Lilyisthatyou brought her dark pop experimentation to Dublin’s Academy 2
Irish-German producer and songwriter Vi0let set the tone for the evening at The Academy 2, warming up the Dublin crowd with a nine song set that showcased her distinctive sound and songwriting. Tracks including ‘Skyline’, ‘Choosy’ and ‘Shy’ flowed effortlessly, gradually drawing the audience into her world. Closing with ‘I Don’t Wanna Fish’, Vi0let left the room suitably primed for the night’s main event.
Enter Lilyisthatyou, the genre defying pop provocateur whose dark pop sensibilities and electronic experimentation brought an entirely different energy to the stage.
Kicking things off with ‘5am In Stockholm’, she had the audience eating out of her hand from the get-go. Dancing across the stage and weaving between the large flowers that adorned the set, Lilyisthatyou created a wonderfully surreal backdrop to her performance. The floral arrangements even received a little watering during the show, adding an unexpected touch of theatricality to the evening.
Her connection with the crowd was immediate and genuine. Frequently making her way to the barrier, she interacted with fans throughout the set, ensuring that even those at the back felt part of the experience. Whether commanding the stage through her electronic driven soundscapes or engaging directly with the audience, she maintained an infectious energy that never let up.
There was a refreshing unpredictability to the performance, with her blend of shadowy pop and experimental electronic elements giving the evening its own distinct character. The theatrical staging complemented the music without ever overshadowing the artist herself.
Bringing the set to a close with ‘Nostalgia Baby’, Lilyisthatyou left the Dublin audience with a fitting final moment. Despite the song’s title, there was nothing nostalgic about the night. This was an artist firmly looking forward, delivering a performance that felt fresh, adventurous and entirely her own.
With Vi0let providing an engaging opening and Lilyisthatyou delivering a compelling headline set, the Flowers Have Feelings tour made a memorable stop in Dublin. The flowers may have needed watering, but the crowd certainly didn’t need encouragement to bloom.
Vi0let photos:
Lilyisthatyou photos:
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic