Live Report: Tamino delivers soulful performance at Vicar Street

Vicar Street is no stranger to rambunctious performances - but it also entertains heartfelt, indie rock ballads by visiting musical artists. On March 5th, it did just that, hosting the Belgium-Egyptian artist Tamino on his tour for his second album, Sahar.

Sahar is a soft album filled with romantic melodies and tragic lyrics, combining influences from Arabic folk music and indie rock. The Vicar Street performance is one of many on the artist's tour of the EU and UK before he goes abroad across the sea to the North American continent.

Before Tamino took the stage, though, British opening-act and special guest Isaac Gracie set the tone of the night with his beautiful, folk-rock set. The night may have started out with a relaxed yet excited ambience, but the crowd quickly warmed up to the shoulder-length blonde haired, leather jacket-clad, red guitar wielding Gracie.

Although, audience members will remember that the leather jacket was quickly shed.

"This leather jacket is really hot. Did not think this through," Gracie joked. "It’s like Kevlar in that jacket."

He continued on with his set soon after, but not before extending his gratitude to both Tamino, for having him, and for the animated crowd response.

Tamino at Vicar Street. March 5th 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

"I should say thank you so much to Tamino for having me. It’s honestly a pleasure to be here. You guys are lovely, this venue is lovely, this music is honestly my favourite music in the world so it is honestly a pleasure for me."

A quick intermission did not see the eager buzz of the room abate. When fog began to roll across the stage in preparation for the artist of the night, almost as if announcing him, people began to become restless.

The earnest artist took to the stage right at 9:00 PM, the dropped lights making it difficult to see even his silhouette as he stepped on-stage. That didn't stop the crowd from let out screaming cheers, though, as he opened the night with 'A Drop of Blood.'

When the lights finally came up, he was backlit by a halo of soft, amber lights, complimenting the feel of his music nicely. The band joined on stage as Tamino began 'The Longing,' a song about just that and sung with the soulful passion the 26-year-old is so beloved for.

The Belgium-Egyptian artist sang the haunted, contemplative 'The Flame' next, all-the-while bathed in a red glow.

Tamino at Vicar Street. March 5th 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

A man of measured words, he kindly addressed the room before delving into 'The Fascination.'

"Dublin, it's been way too long."

The pining 'Sunflower,' which saw a beautiful music video drop last month featuring Angèle, had a slight hiccup at the start.

Lightly commenting on it, Tamino elicited a few laughs from the crowd before continuing. "There seems to be an argument."

"That's alright. That's alright." Tamino quickly assured the crowd. "Don't worry, we'll still have fun."

One fan saw their chance amid the unplanned pause, hollering a single, adoring call of "I love you!" It was very cordially met with a gentle, laughing "I love you more."

The heartbreaking, melancholic 'Persephone,' was followed by the 'You Don't Own Me,' a lovely song that saw members of the pit swaying, relaxing into the melody about self-reclamation.

Next up was a slow dance kind of song, the enchanting 'Only Our Love,' that definitely saw Tamino feel the love from the crowd. Among a few calls from the pit, an offer for a phone number and a request for the jacket.

Tamino, thankfully, took the inquiry good-heartedly. "I need it for the rest of the tour!" he called back.

Tamino at Vicar Street. March 5th 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

'Indigo Night' saw, once again, a change in lighting. The song didn't need an announcement, the purplely-blue stage lights clear enough of the night's intentions. When the end of the song saw a brief few golden lights from the stage floor contrast with the blue, it looked like Tamino was walking on the breaking dawn.

Echoing Isaac Gracie's own idea, Tamino shed his outer jacket on stage before the newer title of 'Oldest Devotion.' The jacket remained on stage and out of the hands of the audience, keeping true to Tamino's earlier claim. He has a North American tour coming up in April, after all. He'll need it.

Vicar Street was once again bathed in blue for 'The First Disciple,' although it quickly became bathed in pulsing green lights beating in unison with the music. It was a song that hammered home the crucial need to see Tamino in concert with his accompanying band, the cello and guitar adding to the night's experience.

The Belgium-Egyptian artist went on to name his band, crediting them before 'W.O.T.H.' and thanking them for their work on his tour. Tamino is an artist intent on building connection with his art, and as he led the crowd into the fan-favourite 'Habibi.'

Meant to be a final song of the night, it was a callback not just to his heritage, the song famously named for an Arabic term of endearment, but also to his musical beginnings. 'Habibi' was Tamino's debut single, which launched him into the limelight with his empathetic lyrics.

Tamino at Vicar Street. March 5th 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

A quick bow with the band, a quick walk-off stage, and a swift solo return however saw Tamino deliver the mournfully reflective 'My Dearest Friend and Enemy.'

For what was the true final song of the night, Tamino's band came back on stage for 'Smile.' A mirror performance to their first song of the night, they ended backlit by colourless light. It was an apt goodbye, one last message to the audience to carry one beyond the night.

Leaving the stage, he thanked the crowd one final time, cupping his hands into a heart above his head.

An artist well known for emphasising the importance of connection in his music, Tamino connected to everyone in the audience with the melancholic and compassionate empathy inherent in his lyrics, reminding all that came out why he's beloved not just for his voice and talent but his heart.

Check out Hot Press's interview with indie artist Tamino here: