Amble’s musical journey began three years ago, as told by singer and guitarist Robbie Cunningham, when he, Oisin McCaffrey, and Ross McNerney decided to quit the grinding monotony of their day jobs and take their musical careers seriously. They’ve since toured and performed with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Hozier. Now headlining their own tour, Amble’s concert on June 15, 2026 at 24 Oxford sported a bustling early crowd electric with anticipation. It seemed half the people there already had Amble band t-shirts as the line for the merchandise table wound deep into the audience of the intimate venue. A fan glowed with pride as many in the crowd complimented her handmade Amble denim jacket as she bragged about having been at Amble’s very first show in the US.
Cheering erupted as the opening act walked on. Cassandra Coleman haunted the stage in a white summer dress, painted in ethereal purple by the stage lights. Backed by guitarist Cecilia Castleman, the girls from Tennessee put on a powerful performance with stunning vocals and southern charm. Cassandra demonstrated her range when she taught the crowd the refrain to her upcoming song “Maggie,” weaving a tale of regret and yearning before giving us a little Nashville hot with “Bite My Tongue.” It was a fantastic introduction to an up and coming talent and a wonderful warm up for Amble’s musical stylings.
As Amble came out on stage and McNerney strummed his banjo, the crowd went absolutely wild. You could feel the adoration of the people for the gentlemen from Ireland. The feeling was reciprocated as Cunningham spoke of the acts they’d recently toured with and what a pleasure it is to perform for their fans. The appreciation was returned and the crowd roared with approval. Amble played songs from their EP Reverie, such as “Mariner Boy,” which transports one to the shores of Ireland, carried along by Cunningham’s vocals before McNerney takes you tumbling with galloping banjo. As well as “Mary’s Pub,” the story of how Cunningham had a lovely evening with a woman he felt a connection with, only to find out she was already spoken for. As the crowd sang along to the chorus, it felt like a sacred moment of shared understanding with all those there: that most human of emotions, the exquisite experience of unrequited yearning.
They also debuted some upcoming titles: “Moral Victory,” carrying the crowd aloft with its creeping crescendo and a roaring declaration of, “You tried your best.” Another new title, “The Swell,” pumped through the blood like Irish whiskey warming you from the heart out. Returning to the band’s familiar hits to finish out the show, “Socrates Smiled” and “Of Land and Sea” had the crowd stamping and clapping in unison, singing along. After finishing the show with one of McNerney’s absolutely insane banjo solos, the crowd begged for an encore, which Amble obliged. I first heard Amble opening for Hozier, where Cunningham proclaimed what an honor it was to open for Hozier, who was, “like a god.” Well, it seems that Amble is well on their way to joining that pantheon. The story of their serendipitous meetings and the drive to live up to their musical aspirations in the face of stable drudgery resonates with a dedicated and growing fan base.
Amble’s tour continues with shows in Colorado, Missouri, and Tennessee before returning home to Ireland. It was a pleasure to see Amble in an intimate venue like 24 Oxford. While they put on a scintillating performance in a stadium setting, there is a special joy in seeing musicians so passionate about their craft from so close. You feel the joy of the art from the artist and the appreciation of the crowd as it exults.
GALLERY: Amble with Cassandra Coleman at 24 Oxford in Las Vegas, Nevada (June 15, 2026)
Amble
Cassandra Coleman
