The Eskies: Mumfords outdone

Stars: ***

If the words “harmonies” and “rustic folk” sound suspiciously like Mumford and Sons to you, well... you’d be right. Tar The Eskies with that godforsaken brush at your peril. Although the Dublin quintet may class themselves as “gentlemen’s gypsy folk”, wear waistcoats and have a distinct contemporary country tinge to their sound, their songs have a real sting in their respective tails. Their four-part harmonies are excellent, particularly on amped-up gothic murder ballad Down By the River, and there are traces of The Coral’s melodies sprinkled liberally throughout their set. It’s not the most original music you’ve ever heard, but as the jubilant dancing crowd will testify to, it’s enough to signal a cheerful start to the weekend.