Immediately after their set at the Green Man Festival two days previously, singer Róisín Nic Ghearailt was approached by an audience member, who told her she is precisely the role model she would want for her daughter. It’s a wonderful compliment, but it also highlights the atmosphere of care that the band create in their live shows. Some of the subject matter of the songs, perhaps especially Asking for It (which the band no longer play at festivals or in support slots where audience members might not know what they’re getting into) will be challenging listening for too many, but this is acknowledged and they are introduced with an understanding that exploring these topics in song comes with some responsibility.
The band seem to be still buzzing from their Green Man set (at least, Róisín seems keen to talk about it), which saw them dressed in bloody gowns as in (one of two bassists) Zoë Greenway’s video for No One Ever Talks To Us. Fair enough as it was an excellent show. They are happy to be on home turf tonight though – their first Bristol show since November 2021 – and seem relaxed to be among friends. The set highlights their versatility – the short sweet (maybe not that sweet if I knew the words?) shoutiness of Kinder Bueno, the atmospheric folky arrangement of Oró, Sé Do Bheatha Bhaile, the performance poetry about bisexual anxiety. A M(h)aol show is always a delight.
