Cian Ducrot at Brixton Academy
Four years ago, Cian Ducrot sat crying in the Costa Coffee of Brixton, couchsurfing and feeling hopelessly far from his music career dreams. Four years later, with two albums under his belt (including a number one), a songwriting Grammy Award, a stream of well-loved songs and a sprinkle of viral magic, the Irish singer-songwriter is back in Brixton – this time at O2 Academy with his name shining in bright lights. It’s a moving full circle moment for the artist in an evening that’s packed with soul, sass, style and stardom.
Like Lewis Capaldi, Ducrot has mastered the relatable modern piano ballad. However, for a singer who shot to fame through such songs about love and heartbreak, there’s a surprising amount of range and upbeat, polished pop throughout the night: ballads are satisfyingly sandwiched between slices of pop-infused funk, gospel, country and folk. The show opens with a dramatic entrance of Who’s Making You Feel, and as the spotlight flashes dramatically and rhythmically over the singer, it already feels like a show from a seasoned performer who has been headlining large venues for years. Taking clear showmanship inspiration from Elton and Queen, there’s no shortage of flair and drama (and sunglasses).
The energy from the entire six-strong band remains impressively high right from the opener, and multiple tracks are even played out with impressive instrumental outros and rock solos as if each were a finale encore. The classically trained musician is also able to spotlight his instrumental prowess and range, either solo on the centre stage piano or with a range of other instruments, including the flute, in modern Irish folk song Kiss and Tell.
Throughout, the conversation keeps flowing and there are more personal anecdotes than the average gig: Part of Me is “the most important song I’ve ever written”, an emotion-heavy track remembering those we have lost, whilst Book of Love sees a heartbroken fan invited on-stage to be serenaded on the piano and Can’t Even Hate You is “a song about not being a dick”. Ducrot also attempts a no-phone moment by promising to send fans a recording of TikTok favourite All For You – it doesn’t entirely work, but the intent is admirable. It’s this purposeful connection that Ducrot has built that makes him even more beloved to his screaming fans.
Show highlights include gospel-esque, lyrically poignant Shalalala, which feels almost congregational as the audience needs no prompters to sing along, whilst Hallelujah is unapologetically rocky and Your Eyes is deliciously funky and spirited, a possible indication of the artist’s post-sophomore album identity. As the encore closes with a stripped-back I’ll Be Waiting, arguably his most well-known song, the biggest revelation is that this set is largely carried by a record that was only released last month, not to mention every vocal was pitch-perfect and powerful. This is an artist who has a lot to give and even more for audiences to look forward to. Cian Ducrot deserves every high since that Costa Coffee turning point.
Bev Lung
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events, visit Cian Ducrot’s website here.
Watch the video for Little Dreaming here:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS