Punk and jazz-inspired nonet Vernon Jane played the Academy in Dublin last night, with opening act Bicurious. The gig was held in support of their upcoming release The Ritual of Love Making, a concept album exploring the aftermath of relationship breakdown. Vernon Jane’s fiery attitude and daring, dynamic sound make them a credit to the Irish music scene, and this gig cemented them as an act who will have an undeniable impact on Irish music in years to promptly come.
Bicurious set the tone for the night tremendously well featuring a screaming guitar with the sophistication of Prenderecki, drums that punch you right in the chest, and a seemingly infinite stash of energy. Their sound was overwhelmingly strong for a two-piece, filling the venue with seemingly little effort. For a band with little vocals they manage to make quite a strong political statement; a sample of Donald Trump speaking rang out in overt satire.
Vernon Jane commanded the stage to play The Ritual of Love Making from start to finish. The album traces the lingering fallout after a toxic relationship, its songs faithfully narrating the emotional upheaval that comes with such experiences. ‘Daddy Issues’ and ‘Drugs You Do’ hit exceptionally hard, with harrowing narratives enough to arouse bitter anger in the listener.
Yet, The Ritual of Love Making is more than a simple concept album of breakup songs à la Theo Katzman’s Heartbreak Hits. Instead, it seizes you and hauls you through the turbulence of hardships which often accompany a damaged relationship. It tears your emotional wellbeing limb from psychological limb and pieces you back together, leaving you feeling purged, restored, and somewhat dishevelled. The album stitches together acute vignettes of love, hurt, betrayal, intense pain, and raw hatred, but implies the strength, inner peace, and confidence that are rewarded when you finally come out the other side of a particularly traumatic relationship.
Emily’s unequivocal spirit on stage is unparalleled, as is the virtuosity of her vocal performance. Vernon Jane’s stagecraft is refined and purposeful whilst also being visceral and impulsive. Everything on the night, from each member’s mastery of his or her instrument to every precise, choreographed movement, generated a pervasive sense of professionalism surrounding them. This is just the beginning of their musical journey, which will no doubt be enduring and impactful.
The Ritual of Love Making will be released on 3rd April 2020 on AMS Records.