Monroe’s welcome back popular Rackhouse Pilfer

Sligo’s Rackhouse Pilfer make a welcome return to Monroe’s Live on Friday, May 6.

On their most recent Irish tour, the six-strong band played their first show in Campbell’s Tavern in Cloughanover, and were in rare form indeed.  With mellow numbers and foot-stompers in their set, Rackhouse Pilfer know how to charm a crowd.

They specialise in well-honed Americana but appeal to anyone who appreciates quality live music. Playing both originals and well-chosen covers (their version of Springsteen’s Atlantic City is sublime), the band are regulars in Monroe’s at this stage and it’s no surprise to see them invited back to the Dominick Street venue.

Last year, Rackhouse Pilfer went to London to record with the late Tom Jones and the producer Ethan Johns, who has worked with Ryan Adams and Kings of Leon.

Fiachra, the band’s fiddle player, describes Jones as a ‘gent,’ but the fiddler admits to some nerves on Rackhouse Pilfer’s part.

“We only had one day to get the songs done,” he says.  “To be honest, there was a bit of pressure to get it right. Even though they trusted us and liked the album, there was still an element of will this/won’t this work.”

Ultimately, Jones ended up using both the songs he recorded with Rackhouse Pilfer. To see, and hear, what he saw in them be sure to get along to this gig.

Doors 10pm, admission €10/€8 online.