When Lucy Dacus announced her return to Edinburgh at the stunning Usher Hall, I knew I had to attend. The Boygenius star is currently on a world tour promoting her fourth album, “Forever Is A Feeling,” and Usher Hall proved to be the perfect venue.

Packed with emotional ballads, religious imagery, and beautiful vibes, this show was truly one to remember. The incredible Jasmine 4.T, a band composed entirely of transgender musicians, opened the evening, setting the tone not only musically but also politically and emotionally. Their set was bold, confident, and often cheeky, with multiple anti-JK Rowling football chants that elicited applauding roars from the audience, as well as “fuck you” chants.

Aside from their music and energy, the group was not afraid to take a political stance, which is especially important today, given JK Rowling’s and the UK government’s stance on the trans community. Between songs, they encouraged the audience to donate to various trans-focused charities and continue to fight for freedom, utilising their position not just to raise awareness but also to inspire active solidarity within the community and to stand up against transphobes.

Then it hit 9 pm, and as the lights dimmed again, Dacus’s band moved silently in soft torchlight, uncovering instruments with a reverence that felt almost ritualistic. The stage transformed into a dreamscape: cloud visuals floated above, and gilded picture frames and line-art projections framed the musicians in a delicate, surrealistic manner. It was a fitting atmosphere for the emotional terrain ahead.

Lucy Dacus’ set began with “Hot & Heavy,” which quickly drew the audience into full participation. The audience sang along without hesitation, engulfed by the intimate closeness of her singing. A string of newsongs—”Ankles,” “Modigliani,” “Limerence,” and “First Time”—unfolded with calm force. Behind her, the frame-like screens flashed with gorgeous religious imagery—haloed figures, stained glass motifs, and heavenly flourishes—creating a subtle spiritual undertone over the stage.

I had listened to the album several times before the tour, but hearing the songs live made them much better. It seemed as if I had stepped into Lucy’s own reality, like entering the wardrobe in Narnia. The large church and museum-like backdrop, complete with framed screens, enhanced the emotional experience and encouraged a respectful environment.

Dacus’ voice was powerful enough to fill the space, allowing her songs to flow without disrupting the serene atmosphere. Dacus’ performance was strongly impacted by the audience, with fan requests and unexpected tunes. Instead of adhering to a predetermined setlist, she welcomed uncertainty, eagerly responding to fan requests and spicing the show up a wee bit with songs like “Triple Dog Dare” and “Cartwheel”, as well as surprise covers.

This made the concert feel unique and personal, showcasing her broad repertoire and providing an unforgettable experience for those who attended.

Lucy then surprised the audience with an encore performance of “True Blue,” recalling her Boygenius days and expressing her feelings for her bandmates, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker. She then astonished everyone with a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark,” her first live performance of the song since 2022, energising the crowd in a euphoric chorus.

Finally, she sang the fantastic song “Night Shift.” As it came to an end, there was a distinct feeling that something extraordinary had occurred. Dacus didn’t just sing; she actively engaged the audience. The evening concluded with applause and a mutual understanding that music performed with such honesty can be both a form of resistance and a manifestation of love.

Live review by Kyan Gilfillan – All photography by K Gilfillan (@kgshoots_) for The Songbird HQ, please do not use or reshare without prior consent.

THE SONGBIRD HQ