Live – and loud with All Folk’d Up new album release

Yes, one of the titans of popular Irish folk, who hail from Tyrone, are releasing a new live album tomorrow (Friday) which will provide both casuals and fanatics with more classic Irish songs played in their signature, lively style.

Though All-Folk’d Up’s new album, ‘Live At The Market Place’, was recorded in what historically has constituted enemy territory – Armagh City – the clarity of vocals and proficiency of playing would give you the impression that the boys recorded this one in much safer surroundings.

There is no hint of hostility and no note of nerves… Not that we would have any reason to expect any less of a group who have secured themselves a residency at the world-famous Cheltenham races!

When ‘Live At The Market Place’ is released tomorrow, those who download it or stream it on Spotify will have that the familiar hair-raising experience summoned by the sounds of some of Ireland’s most powerful ballads and anthems, such as ‘Whiskey In The Jar’, ‘Irish Rover’ and ‘Galway To Graceland’.

But, as usual, the lads deliver them with their own touch: The melody is carried and beautifully-embellished by the banjo; Pauric’s raw, honest vocals connect with the core of every tune; and the uniquely powerful rhythm section not only provides a rock solid bedding for each tune, but the bass, kit, and acoustic all bubble up to the surface at different times, injecting these perennial pieces with some new elemental life-force.

This latest album is soaked in that characteristic mix of friendly rowdiness and heartfelt emotion that audiences have learned to expect from All Folk’d Up.

As the band’s founder, vocalist and banjo player, Pauric Mohan, told the UH ‘This album showcases what we are famed for’.

“We’re really excited for this album release,” he said. “We had thousands of people watching our St Patrick’s Day stream at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh, and it was these fans who spurred us on to put the live set into an album.

“Performing live is what All Folk’d Up do best – and, after a year-and-a-half of no live music, our new album couldn’t be better timed.”

This December, the band are set to take to the stage at the SSE Arena in Belfast at the Farmer’s Bash and perform for what is looking like a sell-out crowd.

“We can’t wait to perform in the SSE,” Pauric said. “We’re now putting the finishing touches to our set list.

“It’s going to be some night!”

All Folk’d Up have garnered a reputation as one of the best new-wave bands operating on the Irish circuit, with fans travelling across Ireland and beyond to catch a glimpse of the lads from Aughnacloy.

The five-piece have continued their march to Irish folk-rock dominance, with some star-studded guest appearances on the Irish and UK festival circuit, as well as residencies in Dublin’s Temple Bar; The Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival; and at the world-renowned Mandalay Bay Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

l All Folk’d Up’s ‘Live At The Market Place’ album is available from www.allfolkdup.ie, and all streaming platforms this Friday (November 26).

Tickets for the Farmer’s Bash are available from www.ssearenabelfast.com