Photos by Lauren Peters
On a dark and wet Tuesday evening all we want is to get engulfed by the soft and soothing alternative folk sounds of artists such as Kingfishr and Jack Cullen, aren’t we lucky that they shared a bill and performed their stunning music live at NX Newcastle on a dark and Tuesday evening just this week?!
Jack Cullen opened the evening alongside his pals Will and Dave, the trio eased us into a warm and welcoming haze shaped by their tender alternative folk pop and the sharp, stirring voice of a singer-songwriter I’d only just discovered. Though Cullen was new to me, the rest of the room seemed far better acquainted with his catalogue. An Olivia Dean cover certainly helped, although she’s another artist I’m not that familiar with. Cullen’s set was introspective yet unguarded, honest yet quietly shapeshifting. His weaving of genres created a wandering, wind-carried sound that felt like the perfect opener for an evening with Kingfishr.
Kingfishr burst onto the stage in a way I’d never quite witnessed before; vocalist Eddie Keogh sprinted out with an energy that he somehow sustained for the entire show, its spark catching on everyone attending. I was genuinely delighted to see just how devoted their audience was, an entire sold out NX belted out every lyric like a shared heartbeat. Opening with my personal favourite, ‘I Cried, I Wept’, I feared they had peaked too soon for me, yet they managed to astonish again and again throughout the night. And even with a handful of loudmouths who sounded like they’d just discovered beer for the first time, the atmosphere stayed nothing short of magical.
Songs such as ‘Man On The Moon’, ‘Gloria’, and ‘Killeagh’ showcased Kingfishr’s rich musicality and their instinctive connection to a younger crowd, through anthemic banjo-tinged folk pop and layered, sweeping soundscapes. Beyond the craft of their music, it’s the band’s sheer passion that truly sets them apart, especially on a stage of this scale. Their heartfelt words between songs, small reminders of the power and influence we each hold, made us feel not only part of something bigger, but genuinely valued. Together, we created an unforgettable night.
musicforthemisfits.com 