English trip-hop favourites turn Dublin into a feel good haven, with support from Edinburgh singer-songwriter Alex Cornish.
There are some albums that never lose their magic, and for me, Morcheeba’s Big Calm remains firmly in the top five. So, with the prospect of hearing the English trip-hop and electronic outfit live at Vicar Street (not my first time), anticipation was high. By the end of the night, any doubts ( not that there was ever any worry of) had been replaced by the kind of post gig glow that stays with you long after the music stops.
Opening duties fell to Edinburgh based singer-songwriter Alex Cornish, and initially, I wasn’t entirely convinced he was the natural fit for the evening. However, his 30 minute set soon won me over. Building layers of guitar and violin through looping techniques, Cornish created an intriguing, atmospheric soundscape that gradually drew the audience in. It was an unconventional but ultimately inspired way to ease the packed venue into the laid back grooves that lay ahead, so I ate my thoughts.
Morcheeba took to the stage at 9pm on the dot, and from the opening notes, the feet were moving. The band launched into “Trigger Hippie”, closing the number with a teasing snippet of Donna Summer’s “Love to Love You Baby”. It was a playful opening flourish and an early indication that this would be a night for dancing rather than standing politely with arms folded.
Across an impressive 18 song set, Morcheeba demonstrated exactly why their blend of downtempo beats, soulful vocals and electronic textures has endured. Big Calm has always been an album that demands movement, and hearing that unmistakable sound fill Vicar Street was a reminder of its timeless appeal.
Of-course there were out songs, it wasnt all Big Calm! But like I say its a fav.
The evening also made room for some welcome surprises. Cornish returned to the stage to join the band for “The Sea”, which featured a snippet of Gorillaz’s “Clint Eastwood”. Covers of “Light of Gold”, associated with Skye and Ross, and The Wailers’ “I Shot the Sheriff” added further variety without disrupting the flow.
After 18 songs ending with “Fear and Love” and “Bleeding Out”, which sent the crowd into the Dublin night on a high.
Some gigs entertain, others leave you feeling that, for a couple of hours at least, everything is exactly as it should be. Morcheeba delivered the latter, a night of irresistible grooves, unexpected touches and pure musical escapism. If you left Vicar Street walking on air, you certainly weren’t alone.
Alex Cornish photos:
Morcheeba photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Trigger Hippie – With Snippet “Love to Love You Bab” (Donna Summer)
Friction
Call for Love
Never an Easy Way
The Sea – With Alex Cornish + Snippet of “Clint Eastwood” (Gorillaz)
Otherwise
We Live and Die
Part of the Process
Light of Gold (Skye and Ross cover)
Blood Like Lemonade
Never Undo
I Shot the Sheriff (The Wailers cover)
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
Slow Down
Blindfold
Blaze Away
Fear and Love
Bleeding Out
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic