It felt just like yesterday.
Last weekend on 4 June, multi-talented Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice made a return to Singapore, with much fanfare after gracing the first-ever Neon Lights Music festival here last year. Once again, the wait was over. No longer did we have to hold out to witness that magical ability of his to stir up some of the deepest emotions inside of us.
Damien Rice enraptured the audience the very moment he took to the stage. Before his concert started, we were all anticipating his show with bated breath. Each time a shadowy figure appeared (which turned out not to be him) amidst the dry iced smoke on stage, many called out his name passionately.
A rare and true-blue musician who plays chords that will tug at the heartstrings of anyone. Photo © Dominic Phua | Secret Sounds Asia.
The first act of Rice’s recital was “Older Chests”, which is absolutely my favourite track from his album “O”. It is also from the very album that brought us some of his most recognisable songs to date, such as “Delicate”, “Volcano” and “The Blower’s Daughter”. Who could forget the hauntingly beautiful melodies and poignant lyrics, which are trademark of his many widely acclaimed songs?
Damien Rice left concertgoers in his debut concert exhilarated and swooning, with impressive theatrics of strobe lights and smoke. Photo © Dominic Phua | Secret Sounds Asia.
In his signature understated white shirt and suspender pants ensemble, he blew our minds with an impressive theatrics of strobe lights and smoke, bringing his performance to the next level. As he belted out the roaring “Favourite Faded Fantasy” after “9 Crimes”, the audience got a taste of his singing prowess and versatility across different genres.
Damien Rice breaks into a smile as he decodes some of the cryptic lyrics in his songs. Photo © Amos Wong | Secret Sounds Asia.
As his raw talent shone through the concert, the humble 42-year-old singer-songwriter never forgot to make his audience special. The audience cracked up in laughter when Rice shared amusing anecdotes behind some of his songs like “Amie”. Between singing and engaging with his audience, he showcased bona-fide showmanship that is undisputedly one of the best I have seen thus far.
Moving the audience to tears is one of the many musical gifts that come incredibly natural to Damien Rice. Photo © Dominic Phua | Secret Sounds Asia.
There is just so much beauty in the sadness of his songs. One cannot help but feel the heart-wrenching pain as he crooned tracks like “9 Crimes” and “Cheers’ Darlin”. The poignancy of his music simply cannot be expressed in mere words.
The legendary Damien Rice had me in utter reverie as I sat before an amazing musical performance in its glorious entirety for a good two hours. Till now, I am still reeling from the stunning performance he pulled off at Star Theatre. It is only human nature to want more of something that is oh-so-good.
Regardless of his live performance in the music festival or his recent concert, Damien Rice never disappoints. The next time he has a concert here in Singapore, I will be sure to attend it. Till the next time then.
