Live Report: Adrianne Lenker delivers a spellbinding solo performance at Vicar Street

One month on from the release of her latest solo album, Bright Future, Adrianne Lenker's star burns bright in Dublin on Sunday night.

The Vicar Street gig follows shows in Galway and Kilkenny, as part of a solo tour that will see the acclaimed artist play over 40 dates throughout Europe and North America. As evening falls on the first sun-filled weekend of the year, her sold-out show is the hottest show in town, in more ways than one.

The unassuming Big Thief frontwoman is met by deafening cheers of support and excitement when she takes to the stage. Armed with just two acoustic guitars, Lenker sits alone, with a plain black curtain behind her. Just like her soul-baring songs, the 32-year-old's stage reflects the raw and revealing nature of her music, making her performance all the more tender and intimate.

Adrianne Lenker at Vicar Street, 21 April 2024. Copyright Bailey Shropshire_hotpress.com-18

We get off to a false-start with her first song of the night, 'anything'. Lenker stops about thirty seconds in, remarking: "I think I'm gonna start with a different song and circle back to that song... My energy is too up to do that one right now!"

Playing a mix of solo and Big Thief tracks, Lenker puts every bit of herself into the performance – and her effort pays back ten fold. Her warmth and sweet disposition gets everyone behind her. The wave of energy passing between her and the Dublin audience is palpable.

'not a lot, just forever' sees the audience sing along in perfect harmony. The softly-spoken Lenker is visibly moved.

"That sounds so beautiful," she says. "Ireland's got the singing going on!"

It's clear Lenker has a soft spot for Ireland, having included three Irish dates on this tour. She tells us how she was in a pub earlier on, and was asked to do a song.

"I was just sitting in a pub, and suddenly there was just a whole table of musicians playing. On my way out the door they asked me to play one, even though all I did was quietly hum to myself! I sat down and played a Guy Clark song – I kind of panicked!"

Adrianne Lenker at Vicar Street, 21 April 2024. Copyright Bailey Shropshire_hotpress.com-1

Lenker's ability to hold the audience in the palm of her hand is something to behold. With her soaring vocals and intricate guitar playing, her talent is clear – but it's her vulnerability and sincerity that ties it all together, making her an utterly spellbinding performer. If she wants it, Lenker will have a long and lasting career. She's the real deal.

"It's been such an honour to get to be here with you," she tells the crowd at the end of her performance. "Thank you so much again for having me. I feel so lucky to be here."

Lenker is given a long, well-deserved standing ovation.

"What a special night" she says. Ain't that the truth.