Kodaline: Anthems For Heartbreak

Kodaline w/ Gavin James
Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA
05.09.15

A crowd began to line the block hours before the doors opened to welcome Irish alt-pop band Kodaline to the stage of Seattle’s storied Neptune Theatre. The band released their first album In A Perfect World just two years ago and toured straight into releasing their second, Coming Up For Air, last month. And by the looks of it, there’s no slowing them down.

They came armed and ready for a venue much larger than the Neptune, with a full-on light show, smoke pouring through the ceiling grates and arena-worthy sound. Opening the show with the appropriately titled “Ready,” the crowd was immediately in the palm of their hand. By song two, there was no turning back. Lead vocalist Steve Garrigan broke out the harmonica and the crowd immediately started singing along with the heartstring-pulling “Love Like This.”

Garrigan took several opportunities to encourage singing along throughout the show, while he, guitarist Mark Prendergast, drummer Vinnie May, and bassist Jay Boland created echoing four-part harmonies. Kodaline may not be reinventing the wheel with their sound, but who is these days? Their track record thus far is one that includes soaring pop melodies and perfectly relatable lyrics, their musicianship always on point.

They covered a nice range of both albums, from the 80’s groove of “Play The Game” to crowd favorites “High Hopes” and “The One,” which had everyone holding their phones in the air. They saved their biggest hit “All I Want” for the very end. The last song of a three-song encore, Kodaline brought out fellow Irishman, opener Gavin James, to join them for the acoustic stunner. James’ exceptional voice was a satisfying addition to close out the show.

At the end of May Kodaline’s tour heads back across the pond, but knowing these guys, they’ll be back soon enough. Keep an eye out for a show near you here.

Also, check out our interview with the band here.

Kodaline Set List
Ready
Love Like This
Way Back When
Unclear
One Day
Lost
High Hopes
Coming Alive
The One
All Comes Down
Play The Game
Brand New Day
Love Will Set You Free
If You’re Ever Feeling Lonely
Encore
Honest
In A Perfect World
All I Want