Undertones overwhelm

As the headliners of the second annual Irish Rhapsody Festival, two week’s worth of music and spoken word performances that showcase a cross section of Irish arts and culture, the Undertones were hyped almost as much for not having performed in the States since 1979.
Their fans did not forget them, however, and due to the sold-out sign by the ticket booth, one could be sure a good number of people new to the Undertones were interested as well.
When the band had their first hit with “Teenage Kicks” in 1978, they were just teenagers themselves. Their songs reflect that same innocence, dealing in such topics as girls, the weekend, and even the odd paean to candy bars.
It would be a true test of a newly reformed outfit as to whether they could still deliver. Lucky for the packed house, they did so wonderfully. The show was so good, in fact, that no one in the crowd was showing the slightest bit of wear when they took the stage just before midnight and played long into the wee hours.
The Undertones have a sizable punk fan base, and are widely regarded as one of the first bands to mix punk and pop, which has enjoyed many recent reincarnations in bands such as The Hives and Green Day. This accessibility was part of what had the crowd roaring at the show. It was not the kind of punk that alienates, but rather embraces with the end result being a great time.
The sparse look to the Knitting Factory worked for the show, and with the Undertones “do it yourself” attitude. They forgo the complicated lighting sets instead for an excellent sound system. The odd shape of the floor and stage actually makes for great sightlines from almost anywhere in the crowd.
By the time they were into their third song, the room had become a swarm of energized, sweaty fans enjoying every minute. The music had everyone moving, and as one fan said while trying to make his way up to the stage, “Anyone from Derry’s already up front.”
The Undertones are one of many bands to have recently reformed with the absence of their original singer, Fergal Sharkey. Some purists may have been worried that his replacement, Paul McLoone, would not keep the band’s original enthusiasm for the songs, but the band has managed to make what seems to be a seamless entry back into the touring grind, garnering great reviews all over Europe since reconvening in 1999.
Highlights included “You’ve Got My Number (Why don’t you use it!)” and, of course, “Teenage Kicks.” McLoone is an incredible performer, and never looks out of place during his wild delivery, which he put ever bit of energy into.
The main stage floor filled up quickly in anticipation for the night’s first act, New York stalwart Joe Hurley and his Gents. Their show rolled along with the kind of melody some Celtic rock bands try to, but can’t easily, grasp. They blended accordion, keys, guitars and Hurley’s own rasp, easily compared to Shane MacGowan, and the end result was a great way to get the crowd started.
The Prodigals also gave a spirited performance, keeping the energy level up for the crowd, who seemed to multiply as each song went on.
It was an excellent start to the packed schedule for the Rhapsody Festival, and the Saint Patrick’s season as well. If The Undertones’ performances were any indication, New York is ready to have fun.