Kodaline
at The Brook, Southampton, UK
words and photos by Phoebe Reeks

Kodaline’s latest album release, a stripped-back, 17-track album of live recordings, Our Roots Run Deep was released in October 2022. To celebrate its release, the band partnered up with several independent record stores across the UK to bring a series of intimate shows to fans, including a night at The Brook in collaboration with Southampton’s local Vinilo Record Store.

Having postponed their original Southampton tour-date back in September due to band illness, Kodaline finally returned to Southampton in December in support of the album release. The venue filled out early, with fans of all ages patiently waiting for the band’s long-anticipated return to the city.

Kodaline arrived on stage, with lead singer Steve Garrigan greeting the audience with a warm welcome, before kicking off their stripped back evening with their rendition of Sam Cooke’s ‘Bring It On Home To Me’ and encouraging the audience to join in with clicks and singing, and showcasing their ability to harmonise. They proceeded to perform several of their original songs which are featured live on the latest album release, including ‘Ready’, ‘High Hopes’ and ‘Brother’, as well as another cover, this time of ‘Billie Jean’.

With the gig ending up so close to Christmas, the band found it fitting to squeeze in a live debut of their 2020 release ‘This Must Be Christmas’ before closing their set with one of their most popular songs, ‘All I Want’ from their 2013 debut album.

The fans listened intently and sang along throughout the night. After two years of living through the pandemic, it was clear to see the band were happy to be back performing together for their fans. The band, along with their touring cellist, David Doyle gave an impressive intimate performance which highlighted their musical skill, creativity, and unity as a band.

KODALINE: SOUTHAMPTON, UK