Amble The Cluny 11/11/24
Impromptu Review by: Michael Dunwell
There’s a remarkable power in the hands of a trio of musicians armed only with guitars and a banjo who are capable of holding an entire room so still and rapt that you could hear a pin drop.
Held at The Cluny, a cosy 300-capacity venue nestled in the heart of Newcastle’s Ouseburn district—a neighbourhood with an indie, Brick Lane-meets-Camden vibe—the evening started with Irish folk singer Seánie Bermingham. Bermingham, with his easygoing charm and excellent setlist, set the perfect tone for the night. His sound, blending elements of Sufjan Stevens with the folk-tinged warmth of Paolo Nutini, was a joy to listen to. Much like Amble, Bermingham’s songwriting tells stories that resonate, from reflections on anxiety to loving tributes to his late grandmother. His music has quickly earned a place in my own Spotify library.
After touring the Americas and a few dates down south, it was finally Newcastle’s turn to witness what Amble, a contemporary Irish folk outfit, had to offer. It’s fair to say the crowd were not let down by the performance, I have been to many gigs in The Cluny and have never seen it so engaged!
Amble is made up of Robbie Cullingham (lead vocals and guitar), Ross McNerney (mandolin, banjo, and vocals), and Oisín McCaffrey (guitar and vocals). Together, they craft a sound that is both deeply rooted in tradition and strikingly immersive. Their music is a blend of thoughtful, evocative storytelling and masterful musicianship, with each member bringing their own distinct voice to the mix.
Amble, kicked off their set with their latest single Little White Chapel. The highlight of the song was Ross McNerney’s masterful banjo playing, which echoed over a soaring chorus, setting the perfect tone for the evening. A personal favourite was Mary’s Pub, introduced by Robbie Cunningham with a humorous story about a girl he met on a night out, only for her to reveal she had a boyfriend—an awkward encounter that, amusingly, gave birth to a song rich in both sonic depth and lyrical complexity.
Another standout was Lonely Island, written by mandolin player Ross McNerney after a visit to Achill Island, the remote location featured in The Banshees of Inisherin. The song was both calming and heartbreakingly beautiful, perfectly capturing the isolation and melancholy of the place.
A particular highlight is Ross McNerney’s mandolin playing. He effortlessly navigates rapid tempos and intricate passages, hitting every note with precision and grace. Their sound calls to mind artists such as Novo Amor, Mumford & Sons, Paolo Nutini, and The Lumineers—folk-inspired yet expansive, emotionally rich, and undeniably captivating.
It was clear that each band member has made significant contributions to Amble’s success, with each of their songs amassing thousands of Spotify streams. The camaraderie among the band was evident, with no egos in sight—just mutual respect. A final highlight was Mariner Boy, written by guitarist Oisín McCaffrey, still one of their strongest tracks to date, I recommend watching their performance of this song on Ireland’s Late Late Show!
Amble’s performance at The Cluny was nothing short of magical. The intimate setting of the venue, with its warm atmosphere and impeccable acoustics, was the perfect backdrop for the band’s rich, immersive sound. It’s rare to witness a crowd so captivated, hanging on every note, and Amble’s ability to create such a powerful, engaging experience is a testament to their incredible talent and stage presence. If you get the chance, I highly recommend catching them live—whether at The Cluny or, as I will be, at their upcoming show at The Boiler Shop in February. They are a band on the rise, and their blend of storytelling, musicianship, and pure energy is something you don’t want to miss. Trust me, you’ll be adding them to your playlists in no time.