Rankins Wood Stage played host to the incredible British-Japanese singer Rina Sawayama for her last festival performance of 2022.

Black lace veil covering the singer's face - camp realness oozed from every aspect of Sawayama's set. Opening with 'Dynasty', the tent was sparse but the those there were clearly dedicated fans. The stage production quality was phenomenal - with backup dancers donning Juicy Couture velour tracksuit bottoms and the overall sound and lighting elevating the show.

As the crowd chanted "Rina, Rina, Rina," the singer divulged the meaning behind her veil: "I'm in mourning, this is the last set of the Sawayama set list." Explaining she would mix in some tracks from her upcoming album Hold The Girl, Sawayama and company tore into 'Shut The Fuck Up'.

The first two tracks of the set were far grungier than I was expecting, and delightfully so. Verging into operatic-rock, the set thus far was dynamic and sexy - with the audience lapping up every second.

Rina Sawayama on Electric Picnic's Rankins Wood Stage. Photography Copyright: Miguel Ruiz

'Comme des Garçon' followed, with Sawayama insisting the crowd get low with her, screaming "jump" as the beat dropped.

Pulling back to a sentimental track, 'Hold The Girl' from Sawayama's forthcoming album dazzled the crowd, with superb vocals fronting the performance. All around, fans sang along, with the intimate crowd taking the lyrics of this wonderful track to heart.

Chatting to the crowd for a moment, the singer revealed the next track she performed would be "one I haven't sang in the UK yet." With a mixed reaction from the crowd - a few boos here and there at the lack of differentiation between Ireland and the UK - the singer ran back to the microphone, clarifying: "UK AND IRELAND." Apologising profusely, the singer began 'Hurricane', an unreleased single from her forthcoming album. The classic-rock sound permeated the Rankins Wood tent, exciting the crowd at what's to come from her new album - releasing September 16.

'Phantom' followed, another single from Hold The Girl. This emotional slower rock ballad highlighted Sawayama's sensational vocals, also bringing attention to her all female band. Her guitarist powered through impressive riffs, with an incredible guitar solo dominating the track.

In an emotional and sentimental moment, the singer told the audience her next track 'Catch Me In The Air' was written about her mom, with the crowd applauding, celebrating the beautiful meaning behind this piece.

Asian-style instrumentals and visuals took over the stage as Sawayama prepared for the clear fan favourite 'XS'. Leaving some singing to the crowd - Rina's facial expressions took centre stage with her and her backup dancers making the most of the freedom to dance.

"Everybody say slay," the singer asked the crowd, informing the energetic audience it was her last song next. A notably short set, Sawayama informed the fans "you'll just have to see me at my own show" - which fans can do in October of this year at Dublin's 3Olympia.

Demanding the crowd take part in some "positive reinforcement" before the end of her set, the singer asked the audience to repeat - "When I get home, I'm gonna preorder Hold The Girl." After the crowd happily obliged, the singer asked everyone to pretend they were at a barn dance in Mississippi, popped on a cowboy hat, and launched into her new single, the LGBTQ+ anthem 'This Hell'.

Rina Sawayama on Electric Picnic's Rankins Wood Stage. Photography Copyright: Miguel Ruiz

The crowd errupted at this finale, screaming out lyrics: "Fuck what they did to Britney, to Lady Di and Whitney."

It's impossible to deny that this genre diverse, insanely talented vocalist will be packing out tents at Electric Picnic in years to come. Although not well known enough in Ireland, after that performance it would be impossible not to start listening to more of her music, especially when her forthcoming album drops.

Stay tuned for more live reports, photos and all things Electric Picnic, live from Stradbally.