In terms of contemporary Irish rock, this is about as good as it gets: Glen Hansard with Marketa Irglova and the core Frames line-up, performing in the exquisite surroundings of the still-new Wexford Opera House. For nigh on two hours, the impeccable Hansard and company enthral the full house.
Virtually every song is a delight, so much so that it seems unfair to pick and mix. However, a riveting ‘Back Broke’ and the harp-driven singalong ‘Feeling The Pull’, are highlights and whet the appetite for the forthcoming Swell Season LP Strict Joy. Elsewhere, a version of REM’s ‘Hairshirt’ tugs heartstrings, ‘The Moon’ is plaintively intense, and the band bring a southern soulfulness to ‘Low Rising’.
Any low-points? Well, the spell of Oscar-winning ‘Falling Slowly’ is broken by an indulgent Hansard monologue. But it’s a rare lapse in a night to be savoured. There was no ‘Revelate’, no ‘Lay Me Down’ and no ‘Star Star’, despite audience requests, but we got more than enough. Before all that, Lisa Hannigan reminded us that performing is a pleasure, not a chore. 360 degree stages? Who needs ‘em.