Arlo Parks bring sublime R&B vibes to a soldout Dublin show.
English singer-songwriter Arlo Parks brought her Desire World Tour to a soldout crowd at The Academy in Dublin for an evening of silky R&B, dreamy indie-pop and effortlessly cool energy that felt like a warm embrace.
Setting the tone for the night was Baltimore raised, Los Angeles based multi-instrumentalist Baird, whose blend of R&B and indie-pop provided the perfect introduction to the evening’s laid back atmosphere. With a sound that felt intimate yet expansive, the opening set eased the crowd into the night, building anticipation for the main event.
When Parks took to the stage, the room settled into a rhythm of its own. Working through a captivating 21 song set, she delivered a collection of tracks that showcased the depth, warmth and emotional honesty that have made her one of contemporary music’s most distinctive voices.
From the hazy allure of ‘Heaven‘ and the weightless beauty of ‘Weightless‘ (forgive the pun) to the infectious groove of ‘Caroline‘, each song found its own space to breathe. ‘Beams‘ offered another standout moment, while ‘Nightswimming‘ added to the dreamy, late night feel that carried throughout the performance.
But it was Parks herself who truly commanded the room. Dancing her way through much of the set, she moved with a natural fluidity, at times appearing to float and glide across the stage as though carried by the music itself. There was nothing forced about her movements, every step felt instinctive, perfectly in sync with the sublime R&B soundscapes surrounding her.
The result was a performance that never needed to rely on spectacle. Instead, Parks and band created an atmosphere where the music, movement and mood did all the talking. The soldout crowd was treated to an evening that felt like slipping into another world for a couple of hours.
As the final notes faded, one thing was clear, Arlo Parks knows how to make a room feel both intimate and electric. Her Dublin stop was a masterclass in understated cool, soulful storytelling and the kind of effortless artistry that lingers long after the lights come up.
A dreamy, feel good night that was pure gloss.
Baird photos:
Arlo Parks photos:
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic