Live Report: Jessica Pratt and Aoife Nessa Frances put Vicar Street in a trance

Fresh from sweeping a hat-trick of accolades at the 2025 Libera Awards for her latest opus Here in the Pitch, American folk songstress extraordinaire Jessica Pratt took hold of Vicar Street on Sunday night.

Across her 12-year career, the revered Los Angeles-based artist has established herself as one of the truly singular songwriters of her generation. She's earned plaudits for her unique arrangements, atmospheric lo-fi production and a distinct, often ethereal voice.

Here In The Pitch, Pratt's fourth album and first since 2019, marked a new adventure for the 37-year-old, and boasted some of her most venturesome music to date.

All of this was made evident with a stellar showing during a long overdue first-ever headliner in Dublin, where Pratt captivated her audience with her entrancing vocals.

But first, Aoife Nessa Frances, Dublin psychedelic pop and folk singer, took to the Vicar Street stage.

The young Irish artist set the tone for the night, opening under purple lighting with 'Soft Lines' from her 2022 album Protector.

Frances' guitar and her harpists started off set with slow, etherial notes, warming up before Frances' deep voice and slow delivery of each lyric combined for an emotional gut-punch,  causing the audience to fall silent.

Aoife Nessa Frances supporting Jessica Pratt at Vicar Street on July 13th, 2025 Copyright Abigail Ring/Hotpress.com

Frances also played 'Blow Up' from her 2020 debut album Land of No Junction, though the live rendition took on a very different feel. The singer's slow, more solemn tone, allowed the harp to take centre stage, amping up the emotional potency in an already heart-rending track about wanting to change your life.

The impressive hometown support act closed with the rhythmic, upbeat and impactful 'Way to Say Goodbye', before exiting the stage in an otherworldly haze of sound.

At 9 o'clock on the dot, Jessica Pratt stepped on stage in her signature suit and pants; evocative of her simple yet elegant music style.

"Hello, how're you doing?" she asked, greeting the packed house who cheered in response.

She kicked off with the entrancing 'World on a String', from her most recent album, Here in the Pitch.  The song's light, airy tone and repetitive lyrics allowed Pratt's distinctive voice to shine, kicking the night into life.

Pratt's smooth transition into 'Poly Blue' was interrupted only by cheers. The tune had a slightly deeper emotional heft, while still holding on to the lively folk tones - creating an exemplary display of the singer's range.

The LA-based songstress wasn't exactly talkative between songs, and that's because she didn't need to be. Pratt held the crowd with her distinctly folk voice, interesting lyrics and instrumentals, which sound all the more impressive live. This was helped by Vicar Street's intimate feel, which made every word Pratt sang feel that bit more personal and important.

Jessica Pratt at Vicar Street on July 13th, 2025 Copyright Abigail Ring/Hotpress.com

"One, two, three, four," she chimed, injecting the night with new vigour as she transitioned into 'Get Your Head Out'. A far cry from her folkier tunes, it opted for a lower pitch and marked a shift in tone for the rest of the evening.

The gig was packed with the full range of Pratt's abilities, and while she didn't have flashy visuals or Eras Tour-inspired choreography, the simplicity of Pratt's set was on brand; simple spotlights complemented the signer's performance, changing colour based on the mood of her songs.

After ending the evening with the popular and joyful 'Life Is', Pratt caught the crowd off-guard as she came back to stage for a special encore.

Emerging with only her bassist, the pair went on to perform a very intimate, stripped-back version of 'On Your Own Love Again', which is all about being lied to in a relationship. After this stark moment of vulnerability, the rest of the band returned for the final song of the evening, the melodic and aptly-tilted 'Fare Thee Well'. The song brought proceedings to a close on a reflective note, with bittersweet lyrics discussing leaving behind someone from your past.

It was a poignant way to end a show of serenity, tranquility and liveliness, with Pratt's display underlining the fact that folk music is very much alive and kicking.

Jessica Pratt at Vicar Street on July 13th, 2025 Copyright Abigail Ring/Hotpress.com