and there are gigs where a crowd completely surrenders to one. Kingfishr’s show at Cardiff’s Depot was firmly the latter. From the second the Irish trio walked onto the stage, the atmosphere felt charged with anticipation. The venue was peppered with Irish flags and emerald jerseys, buzzing long before the first note rang out, but what followed over the next hour and a half was something far more powerful than just another indie-folk gig.
Kingfishr delivered a performance full of atmosphere, emotion and sheer intensity that held the Cardiff crowd captive from beginning to end. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to party with the Irish, this is how it’s done; the band lend their culture and Celtic sound to their dedicated fanbase, embracing them with an Irish welcome. They were warm, they were hospitable and they performed with grit and heart.
Following a slow-burning intro, the band immediately showed why their live reputation has exploded so quickly. Their sound – blending folk storytelling with huge anthemic energy – somehow managed to feel both intimate and enormous inside the venue’s industrial surroundings.
Vocally, Eddie Keogh was outstanding throughout. Whether delivering fragile, stripped-back moments or soaring choruses, his voice carried a raw honesty that cut through the noise of the venue effortlessly. What makes Kingfishr stand out live is their ability to create tension and release: songs often began delicately before building into explosive singalongs that had the room shouting lyrics back at the stage.
Tracks like Killeagh and Eyes Don’t Lie were clear highlights, greeted with deafening reactions from a crowd that seemed to know every word. This would contrast with pin-drop, vocal-led moments such as Shot In The Dark where there was an intensity in the room that felt collectively connective. The chemistry between the three musicians was equally impressive, carrying the confidence of a band growing naturally into bigger stages while maintaining the authenticity that drew fans to them.
By the closing moments of the set, the venue had transformed into one massive choir. Arms were raised, voices were hoarse, and the atmosphere bordered on euphoric.
Kingfishr, Depot, Cardiff, Tue 19 May
words DENIECE CUSACK photos STILL_SIN_
