The 3Arena in Dublin played host to an evening of indie folk that balanced intimacy with scale, as Big Thief brought their Somersault Slide 360 Tour to a packed crowd. The night opened with a set from American multi-instrumentalist Laraaji, whose ambient, New Age soundscapes created a meditative atmosphere that was undeniably beautiful. His performance was technically excellent and deeply immersive, showcasing his unique ability to build layers of sound that feel almost spiritual in nature. However, despite its quality, the setting felt slightly mismatched. In a large arena, with a crowd primed for a more immediate and energetic connection, much of the subtlety in Laraaji’s music seemed lost. While some attendees were clearly engaged, it felt as though a significant portion of the audience struggled to fully connect with the performance, which was a shame given how compelling his work can be in a more intimate environment.
That contrast only made Big Thief’s arrival more striking. As soon as they took to the stage, the energy in the arena shifted dramatically. The crowd, which had been somewhat subdued, came alive with anticipation and enthusiasm. Launching into a nineteen song set, the band were met with cheers before nearly every track, a testament to their devoted following. Their performance struck a careful balance between raw vulnerability and confident musicianship, filling the large space without losing the emotional intimacy that defines their sound.
Highlights of the set included two Adrianne Lenker covers, which were received with particular warmth, further blurring the line between her solo work and the band’s collective identity. The evening closed with a three song encore that brought Laraaji back on stage, creating a collaborative and fittingly expansive finale to the night.
Interestingly, this arena performance followed a much more intimate show the previous evening in Dolans in Limerick, underscoring the band’s versatility. Whether in a small venue or a large arena, Big Thief proved their ability to connect, making this a memorable night of indie folk.
Laraaji photos:
Big Thief phots & set-list:
Set-list:
Horsepower
Change
Double Infinity
Shoulders
Certainty
Casual Touch
Simulation Swarm
Not
Vampire Empire
Real Love
Beautiful World
Real House (Adrianne Lenker song)
Christmas Day
Mr. Man
Where Will We Go
Anything (Adrianne Lenker song)
Encore:
Words – with Laraaji
Incomprehensible – with Laraaji
No Fear – with Laraaji
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic