Last night, the historic Iveagh Gardens played host to a truly captivating performance from Lucy Dacus, whose thoughtful lyricism and powerful indie-rock sound resonated deeply with the Dublin crowd. Supported by the enchanting Jasmine.4.T, the evening was a masterclass in emotional storytelling and atmospheric live music.
Jasmine.4.T, the British singer-songwriter, set a wonderful tone for the evening. Her delicate yet impactful songs, delivered with a captivating stage presence, quickly drew the audience in. Her unique blend of introspection and melodic beauty provided the perfect warm-up, creating a hushed anticipation for the main act. She proved to be an excellent choice, easing the crowd into the evening with her distinct voice and heartfelt compositions.
When Lucy Dacus took to the stage, the atmosphere shifted to one of profound connection. Touring in support of her latest album, Forever Is a Feeling, Dacus seamlessly wove new tracks with beloved fan favorites. The setlist, a testament to her evolving artistry, included standout performances of songs like “Ankles” and “Limerence” from the new record, which showcased her growing lyrical depth and musical maturity.
Highlights of the night were abundant. Dacus’s ability to create an intimate atmosphere, even in a larger outdoor venue, is truly remarkable. Her raw honesty and vulnerability shone through in every note, whether she was belting out a powerful anthem or delicately delivering a hushed ballad. The audience’s enthusiastic sing-alongs, particularly during tracks like “Hot & Heavy” and “Night Shift,” underscored the deep connection her music fosters.
A particularly charming moment that delighted the crowd was the appearance of Jasmine.4.T later in Dacus’s set, playfully introduced as “Hozier’s cousin” and emerging with a Hozier-esque wig and beard. This lighthearted interlude added a touch of humor and camaraderie to the often-melancholic musical journey. Dacus also treated the audience to acoustic renditions of “Cartwheel” and “Fool’s Gold,” further highlighting her vocal prowess and the emotional weight of her songwriting.
Beyond her own material, Dacus showcased her eclectic influences with fantastic covers, including Fontaines D.C.’s “Roy’s Tune” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark,” alongside a poignant rendition of the boygenius track “True Blue.” These covers were not just faithful reproductions but were imbued with Dacus’s unique interpretation, making them feel entirely her own.
The staging, designed to resemble the outside of a house with windows doubling as portrait frames, added an intriguing visual dimension to the performance, though at times it did seem to limit the band’s movement. However, this minor detail did little to detract from the overall immersive experience.
As the evening drew to a close with the title track “Forever Is a Feeling” and the perennial favorite “Night Shift,” the Dublin audience was left with a palpable sense of having witnessed something truly special. Lucy Dacus’s concert at Iveagh Gardens was a testament to her extraordinary talent, her genuine connection with her audience, and the enduring power of her music. It was an unforgettable night, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her next return to Irish shores.
Jasmine.4.T photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation
You Are the Morning
Breaking in Reverse
I Don’t Think Anyone Else Could Hold The Same Place In My Heart
Elephant
Did U Know
Lucy Dacus photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Calliope Prelude
Hot & Heavy
Ankles
Modigliani
Limerence
First Time
VBS
Talk
Big Deal
Come Out
Best Guess
For Keeps
Roy’s Tune (Fontaines D.C. acoustic)
I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore
Bullseye (with SOAK acoustic)
Most Wanted Man
Lost Time
Forever Is a Feeling
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True Blue (boygenius track)
Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen cover)
Night Shift
Photos & words – David McEneaney @experimentzero
With very restricted photographing conditions