- Music
- 21 Aug 24
Live Report: Bambie Thug proves to be an undeniable performer at Rankin's Wood
Bambie Thug cements their place as one of Ireland's most formidable live performers in a theatrical set.
Having gone from being a relatively unknown artist at the beginning of 2024, to being catapulted into the national psyche as Ireland's 2024 Eurovision entry, Bambie Thug has courted admiration, censure and controversy in the last 8 months.
The jam packed Rankin's Wood tent featured a surprising number of young fans; a hangover from the Macroom artist's impressive Eurovision stint- returning Ireland's best result in over 20 years at 6th place.
Sashaying onto stage- Bambie arrived in a duct tape bikini, complete with demonesque wings, and a maleficent head dress. The non binary artist loves to play around with gender, costume and pure spectacle.
Bambie Thug at Electric Picnic 2024. Copyright: Maya Solanki.The music also held up, with 'Last Summer' proving to be an early hit in the set. With the dynamic numbers, the eye grabbing garb and sheer charisma, Thug has all the hallmarks of being Ireland's next big queer pop diva.
A sonic palette of emotion was proffered, from the high jinks and pop tones of 'Last Summer' which proved fun and playful, to the synth-y and sombre 'Careless', which the artist described as their "heartbreak song".
Bambie Thug themselves describes their work as "Ouija Pop", and its eclecticism is blatant. However, their is a unifying thread; and that is their zany, and somewhat sinister sensibility.
A rage filled banger came in the form of 'Egregore', which is full with demonic and sacrilegious imagery- a speciality of the musician's.
Bambie Thug at Electric Picnic 2024. Copyright: Maya Solanki.'Doomsday Blue', Ireland's 2024 Eurovision entry - was naturally met with an uproarious response. It is disarming to see an alternative star, receive such a reception from such an array of people; parents with children, GAA fans wearing jerseys, and flag carrying queer people.
It is Thug's ability to attract the universal with such niche artistry that makes them so special.
The final track which the artists played with their Daft Punk styled dancers was the throbbing 'Tsunami', which proved to be a rage fuelled banger.
