Album Review: Kodaline - 'Our Roots Run Deep'
Full of heart and sincerity, Kodaline’s new album ‘Our Roots Run Deep’ has arrived and leaves no dry eyes in our house.
Seeking out to capture the atmosphere of gigs in years gone by, Kodaline’s stripped back acoustic album is the perfect soundtrack to autumn. Recorded in none other than the stunning 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin, their hometown and favourite venue, the album packs in all the emotion and feels and more which fans have known and loved most about the band. While they have already embarked on their tour, this release is for all those who either have never had the opportunity to experience Kodaline live but also is a bit of a nostalgia trip for faithful fans who have been to every gig. Exuding warmth, love and hope as the nights grow longer and darker, this is the perfect release to take us into autumn.
With the sound of the crowds cheering in your ears, the album begins with ‘Wherever you Are’. The guitar played by Mark Prendergrast is joined by the sweet sound of strings. As they begin to hint at the melody line, the crowd swells and those who hadn’t already realized what was playing start humming along. The vocals are simply stunning; the vulnerability in Steve Garrigan’s tone touches everyone in the room and despite the size and capacity of the theatre, you’d believe he was singing to just you.
‘we get carried away in the motion, we get lost in each other's eyes and we forget what we regret as we cast our fears aside’
It is the perfect track to kick off the album and one which fans will know is often used to open live shows. The emotions emulated in this song speak to why we choose to listen to music together. The sense of community and collective in the lyrics extends into the audience; the band are just as much welcoming you to the theatre as you are welcoming them onto the stage. Being careful to not show their hand yet, the waves of feeling this band have been known to throw audiences into are still mere rolls in the ocean. There is plenty of space yet for these tides to grow and for the full force these guys can bring to their sound to wash over.
‘Ready’ is introduced and the crowds are invited to sing along. This song effortlessly elevates the energy of the room, it is a touch faster and the rhythm section is at the forefront from the offset. Garrigan’s voice has a tangible hopefulness to it in this track and all the instruments work with him to create warmth and light. There is a moment towards the end where the instrumentals phase out for a round of the chorus so that the crowd can be heard singing along. Hearing this is a gift and really encapsulates the feeling of hearing the band live; those who have seen Kodaline in years gone by will hear the voices of the 3Olympia and remember their own experiences. The crowd finishes the song on an explosive high and as the lyrics would suggest, are ready and eager for what is to come next.
In complete contrast, the lilting cello line which opens ‘Brother’ brings the room crashing back down to reality and we are reminded of what makes Kodaline such a truly special band; their ability to make us feel the music. The themes explored in this track are particularly emotive and resonant and feel poignant and timely as we come closer to remembrance day. While the experience of war and conflict is not something everyone has experienced, Kodaline captures the feelings of loss and hopelessness in a way that is universal and understandable to all.
‘If I was dying on my knees you would be the one to rescue me. And if you were drowned at sea I’d give you my lungs so you could breathe. I’ve got you brother, I’ve got you brother.’
Hearing the echo of the audience on the repeated chorus line is incredibly powerful; the idea of togetherness and community which was apparent in previous tracks has gained new weight and significance after this track. Whilst the audience are bonded by their celebrations and elations of being part of this performance, their sadness and struggle is also shared. What resonates throughout though is hope, and this will continue throughout the whole album.
After the bright guitar hook of Brand New Day rouses the crowds back into a stir, Kodaline head in a different direction and perform a cover of Michael Jackson’s hit Billie Jean. While the lyrics are immediately familiar, the band are bringing an entirely new feel to this song and from the opening it appears more pensive. Rather than the dance hit we all knew, you are drawn to the darkness and mystery behind the lyrics and the energy of the track completely shifts
``People always told me, be careful what you do, and don’t go round breaking young girl’s hearts. Mother always told me, be careful who you love. Be careful what you do ‘cause the lie becomes the truth.’
Haunting harmonies and echoes are stunningly beautiful and work to bring home the real meaning behind the track; heartbreak and disappointment. Garrigan’s tone is gritty and raspy, giving a sound to the pain and frustration beneath the lyrics. The performance expertly displays light and shade, often at times when you wouldn’t expect. Parts of the song you know to be punchy and full of instrumentation are turned completely on their heads when the only sound you can hear is that of the solitary melody vocal. Garrigan does not shy away from playing around with the melody and the timings of the song, at times really leaning into the minor key and giving the tune opportunity to breathe and take on new energy and meanings. When the final bridge is delivered entirely a cappella and in harmony, the arena is in stunned silence and the audience are completely hushed. The track rightfully receives a huge amount of cheer and applause as the melody vamps to a finish.
Kodaline transport us back in time to their second album with ‘The One’ next, opening with a solitary cello reverberating through the venue. What is best about this track is the simplicity of which it is delivered; Garrigan nor the instrumentalists needn’t add lots of flourish and panache to get the meaning across. The performance above all else is sincere and the music speaks for itself. It is followed rather interestingly by ‘Moving On’ who’s themes are the inverse of what has been just played. The contrast between the two songs is like the book endings within a narrative-the story has come to an end.
‘The first day that I met you I was never gonna let you slip away and I still remember feeling nervous trying to find the words to get you hear today’
‘Sometime in the future we can share our stories, when we won’t care about all our mistakes, our failures and our glories. But until that day comes along, I’ll keep on moving on
The two tracks work very well together because of the way in which they both explore the passing of time. Both tracks delve into the past, unpicking the origins of a relationship and then speculate towards the future. One is hopeful and bright and conversely one is more somber and recognizes the reality of how the course of love ebbs and flows. With these two tracks, Kodaline speak to the importance and value of reflection. Whilst the story beneath the second track has a sadness and loss behind it, it is not bitter and talks a lot about the reminiscence and nostalgia of looking back at a relationship. With this in mind, the tracks have more similarities than you would first think.
‘The Answer’ is another blast from the past taken from Kodaline’s debut album. The instrumentals of this track resonate through 3Olympia as though it were empty, giving the track a panoramic all encompassing feel. It is followed by the second cover of the album, a stunning rendition of ‘Dirty Old Town’ made popular by fellow Celtic bands The Dubliners and The Pogues. As the song starts, Garrigan articulates that while the song came before their time, it speaks to the pride and joy of Ireland and her heritage which they have always championed. While the original song was written about Lancashire, the themes and emotions behind the track are less about geographical landscape and more about what it feels like and means to be from somewhere.
‘I heard a siren from the docks, saw a train set the night on fire. I smelled the spring in the smoky wind. Dirty Old Town, Dirty Old Town. I’m gonna make myself a good sharp ax, shining steel tempered in fire. I’ll chop you down like an old dead tree. Dirty Old Town, Dirty Old Town.’
The song dives into the experience of growing up in working class, industrial Britain. The references to gasworks, old canal, docks all are nods to the people who built up their homes and country from the ground. The themes of the song speak a lot to what Kodaline stand for – remaining true to your roots. While they now are of international renown and have successes beyond their imagination, this song is a reminder to them and to the audience that they haven’t changed.
The sounds of a banjo and a mouth-accordion brings the audience to their feet and ‘Love Like This’ sends new energy and life through the arena. Perhaps the most fabulously folky track in the set, this song radiates pure joy. It is followed by ‘Sometimes’, where the audience are encouraged again to sing their hearts out. Their voices ring out before Garrigan properly starts the song and he goes back time and time again to have them repeat a chant. They needn’t know any lyrics for this section so the track unites newcomers and seasoned fans alike, demonstrating the universal nature of music. It’s a stunning moment.
Frontman Garrigan’s talent is laid bare in ‘Love Will Set You Free’ where he accompanies himself with the piano. While Kodaline are renowned for their pop-folk sound, this track showcases a slightly different vibe. The song is delivered in a way that makes it feel ethereal and cinematic and makes the lyrics all the more heart-wrenching. Long instrumental sections allow for the band to really milk the moment and there is a feeling from the audience that it could gladly go on endlessly. That being said, the audience are all-too-pleased to sing along to the next track, ‘High Hopes’, one of Kodaline’s most successful songs. It is clear this one is a fan favorite as the sound of the audience singing along is at times just as loud as the band itself, something which the performers on stage are audibly comforted and overjoyed by. Kodaline then played the final of their covers for the night in a reworked version of Sam Cooke’s ‘Bring it on Home to Me’. They deliver it with a delicious cheekiness and the band members’ adlibs demonstrate their energies bouncing off each other. The track harks back to the origins and early days of the band as it was a favorite of theirs from when they used to busk together. The playfulness and joy the song is performed with is a lovely change of pace before we head into the last few songs of the night and are brought through the last whirlwind of emotions.
What else could close the album and the concert except ‘All I Want’, my personal favorite and arguably the jewel in the crown of Kodaline’s discography. This track means so many things to so many people and for many fans out there was their introduction to the band. It also is taken from their debut album all the way back in 2013. As the concert has been all about the roots and beginnings of the band, it is beautifully fitting that this is the track to end on.
‘But if you loved me, why’d you leave me? Take my body, take my body. All I want is, all I need is, to find somebody. To find somebody, like you.’
What has always made this song is the way it builds. The energy radiating from the crowd from the first note of the track is through the roof and elevating it further seems an impossible task. It seems only right that they play that bridge twice. There are few words which can properly describe the freeing feeling which comes from listening to this performance, it is simply a song that has to be heard and seen to be believed.
This album is the homecoming to beat all homecomings. As the debut album released by Kodaline reaches its 10 year anniversary, this recording immortalizes what must have been a one-in-a-million concert. A whirlwind of all the best parts of their discography as well as nods to their influences, this album takes you on a journey of not just Kodaline, but what music really means to them.
Words by Kirsty-Ann Thomson
