Drummer Chris Pierce has the nickname “Animal” and he certainly looks the part. He is a longhaired, large brute of a man who defies expectations to those unfamiliar with the band by singing “Grace,” the most touching love ballad of the night. Burnett led a wonderful instrumental on the magic whistle, another instrument that is being added to my list alongside accordion, banjo and mouth harp that one cannot remain in a bad mood while listening to it. He played the flute on an up-tempo rocker that reminded me of Jethro Tull. Newest member Kenny Cosca rounds out the quintet on bass and got a little of the limelight as the band dropped in a bit of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.”
The Fenians understand the relationship they have with the audience and there is no separation between the band and their fans. They only play on stage to allow more people to see them play, but they act like they are on the same level. They appear to have as much fun, if not more so, than the audience. There’s always something special seeing a band play in their hometown in front of family and friends that have long supported them. The club was sold-out and everyone was in a great mood filled with the spirit and spirits of the holiday like a large group of friends gathered at a house party. If you don’t have a fun time seeing The Fenians play, the fault is most likely yours.
They have summer dates posted at their website.
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