Narc Magazine Review: Bernard & Buckley

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Posted on 26 August 2022

Showing precisely why they’re nominated for a Mercury prize, the amazing double act of Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler performed some of their prettiest songs written in the past twelve months. Supported by a five-piece band (featuring two backing vocalists, a violinist, drummer and bassist) Butler’s guitar deftness and textures provide immense structural support for the sheer force of Buckley’s vocals and charisma.

Surely competing for one of the most complete performances the Playhouse has witnessed, Buckley is on the finest of forms, delivering intimate and warmly atmospheric tunes (The Eagle & The Dove and 20 Years-A–Growing are particular highlights) with between song moments of razor-sharp wit and sparkle. A cover of Just Like A Woman is lovingly reimagined into a jazz standard with the deepest of genuine emotion before the finale, Catch The Dust, delivered by Buckley on the front of the stage surrounded by Butler and the band, and sung directly to the bump of a pregnant audience member, is maybe the loveliest and most intimate, spontaneous pop moment you’re likely to see.

You’d be hard pressed to find a better performance than this collective put on tonight.