Julia Jacklin – Whelans – Live Review – 30-03-19

More information on Whelan’s here.

The set opened with a slightly slower than normal version of Body, the languid tale of a lost photograph. It’s the opening track of Julia’s new album, Crushing, which was released last month. The album continued a similar style to her previous one, 2016’s Don’t Let the Kids Win. Crushing is an album that on first listen does not seem particular unusual, but draws you in the more you hear it, as you discover the complexity of the lyrics and harmonies. A quintessential grower, if you will.

The night continued with dreamy ballads such as Leadlight and Motherland. The band were a five piece on the night, with guitar, bass, drums and occasional keyboard. There was some variation in sound, with a stripped down piano version of When the Family Flies In, followed by a solo version of Don’t Let the Kids Win. The night ended with one of their more upbeat songs ‘Pressure to Party’. A one song encore of Hay Plain ended the night. Julia commented that the band had a 1.15 a.m ferry to catch, so they were in quite a rush!

About half way through the set Julia looked up at the balcony and commented that the last time they played Dublin there was no one on the balcony. Whelan’s was sold out for several weeks before this gig and it seems likely she’ll play a substantially larger venue on their next trip to Dublin.

After a short set from one of Julia’s band members, Georgia Mulligan, the main support act was Olympia, which is the stage name of Olivia Jayne Bartley from Wollongong, Australia. There was three musicians on stage, which bass and drums but Olympia definitely commanded the spotlight, which some guitar work that Joey Santiago would have been proud of and impressive vocals. It’s rare to see a support act grip an audience in this fashion, but she is definitely one to watch!

Setlist – 

Body
Eastwick
Leadlight
Motherland
Don’t Know How to Keep Loving You
Turn Me Down
When the Family Flies In
Don’t Let the Kids Win
Good Guy
You Were Right
Party
Head Alone
Pressure to Party

Encore: Hay Plain