Music
23 Nov 23

Live Report: Last Apollo’s haunting finale to the Y&E Series

Last Apollo (Credit: Dylan George Burns)

After 40 acts over the course of nearly 6 weeks, the 2023 Y&E Series has come to a close. Catch up on some extraordinary up-and-coming Irish talent on the Hot Press Instagram as part of the Young & Emerging Series, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Coincidentally, both the Hot Press Y&E Series and indie-rock artist Last Apollo (Lucy Rice) launched from the depths of lockdown.

The last two years have seen the Dublin-raised singer-songwriter go from strength to strength. With her debut EP Ordinary Matter released in July 2022, Last Apollo has sold out three headline Dublin shows, as well as taking the stage this summer at Otherside Festival in Slane.

Live from her new London flat after a recent relocation from Dublin, Rice was joined by pals chatting behind the camera - giddy in anticipation for the performance. Accompanied on-screen only by a keyboard, she greeted viewers and expressed her appreciation for getting to play an Irish gig away from home.

Kicking off with the unreleased ‘Home’, Rice had the virtual audience in the palm of her hand from the first note. Solemn, melancholic vocals - comparable to Lucy Dacus of Boygenius - gave the track a refreshing emotional depth. A skilled instrumentalist as well as vocalist, the harrowing melody gave rise to something that was simultaneously soothing and haunting.

After a good-natured applause from the live-audience and friends alike, she got into the second song of the evening. ‘Silt’ began with the use of soft, delicate vocals and keys but wasted no time in building up to a powerful crescendo. A testament to her uniqueness as an artist, Rice had the ability to effortlessly switch the tempo from deeply atmospheric to ethereal in a matter of seconds.

Self-admittedly nervous for the next track on the setlist, Rice introduced her third (and self-declared most intimate) number of the evening - ‘Goodnight’. Clearly in her element, her vocals varied from delicately jagged at the verses to bellowing during the compelling chorus. Assisting with the intimate, confessional piece were backing vocals from band member Sam Armstrong.

Even in the stripped back live-streamed setting, her celebrated stage presence was evident - the virtual audience rightfully impressed.

For a brief change of scenery, Rice moved to the couch, joining band members for a rendition of Lisa Hannigan’s ‘Little Bird’. Alongside guitarist Naoise May and the afromentioned percussionist Sam Armstrong, the trio combined gentle melodies with smooth vocals for a truly dynamic cover. A suitable choice for the set, the heartfelt, introspective lyrics of the track complimented Last Apollo’s style as an artist, as her original music clearly demonstrated similar themes of unapologetic angst.

The last song of the evening was Last Apollo’s latest single, ‘Tonight’. Released on Spotify just a month prior, the artist returned to her post at the keyboard for the finale. With even more unwavering vocals alongside raw, honest lyrics, the track had notable indie-pop undertones, providing an uplifting finish to a truly powerful performance.