Matt LuceyRecently, I had the pleasure of seeing Irish rock and blues musician Dom Martin perform with his band at Dolans Warehouse in Limerick, Ireland. Accompanying Dom were bass guitarist Ben Graham and drummer Aaron McLoughlin. The evening began with an electrifying set by Blue Nation, a fantastic rock group from Birmingham, who set the tone for a night that exceeded all expectations.
Born in Northern Ireland in the 1990s, Dom Martin is a throwback to the raw energy of rock and blues in a live format—something harder to find today than it was during the genre’s peak in the 1960s and ’70s. The power trio performed Dom’s catalogue during their most recent tour, which spanned 20 locations and culminated at the Looe Blues Rhythm & Rock Fest on December 6th of last year.
Dolans, the venue for the gig, is a cornerstone of Limerick’s music scene, known for its regular and expertly produced live performances. With over four stages in rotation, Dolans hosts a wide range of acts year-round, from small local artists to well-known names in the music world. The setup, acoustics, and sound quality on the night were exceptional—a testament to the venue’s well-practiced routine for near-nightly gigs. This particular performance took place in the smallest of Dolans’ stage rooms, which created a sense of exclusivity and intimacy as the gig quickly sold out. The close quarters, combined with the band’s loud, raw sound, allowed the audience to feel the kind of energy that can only be experienced at a live performance.
After a brief intermission, Dom Martin and his band took the stage and immediately proved their mettle, launching into song after song of blistering rock. The momentum was only occasionally broken by brief introductions of the band members. Ben Graham on bass kept a tight and unrelenting groove throughout the night, shining particularly in moments of improvisation with tasteful, well-placed licks. His rhythm locked in seamlessly with Aaron McLoughlin’s drumming, which was flawless from start to finish. Aaron’s steady timekeeping provided a solid foundation for Dom Martin’s performance to shine.
Dom himself is understated on stage, with little movement, fanfare, or interaction with the audience. At first, this might lead one to underestimate his stage presence—until he unleashes a torrent of original riffs and solos reminiscent of rock legends like Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore. Songs like Dixie Black Hand and Laundromat showcased his exceptional talent, blending intricate guitar work with raw, energetic vocals. Dom’s frequent multi-minute solos were a powerful callback to an era when guitar solos defined rock music. Notably, Lefty 2 Guns, a slower blues track, demonstrated Dom’s mastery of phrasing and his deep understanding of melodic blues, while Dixie Black Hand stood out as a flawlessly executed classic rock number, complete with a powerful solo that matched the song’s energy.
Of course, a live performance wouldn’t be complete without discussing the gear. Dom performed using just two guitars: a Gibson Les Paul, which delivered searing solos and powerful riffs, and a hollow-body guitar that provided more bass-heavy, relaxed tones while maintaining his signature sound. While the amplifier wasn’t entirely visible, the bold bass tones filled the venue without overpowering the other instruments. Ben’s bass—paired with an Orange amp—added depth to the music, blending perfectly with Aaron’s drumming to create a cohesive sound.
There were, however, two minor drawbacks to the evening. The small venue, while intimate, caused the band’s bold and bassy tones to reverberate, leading to a slightly muddled sound at times. This isn’t a fault of the band, whose setup is clearly well-considered, nor of Dolans, which is a beloved staple of Limerick’s live music scene. Additionally, some fans might have found the lack of audience interaction disappointing. Dom and his band stuck to a straightforward format: go on stage, perform, sell records, and leave. While this approach might not appeal to everyone, it was refreshing to experience a gig where the focus remained squarely on the music, without lengthy talking segments between songs.
To date, Dom Martin has released three studio albums and a live album, all of which follow a consistent theme. But when you find your sound early in your career, why change it? The live show combined tracks from all three albums with the energy and improvisation that define a passionate and skilled musician. Dom’s albums are available on Spotify, as well as on CD and vinyl—both of which were available for purchase after the show. If you’re a fan of rock or blues, I highly recommend giving any of his albums a listen.
