Gareth Dunlop Delivers a Glorious Performance Supporting James Blunt at The National Museum of Ireland, Dublin
Belfast’s Gareth Dunlop has carved a space in the music industry with his distinct brand of pop and confessional songwriting, scoring music features in motion pictures such as Safe Haven and touring alongside legendary artists like Van Morrison, Stereophonics and Bonnie Raitt. The prolific singer-songwriter has now returned with his most raw and emotionally charged album to date, ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know,’ captivating audiences with his genuine lyricism and compelling vocals.
I had the privilege of witnessing Dunlop in action as he supported the iconic James Blunt at The National Museum Of Ireland, Dublin. With his flawless melodic flair and Irish heritage, the lineup was a perfect match - and with the luminous success of ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know,’ the performance couldn’t have come at a better time.
To summarize the set, the word ‘electrifying’ springs to mind, with a whirlwind of powerful emotions woven throughout. As Dunlop and his band took to the stage amidst the historic backdrop of The National Museum of Ireland, they immediately grabbed the attention of the bustling, sold-out crowd. It’s evident that this is where the artist belongs. To begin with, the rich intensity of Dunlop’s vocals is enough to consume a venue of thousands, diverting from soft and intimate to majestic. Captured by the true stand-out feature of his renowned sound, eager listeners surrounding me were positively hooked.
Dunlop kicked off with ‘Church,’ the monumental opening track for ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know’. From the very first piano chord, this poignant anthem offered a reflective sonic moment and set the tone for the magic that followed. This was preceded by earlier pop gem ‘Animal’ and the euphoric ‘Go Down Swinging,’ a radiant lead single from his new album that lyrically promises hope and perseverance. These themes were reflected gracefully in the live arrangement, which breathed renewed energy into a beloved set of songs.
Displaying his knack for infectious synth-pop, Dunlop powered through discography highlights. The uplifting ‘Right and Ready,’ taken from his 2022 studio album ‘Animal,’ was built for a festival crowd, forming an alluring atmosphere. ‘Small Talk’ offered a lovelorn, guitar-based moment, showcasing the emotional sincerity of his latest work once again.
A set highlight was the playful ‘I Don’t Feel You,’ a fuzzy, upbeat track about the freedom that comes with moving on from heartache. Dunlop kept the audience engaged throughout, shifting seamlessly from sentimental melodic highs to vibrant grooves that got heads bopping. ‘In A Hundred Years’ was sun-soaked and catchy, with its earworm chorus lingering long after the song ended. Dunlop’s striking dynamic with his band was apparent as he switched between keys and acoustic guitar, crafting anticipation for James Blunt’s upcoming performance.
The rugged ‘Train Driver’ highlighted the darker element of the singer-songwriter’s distinct style, revealing the grittier aspects of his voice. By this point, it was hard to pick a set highlight or a favorite song—I found myself eager to explore the rest of his discography by the final minutes. Yet, all good things must come to an end, and Dunlop closed the set in style. Having won over the crowd with his familiar warmth, ‘Just In Case’ is sure to seal the deal with a likely collection of new fans. This endearing pop song about gratitude and self-reflection left the audience on a high note, capturing the harmonious charm and promise of ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know.’
Gareth Dunlop is certainly one live act you won’t want to miss. Catch him at his next headline show at The Workman’s Cellar
here in Dublin on October 17th.
Listen to ‘Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know’.
