‘From Francis of Assisi to the fans of AC/DC, we all shall live again,’ sings Ian Felice on the closing song of an electric show by The Felice Brothers at Whelan’s. The lines from We Shall Live Again are a fitting statement to a memorable return by Dublin’s favourite sons, and daughter, to the same stage as their previous pre-pandemic gig in late January 2020.
The Felice Brothers have evolved musically and in personnel from their swashbuckling appearance at The Sugar Club in Dublin in 2008. That initial line-up included third brother Simone Felice and their raucous Pogues like stage show was the order of the day back then.
Understandably, with seventeen studio albums in their back catalogue, they have experimented - not always with absolute success - but they have hit a purple patch in recent years with both UNDRESS (2019) and FROM DREAMS TO DUST (2021), showcasing Ian Felice’s continuing maturity as a classic American songwriter. Their current line up is also arguably their strongest and longest lasting. Brother James joins Ian, playing keyboard, accordion and occasional lead vocals, Jesske Hume plays bass and Will Lawrence on drums.
Drawing in the main from their most recent album, they wow a packed house with a nineteen-song setlist that includes two encores. It’s the second last date in their tour of the U.K. and Ireland and they’re in sparkling fettle, with the ever-smiling James in particularly buoyant form and the often-withdrawn Ian in equally cheerful and engaging relaxingly with the audience. When a pint of Guinness is placed on the front of the stage by a punter, tongue in cheek, he reminds the doner that the band is a four-piece, resulting in another three beers finding their way to the stage.
It’s difficult to select the highlights of a show that sparkled from start to finish, but the selections from the new album are particularly impressive. Kicking off with Jazz on the Autobahn, six of the opening seven tracks are from that album. Silverfish, Valium, Let Me Come Home, Inferno and All The Way Down follow that opener and other showstoppers include Days Of The Years, Cherry Liquorice and their anthem, Whiskey In My Whiskey. Ian’s raspy vocals, poetic lyrics and distorted guitar sound is ably supported throughout by a well-oiled rhythm section, upbeat accordion and keyboards, and four-piece harmonies.
The Felice Brothers have perfected the art of blending rowdy rock ‘n’ roll with showstopping skeletal folk ballads. Both are presented to perfection this evening confirming their growing status as one of the most complete and impressive live acts on the roots circuit. All in all, a triumphant return and exhilarating evening’s entertainment.
Review and photograph by Declan Culliton