The last time that Indigo Girls Amy Ray and Emily Saliers touched down in Dublin was back in October 2019, six months prior to Ireland declaring a full lock-down due to the Covid virus. Now, four years on from the World pressing the pause-button on life as we knew it, the Indigo Girls are back in town as part of a short European tour in support of their 2020 release, LOOK LONG.
Traveling as a trio and playing a further six dates in England before a return to America, the addition of Lyris Hung on violin is an inspired choice in adding texture and warmth to the performance. Tonight the set list visits eleven albums in the back catalogue of this much loved and revered duo. Apart from live albums, solo projects, compilations, and political activism, Amy and Emily have released a total of fifteen studio recordings. It is a very rich legacy to their talents as performers and songwriters, and their willingness to put in the hard miles in touring over their thirty-six years on the road has resulted in a compelling live act of both finely-honed craft and a vibrancy in the playing. Their sound is joyous when the guitars are in full flow and those air-tight harmonies kick in. Adding the superbly lyrical contributions of Hung on violin provides a palette of extra colours to the already heady mix of their celebratory sound.
Tonight, as the wonderful songs come and go, it strikes me that one of the most challenging jobs in live touring is that of the guitar technician. The Girls change instruments on every song and the guitar roadie treads a regular path from stage left to deliver freshly tuned instruments in a flawless display of timely delivery. Playing without a rhythm section could be a challenge for many bands but not in the case of the Indigo Girls, who are their own engine room. The intensity in their playing is so impressive as the trio of musicians dove tail seamlessly in-and-out of their parts in the song arrangements.
The Indigo Girls have always addressed the issues of the day, never shirking the injustices that are apparent in their daily experience. Whether it’s gender-related, socially-motivated, or politically-driven, the duo has delivered songs of great empathy and insight when it comes to holding up a mirror to the feelings of their generation and beyond. Highlights tonight include old favourites Least Complicated, Power Of Two, The Wood Song, Galileo and the perennial encore, Closer To Fine, for which the girls are joined by Hothouse Flowers members Fiachna Ó Braonáin and Peter O’Toole. The new album features and included are the songs Howl At the Moon, Look Long, When We Were Writers and Shit Kickin.’ There are other songs that resonate, such as Fishtails, Dairy Queen, Yield, and Share the Moon and when Amy dedicates Go in honour of Sinéad O’Connor, the heart-felt tribute is greeted with lengthy applause. Lyris Hung also features with a superb violin solo that displays her incredible musicianship as she loops foot-pedal parts and phrases into a building sound that delivers a real tour-de-force.
One thing that takes away from the evening is the somewhat ‘formal’ surrounding of the NCH, leading to a restrained atmosphere between songs and the usually upbeat exchange of banter between audience and the band. Apart from the regular ‘thanks, y’all’ there is a lack of momentum building from one song to the next and this could have been due to the passage of time since the Girls were last in Dublin. Some requests were made for old songs that have not been rehearsed or reshaped by the Girls for this acoustic-based tour, but none of this seems to matter as everything draws to a conclusion and the crowd, eventually on their feet, sings along to the chorus of Closer To Fine. My particular favourite, Kid Fears, is not included tonight but one thing is for sure; there is no fear of the Indigo Girls ever ceasing to be a much loved part of the musical tapestry of Irish people who recognise enduring talent when it presents itself. Hopefully this will not be their last visit.
Review and phone photography by Paul McGee