Live Report: Wyvern Lingo at The Academy

After supporting Grace Jones and playing Electric Picnic, Wicklow three-piece Wyvern Lingo deliver on their early promise with a dynamic, fun set in The Academy.

Having already transitioned from a traditional sound on early EPs to more R&B and pop on their debut album, both sides of this versatile band were on display. Their blending of the two styles is even more impressive in the flesh. They enraptured audiences with their slinky cover of Drake's 'Passionfruit', got them dancing with their own club banger 'I Love You Sadie' while one can hear the Prince and Talking Heads influence on Saoirse Duane's guitar playing on 'Letter to Willow'. All that said, the crowd loved it too when the trio put down their instruments for an acapella, almost sean-nos inspired rendition of 'Used'.

Even when drawing from other artists, Wyvern Lingo still feel unique. The fact that each member of the band can sing and they switch between lead vocals constantly, adds a distinct energy. Also, they have winning stage presence, bantering in between songs such as when they introduced 'Sweet Life Ruiner': "This is a song about romanticising the prick your dating when really it's a toxic relationship you got to get the hell out of."

The band were supported by Cavan musician Aine Cahill and Galwegian pop star Laoise, who both joined the trio for a lovely cover of Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature'. When keyboardist and lead singer Karen Cowley said after: "Irish music is totally male dominated but it doesn't feel like that tonight!", it garnered huge cheers from the predominately female audience. As Wyvern Lingo continue to deliver great songs about women, let's hope more Irish artists follow suit.