ALL POINTS EAST 2023 - DERMOT KENNEDY // VICTORIA PARK, LONDON
Triumphant show displays an artist ready for superstardom
★★★★☆ (4/5)
DERMOT KENNEDY HEADLINING ALL POINTS EAST 2023 AT LONDON’S VICTORIA PARK
For many, it has seemed like an unstoppable overnight rise to mainstream success for singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy. However, this hides the true story of an artist who has put in the time to hone their craft. Now chart-topping and headling some of the largest venues in the UK, Kennedy is ready to show what he can do on the big stage of All Points East.
Every day of the festival brings a huge array of musical support that allows concert-goers to pick from a selection of the best in popular and emerging talent.
The ethereal Aurora brought an eclectic mix of dance-pop and folklore-tinged ballads. Her stage presence caught the crowd's attention as she leaped her way around the stage while delivering tight vocals. Dense harmonies sat alongside the powerful drums and bass to elicit a very full sound. For her set, Aurora made the festival her own.
On the L'Oreal stage, Aine Deane delivered a great set of heartbreak anthems that mixed folksy influences with structures similar to Olivia Rodrigo and Pale Waves. Highlights came from the future break-up anthem "Gut Feeling" and a crowd-rousing cover of Taylor Swift's "Love Story". She represents the hidden gems of the day festival.
Canadian electro-funk outfit Chromeo brought a genre-spanning soundscape to the Cupra arena as they played to an excited crowd that loved their mix of synth-infused blend of poppy rock dance. Huge cheers from the crowd were heard as they brought out synth-pop icon La Roux to play through their remix of "Bulletproof".
The final support on the East stage came from London's own Olivia Dean. Remarking how a few short years ago she had played All Points East much further down the bill and now sits within reach of the headliner shows the down-to-earth rise of this singer but also her bright future. Treating the crowd to a groovy selection of tunes that covered topics such as heartbreak and familial connection. Her vocals are sublime as she dives between anthemic choruses and smooth vocal runs. No doubt the 24-year-old singer captured London's heart with her dazzling performance.
SG Lewis closed the Cupra arena tent and energised fans for the headliner with a cocktail of rhythmic dance and strobing lights.
With the other stages finished, it was time for the main event of the day. The crowd stood tightly packed together as Dermot Kennedy took to the stage. Immediately Kennedy showed the power of his characteristic voice through a one-two punch of "Blossom" and mega-hit "Power Over Me".
To headline an event of this size is impressive, doubly so for an artist that has only 2 LPs to their name. As such the setlist is heavy on the punchy fan favourites from 2019's "Without Fear" and 2022's "Sonder", as well as delving into deep cuts from various EPs. Stand-outs from tonight's set are many including the anthemic "Glory", the emotive "Better Days" and the closer "Something to Someone".
The performances highlight Kennedy's blend of singer-songwriter folk and hip-hop, which allows him to display his distinct emotive voice, powerful songwriting and unmistakable stage presence.
Supported by a very tight backing band, tonight's show sees a soundscape that weaves acoustic guitars with electronic elements and powerful drums. However, the vocals remain the star of the show throughout, demanding attention from the audience. Driving heartache and jubilation in equal measure.
The display of everyman charm and heart-on-sleeve emotion will do little to dispel any comparisons between Kennedy and fellow songster Ed Sheeran. However, there's no better company for him to be in with the crowd-pleasing anthems that reverberated around Victoria Park tonight. As closer "Something to Someone" is roared back to Kennedy by the crowd it is heartening to see such a close connection between the artists and their fans. One that will no doubt lead to continued success and future headlining slots.
As the crowd disperse into the night there are beaming faces all around, the mark of a job well done by one of the most prominent rising stars.