Black Box, Belfast
Tuesday 21st May 2014
Tonight ATL finds itself at the beautifully serene Black Box, in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, to witness the continuing rise of singer/songwriter Arctic Tern. First though, Armagh based songstress Ciara O'Neill takes on the task of opening this sold out affair.
To take the place as opening act in a near capacity venue as intimate as Black Box's Green Room can be a daunting task, not so it seems for acoustic songwriter Ciara O'Neill, who's rich tones and arpeggio numbers prove a smooth introduction. Displaying a watertight confidence, O'Neill shows no fears in attempting Cranberries frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan styled audacious falsetto, whilst effortlessly picking her way through complex melody lines and riffs. Bringing the intrigued audience around her to a silent standstill, the sheer clarity of her voice allows her introspective lyricism to be clearly appreciated. 'I need to be loved and I need to be held..." hanging in the air with all the quiet intensity you imagine it was written in.
After a brief interval, headliner Arctic Tern slowly announces his arrival in typical ethereal fashion. Backed by a beautifully arranged band of what can only be described as an ambient choir, Arctic Tern's (real name Chris Campbell) captivating sound takes no time in washing over an already enthralled crowd. Haunting vocals fall over sparse piano in 'We Couldn't Have A Home', while the solemn violin overlays of 'Love Is Not A Game' continue the gentle affection started by Ciara O'Neill earlier in the night. Frustratingly, the rich depth of Campbell's emotive songs are somewhat restricted by the venue itself. Despite the fine decor, you feel the true resonating potential of much of Arctic Tern's back catalog is left wanting by the poor acoustics of the very room. Perhaps this is a detail confined to antagonize only the most sensitive of ears, though it's impossible to deny that in the right venue much of what is an impressive show could be easily elevated.
The highlight of the night arrives with 'The Break & The Fall', the mid-point in the brand new concept EP 'Hopeful Heart', which see's two lovers at breaking point on a frozen Alaskan lake. Commenting beforehand that he 'may get quite angry during this one' and will 'have to calm down', on the contrary, this passion brought the tragic tale to life in painfully real detail.
In a final display of his sweeping talents, a round of seemingly never ending applause see's a final solo piano piece as a much deserved encore. A fitting end, to an entrancing evening.
Taylor Johnson
