Live: Paul Jenkinson at Workmans, Dublin

Paul Jenkinson, a young singer song writer who is regularly found on Grafton Street capturing the attention of passers with his unique spin on popular covers, took to the stage last night in Workman’s for the release of his debut single 'Love is Alive'.

The night began with some covers by opening act - and fellow busker – Auca, who set the tone for the night and immediately captured the bustling room’s attention with his melodies.

Dylan Harcourt, another street performer whose music was in the same vein as Damien Rice/Glen Hansard, followed up as he wooed the crowd with melodies from his EP such as ‘Call Me Up’ and ‘Sinking’, alongside some emotive covers. This set the tone for the main event.

After a short interval, taking to the stage with an eruption of cheers and chants from the audience, was Paul Jenkinson himself. The singer started of the night by putting a beautiful, upbeat twist on the 1975’s ‘Chocolate’, which immediately got the audience on board.

Following this, Jenkinson slowed down the pace of his show with an original, 'Toxic', which left the audience gripped. To continue with the tranquil mood, a goosebump- raising version of Hozier’s ‘Cherry Wine’ followed, with beautiful modulated vocals sweeping the room.

Next, it was time to pick up the rooms energy once more, as Buzz Apollo joined him on stage for a fast pace mash up of songs including ‘Fresh prince’ and ‘Superstitious’ among a collection of others, shortly following this with an original, written by both Apollo and Jenkinson, called 'Breakaway'.

With a few more charismatic originals thrown in as the night progressed, Jenkinson paused towards the end of the night to introduce his second last song 'Smile and a Wave'. Written for his Grandmother after her recent passing, he explained that the song was from the fond memories of her, before dedicating the entire gig to her. Jenkinson’s final song was a more stripped back piece in comparison to his other numbers, removing and looping pedals and effects. Husky undertones drifted through the transfixed room, leaving everyone with misty eyes as the finally chords rang out.

Before his last song, the singer thanked everyone for being there before picking up the rhythm a final time, delving into the single he was there to launch, ‘Love is Alive’. With hints of The 1975 and his own skills learned from busking, it was a fitting end to the night, with Jenkinson’s community of fellow buskers, friends, family and fans delivering back the chorus with some serious oomph!