It’s certain that vocalist/guitarist Johnny Bramwell’s busking background has gone some way towards fuelling I Am Kloot’s neon-glowing live reputation. Tonight in Whelan’s, the band’s first Dublin gig since supporting David Kitt on the Irish leg of his tour, necks crane for a rare glimpse of the stage while the trio launch into their glistening back catalogue.
To their credit, the band’s ability to realise every emotional imprint in every song as if flicking a mental switch is compelling, if not intimidating, and succeeds in connecting to the audience with an intensity that’s lost in so many other acts’ gig-worn repertoires. Playing to audiences who don’t want to listen has clearly impacted on Bramwell’s songcraft too, his cherubic melodies almost refusing to be ignored by anyone within hearing distance.
Take the glorious ‘To You’ from 2001’s Natural History, which tonight betrays its (dare I say it) whingey on-record feel by cranking up the volume, acquiring some balls and taking flight on the chorus. ‘This House Is Haunted’ maximises on Bramwell’s elegant snarl with doomful descending chords, ‘Storm Warning’ boasts a beguiling heady lull, and ‘Stop’ turns attention to the band’s spitting ballad skills. Coupled with spine-tingling crescendos and ever-building layers of sound, I Am Kloot’s case is made. And this correspondent is very much in favour.