KEATON HENSON AND CRASH ENSEMBLE – 17 APRIL – NATIONAL CONCERT HALL
Despite spending three years working on his latest project, ‘Six Lethargies’, British singer-songwriter Keaton Henson will not actually be on stage for this performance. As a consequence of chronic anxiety, Henson finds it impossible to appear live. Instead, his composition will be performed by a string orchestra while he lurks, ghostlike, backstage. ‘Six Lethargies’ is an experimental concert: the music will attempt to communicate Henson’s struggle with anxiety and depression while biometrics monitor the emotional reactions of several audience members. These will be hooked up to the venue’s lighting, displaying these emotions in real time as the music plays. It’s perhaps not a concert for the faint-hearted, but it promises to be a unique and poignant experience that will bring the audience closer to the artist even without his presence.
Check it out if you like The Cinematic Orchestra, Sigur Rós, Bon Iver
Tickets from €26.50
STELLA DONNELLY – 29 APRIL – THE GRAND SOCIAL
Welsh-Australian twenty-something Stella Donnelly may look small and sweet but through her music she’s single-handedly taking on the world’s rapists, sexist old men and sleazy bosses. In her latest album ‘Beware of the Dogs’, she sweetly sings her scathing lyrics, fighting back against rape culture in ‘Old Men’ and ‘Boys Will Be Boys’. Most of her songs consist simply of her delicate voice over an acoustic guitar, drawing attention to her snarky lyrics and ironic tone. Sharp, witty and charming on stage, Stella Donnelly is certainly one to watch.
Check it out if you like Lily Allen, Alvvays, Best Coast
Tickets from €15
THE ANTLERS – 30 APRIL – THE SUGAR CLUB
Ten years on from the release of their critically acclaimed album, ‘Hospice’, Brooklyn-based indie rock band The Antlers have dedicated this tour to playing it in its entirety. ‘Hospice’ is a hard-hitting concept album that tells the story of a terminally ill patient and a hospice worker as an analogy for an emotionally abusive relationship. While many of the tracks such as ‘Kettering’ and ‘Wake’ are excellent standalone songs, the album’s heartbreaking story is best appreciated by listening to it in full. By playing acoustically in The Sugar Club, The Antlers are offering an intimate performance that looks to be something truly special.
Check it out if you like Sufjan Stevens, Neutral Milk Hotel, Bright Eyes
Tickets from €30.10