- Music
- 08 Nov 22
"This next one's really sad and I want you to cry. I'll be offended if you don't sob."
English singer-songwriter Cavetown (aka Robin Daniel Skinner) put on an emotional show full of love and community at a sold out 3Olympia Theatre. With double the support from American act Sidney Gish and Dublin's own Orla Gartland, the lengthy evening was well worth it.
Sidney Gish emerged first wearing all green for Ireland, she said. She managed to create a full sound with just herself, an electric guitar, and her masterfully skilled use of a loop pedal. The 25-year-old opened with a cover of 'Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second' by STRFKR, and followed it with some originals including 'Presumably Dead Arm', and 'Not But For You Bunny'. Although Gish hasn't released new music since 2017's No Dog's Allowed, she manages to keep her live performances fresh and interesting with both vocal and lyrical variations.
Next Orla Gartland took the stage in her signature bright eyeshadow and a colorful top. With Nathan Cox effortlessly switching between bass and keys, and Sarah Leigh Shaw killing it on the drums, they played Netflix's Heartstopper featured track 'Why Am I Like This?', 'You're Not Special Babe,' and more. "It's my job to warm you up, are you feeling warm?" Gartland exclaimed, to receive a huge cheer back. "Correct answer. It's time to party."
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Finally, Cavetown emerged to track 'Fall In Love With A Girl'. Gartland came back out to sing her part in the song, and the two's admiration for each other was palpable. Skinner had drummer Willoughby J. Morse, guitarist Austin Thomas, and bassist Nick Johnston joining him.
"I really appreciate your smiles and energy. It makes me feel good," Skinner said after a soulful rendition of 'Green'. The audience sang along to every single song, sometimes even louder than Skinner himself.
The show was filled with heartwarming moments, particularly during 'Hug All Your Friends' where crowd members came together to form group hugs. Multiple trans pride flags were thrown on stage, and Skinner waved them around and held on to them all the way until the end of the show, even tying one to the microphone stand.
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Skinner told everyone to hop like a frog while they sang 'frog' from brand new album worm food, and checked periodically that everyone was doing alright and staying hydrated.
"This next one's really sad and I want you to cry. I'll be offended if you don't sob," Skinner joked before playing 'Sharpener' from 2021 album Man's Best Friend. There was not a dry eye in the house.
He cheered everyone up with 'Boys Will Be Bugs', and a ridiculously high energy encore of 'Devil Town'. The band came together for a group hug at the end. Skinner did a wonderful job of creating a community for the evening and connecting with his fans, all while putting on an incredible show.
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Revisit Hot Press' 2020 interview with Cavetown here.
Listen to his new album worm food: