With 4 studio albums under their belt, some might say that it was high time that Irish indie rockers Kodaline put out a live album to showcase their live talents in a more intimate and less forgiving environment. We were fortunate to get a sneak preview of the record ahead of its release on October 14th, read on to see what we thought.

Our Roots Run Deep offers an incredibly intimate and raw performance of the Irish pop rock band’s most loved hits which come gift wrapped with three very polished covers. Recorded live at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, the album successfully achieves a sense of unity; acting as a refreshing contrast to the years of social separation faced, not only as a band but as a wider community and fanbase. 

Kodaline - Steve Garrigan (guitar/vocals), Mark Prendergast (guitar), Vinny May (drums) and Jason Boland (bass guitar) - engaged with acoustic instruments along with cellist (David Doyle) and keyboardist/vocalist (David Prendergast) to achieve this anthemic raw adaptation of past hits. Covering an array of themes; from strong feelings of longing in love in ‘Wherever You Are’ to ‘Sometimes’ - which navigates feelings of anxiety and offers a sense of comfort in how universal these feelings are. Our Roots Run Deep is filled with unfiltered human emotion and despite the release of a much more stripped-down album, their often heartfelt approach to music and focus on human connection stays the central focus throughout.

From a lyrical standpoint - ‘Sometimes’ is a key addition to the album. It’s open and vulnerable lyricism is only amplified by the stripped back acoustics - allowing for a heightened sense of emotion that isn’t achieved in the same way with studio recordings. Additionally, the audience interaction in the track furthers this togetherness and reinforces solidarity - it is both acoustically beautiful and moving, especially coming out of a time that bred so much anxiety.

Their cover of ‘Dirty Old Town’ perfectly encapsulates this intimacy and camaraderie seen throughout the album, with the combination of Kodaline’s acoustics, the crowd’s vocals and the song’s Irish roots making it that little bit more special. The track’s somewhat simplistic approach made big waves and manages to totally capture the raw essence of the album, something I am sure the band were keen to get across. 

Kodaline have recently finished touring in support of the live album - in which they maintained the vulnerability of the album by venturing on an ‘intimate’ tour of the UK, playing to some very lucky people!

Our Roots Run Deep will be released digitally and in an array of physical formats including CD / Standard Cream LP / Limited Indie & HMV Maroon LP / Irish Exclusive Green LP as well as special fan bundles available at kodaline.com including limited signed prints & exclusive double cassette.

Review by Brianna Williams