The danger with writing about Dublin singer Imelda May is that you might run out of ways to convey just how brilliant she is. Fans of her Love Tattoo release will already be enamoured by her rich, emotive voice, which sounds amazing on both belters (‘Johnny Got A Boom Boom’) and ballads (‘Falling In Love With You Again’). But the surprising thing is that she sounds even better live than on record, aided by a tight band, a wonderfully diverse set and, not least, her incredible stage presence.
It becomes clear early on tonight why Jools Holland is such a big fan (she got her big break from appearing on his show), as Imelda shakes, shimmies, and sings her heart out to a full house. The lady is a true performer from her cooly-quiffed top to her sexy high-heeled toe.
She also possesses an infectious energy, laughing and chatting to the crowd, looking fresh despite the fact this is the last date of a 36-date tour. Then again, tonight marks a homecoming for the London-based singer – Imelda’s parents are in the audience, along with her aunt and uncle and probably a whole lot more. She jokes that we’re a great crowd, “probably cause I’m related to half of yeh!”
Another surprise is that, although some of the best tracks on Love Tattoo get an airing – ‘Watcha Gonna Do’ goes down a storm, while set-closer ‘Johnny Got A Boom Boom’ nearly brings the house down – there’s material to spare, with a setlist of well-chosen covers (The Beatles, Patsy Klein, The Cramps and Muddy Waters all get a look in), and new songs (the pyschobilly-tinged ‘Psycho’ and ‘Sneaky Freak’).
Before leaving, Imelda announces the band will return to Dublin, with a Vicar St. date in June. The flag-bearer for a much-neglected genre, her success continues to bring new music to a growing audience.
Irish rockabilly is in safe hands.