Night of Noir-Soul and “Bad Boy” Bravado: Calum Agnew at The Grand Social
Dublin’s Grand Social was transformed into a sanctuary of jazz-infused soul-pop this Friday, as Calum Agnew celebrated the highly anticipated launch of his debut EP, Bad Boy. It was a night that felt like a definitive arrival, marking the transition of one of the city’s most promising voices into a fully realized powerhouse performer.
The evening began with a masterclass in atmospheric groove from MacSteady. The Dublin-Kilkenny five-piece leans into a “nocturnal” sonic palette, blending jazz, soul, and indie-rock with a sophistication that belies their relatively recent emergence on the scene. Drawing clear inspiration from the likes of Puma Blue and King Krule, their set was defined by tasteful harmonies and a moody, laid-back energy that perfectly primed the room. Their ability to weave intricate, jazz-leaning arrangements provided an immaculate foundation for the high-octane performance that was to follow.
By the time Calum Agnew took the stage, the air in the venue was thick with anticipation. Agnew commanded the room with a theatrical, “mod-meets-modern” charisma that felt both classic and entirely current. Backed by a phenomenal seven-piece band, complete with a brass section and dynamic backing vocalists, he delivered a set that bridged the gap between the raw emotional depth of soul and the infectious polish of modern pop.
The centerpiece of the night was, of course, the debut of the Bad Boy EP. Releasing the project and its titular track on the same day as the show, Agnew treated the audience to a performance of the record in its full, vibrant glory. From the driving, bass-heavy title track to more vulnerable moments that showcased his seductive, “chic-sleaze” vocal tone, the set felt deeply personal. Calum’s songwriting resonated with a raw honesty, all while maintaining the mischievous charm of a natural-born star.
It was a night of lovely jazz/soulpop infusion, just as promised, a triumphant celebration for an artist who is clearly carving out a unique, unapologetic space in the Irish music landscape.
MacSteady photos:
Calum Agnew photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Blood Man
La La La
Innocent
Make Me Behave
Hard to Breath
Psalm
All Night Long
Let It Die
Cheap Ammereto
Bad Boy
Bitter Sweet
At Least
Anymore
Never
Dr Jones
Photos & words – Zoltán Szabó @mrzoltanphoto