Amble at Boilershop Newcastle 11.02.2025
Invited| Reveiw by Michael Dunwell
At a certain point in a band’s career, they have to consider how their sound will evolve to match larger venues and bigger audiences. Sam Fender, for example, went from performing in intimate settings like Think Tank to headlining St James’ Park, while Wunderhorse made the leap from NX to headlining DeerShed Festival. Amble, too, experienced this rapid growth, moving from the 300-capacity Cluny to the 1000-capacity Boiler Shop in just a few months. On Tuesday, we had the chance to see how their sound had grown and adapted since their show last November (spoiler alert: it was incredible).
The Boiler Shop, a stone’s throw from Newcastle’s central train station, is a local treasure. Known for its excellent acoustics, diverse beer selection (featuring both local and international brews), and warm atmosphere, it’s a venue that makes every show feel special. Before the concert, we explored a few bars in Gateshead, just a short walk across the bridge. Axis, Microbus, and Central Bar all offer top-notch beers and a laid-back vibe—highly recommend checking them out!
Kicking off the evening was London-based singer-songwriter Sam Wilkinson, whose pure sound, delicate voice, and impressive harmonica playing caught my attention. His music blends influences from artists like Bob Dylan, Old Sea Brigade, and a touch of Big Thief. He played several great tracks, but Bungalow stood out, especially after he shared the story behind it. It hasn’t been released yet, but I’m eagerly awaiting its arrival. He’s currently got an EP out called Everything’s Alright—do yourself a favour and give it a listen before he hopefully returns to Newcastle.
Next up were the headliners, Amble—Ross McNerney, Oisin McCaffery, and Robbie Cunningham. Together, they create a sound that’s both timeless and unique. Robbie’s exceptional voice, Ross’s masterful banjo and mandolin playing, and Oisin’s beautiful lyrics and guitar playing come together in a way that feels both fresh and familiar, like stumbling upon a hidden gem in a smoky, small-town bar.
The last time I saw Amble, they were playing at The Cluny, an intimate venue in Newcastle’s Ouseburn district. I was curious to see how their sound would translate to a bigger stage with a larger crowd, and I was not disappointed. They managed to retain the essence of their music while expanding their sound in perfect harmony with the venue. Joining them on stage were Seánie Bermingham (who supported Amble at The Cluny), Liam Watts on bass, and Andrew Smyth on harmonium. Their contributions were the perfect complement to Amble’s sound, adding depth without overwhelming it.
A highlight of the night was Thoughts Flood Back to You, one of my favourite songs since their Cluny show. Robbie’s stunning chorus vocals and Ross’s mandolin made it a standout moment. I also loved hearing Mariner Boy live, and I’m thrilled that Amble continues to share the stories behind their songs. The storytelling between tracks is a key part of the Amble experience, and it adds a personal touch that makes you feel like you’re still in that small-town pub, even in a larger venue.
Another memorable moment was Lonely Island, and Ross’ introduction to the song. A tale of a man drinking alone at a bar on Achill Island, a story he weaves into the song itself. You’ll have to experience it live firsthand to get the full effect.
All in all, it was inspiring to see Amble grow and expand their sound while staying true to their roots. Sam Wilkinson was a perfect opener, setting the tone for the evening, and Amble continues to be one of those bands you simply can’t miss. They mentioned returning to Newcastle in the near future, and I can’t recommend enough that you catch them when they do!