The Dublin Community Blog

Damien Rice is generally regarded as more of a singer than a performer and last night, in front of a capacity Vicar St audience, he proved that point. He didn’t bother with the frivolities of talking to the crowd but concentrated on singing his songs with passion. His songs seem to take on a far greater power with the wonderful vocals of Lisa Hannigan and the accompaniment of the brilliant cellist Vyvienne Long. I truly believe that these talented musicians are not merely his back-up band but are an integral part of his unique sound and he himself would not be as talented without them.

Rolling Stone magazine, in a 2003 review of “O”, said that he “crafts songs that attack the heart strings like an angry bee”. Judging by the new songs he played, this is still the case. “Older Chestsâ€?, “the Professorâ€?, “Eskimoâ€? and “Cold Waterâ€? were particular highlights for me.

Apart from the odd idiot shouting to Lisa and Damien’s vocal annoyance at camera phones during “the Blowers Daughter�, there was mostly a reverential feeling amongst the audience.

Despite the heat (what happened to the air-con Vicar St?), and Damiens lack of interaction with his audience, this was a great gig and I’d be there tonight if it wasn’t sold out.

Apologies for the poor quality of the photo. I was standing behind the tallest people at the gig