Live Report: Nell Mescal brings raw emotion to the Button Factory

Following the release of her second EP, The Closest We’ll Get, Co. Kildare-raised singer-songwriter Nell Mescal showed the Button Factory her vulnerable side last Monday, with a powerful showcase of her reflective lyrical style.

The acclaimed EP, produced by Philip Weinrobe — known for his work with Adrianne Lenker, Billie Marten and Cass McCombs — follows 2024's Can I Miss It For A Minute?, as well as hugely popular singles like 'In My Head', which featured in the hit Netflix series Heartstopper.

Stepping onto the Button Factory stage in all black, Mescal began the evening with the delicate 'Electric Picnic'.

Nell Mescal at The Button Factory on December 1st, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

'Carried Away' offered a snappy, rhythmic bass line under passionate vocals – with the song capturing a moment where the singer expected to be told that her partner loved her, but was instead told that they got "carried away."

The intimate feel of the venue made each track feel raw and personal, as Mescal shared the backstory behind almost every song.

Picking up the tempo, the artist dove into 'In My Head'. A driving beat and graceful lyrics with somber undertones resonated around the room as fans clapped along.

Nell Mescal at The Button Factory on December 1st, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

In another memorable moment, Mescal described the process of writing 'Thin' – a stunningly honest track about body image. The audience stood in silence, transfixed by each word.

The lights suddenly cut, before Mescal, illuminated by a spotlight, transitioned into the ethereal 'Middle Man'. It was the emotional highlight of the show, as her voice soared over the band.

Before the night was out, 'The Closest We'll Get' offered a jumpy, cheerful tone with folk-inspired violin and guitar. Although the lyrics delved into a complex friendship, Mescal took a playful approach in her delivery, as she dug into her folk influences.

The show came to a close with fan favourite 'Homesick' – the audience screaming every lyric back to Mescal as she spun around on stage, providing a wonderfully energetic end to a night full of raw emotion and poignant sing-alongs.

Nell Mescal at The Button Factory on December 1st, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com