LIVE REPORT: Paloma Faith in Iveagh Gardens, Dublin

After a rare day of scorching summer sunshine, crowds gather in the beautiful city centre setting of the Iveagh Gardens to bask in the sweet warmth of Paloma Faith’s voice. Teased by tunes of the English songstress blaring from the park’s speakers, Faith eventually graces the stage wearing an extravagant sunflower dress and matching headband. What catches the audience's eye the most, however, is that fabulous grin which she proceeds to wear for the entirety of the show.
Beginning her set with the rapturous ‘Take Me’ from Top 10 British and Irish album A Perfect Contradiction, Paloma’s sunny spirit is reflected in the hearts of the audience as they dance and clap to the familiar tune. ‘Mouth To Mouth’ and ‘Other Woman’ also produce similar reactions of joy from the crowd, while ‘Love Only Leaves You Lonely’ is a heartfelt performance of creamy old-school vocals by the 33-year-old.
Moments of reprieve and jokes about "chafing" are dotted throughout the concert as the Londoner’s mellow and eloquent accent engages with the audience. Known for being against all forms of war and violence, the singer urges the crowd to say something nice to the person standing next to them leading to an outpouring of hugs and embraces from everyone in the vicinity.
A trip down memory lane leads to a rousing performance of her first hit ‘Stone Cold Sober’, while ‘Can’t Rely On You’ is a stand-out performance of funk and soul, ending with Paloma strutting her stuff atop of the band’s piano.
On returning for an encore, Faith shows off her exuberant vocal range with aching love song and crowd favourite, ‘Only Love Can Hurt like This’ before she finishes the show with dance track ‘Changing’, which sends the assembled into a jumping spree.
Wrapping up with the same vibrant and energetic tone in which she began, Paloma says goodbye to her adoring crowd not before announcing “I’ve been Paloma Faith and I’m very proud to be a perfect contradiction”. We wouldn’t want her any other way.
Photo copyright: DavidDoylePhotography/hotpress.com (link]facebook.com/ddpdotcom[/link])