In a night filled with passionate fan singalongs and unexpected technical hiccups, Orla Gartland proved why she’s become one of indie music’s most beloved rising stars. The Irish singer-songwriter packed Somerville’s Arts at the Armory to the rafters, delivering a set that showcased both her newest material and the songs that started it all.
Opening the evening was Emma Harner, who set the perfect tone with her stripped-down solo acoustic performance. Harner, who released her new single “Do It” at midnight following the show, brought an endearing authenticity to the stage. Most memorably, she wasn’t afraid to let her geek-flag-fly, as she performed multiple songs inspired by the animated series Voltron.
When Gartland took the stage, her pink Telecaster gleaming under the lights, she dove deep into her recently released album Everybody Needs a Hero, which dropped last month. But she didn’t forget the day-one fans, peppering the setlist with tracks reaching back to her 2011 beginnings. In a particularly creative twist, Gartland introduced a fan-made “wheel of fortune” featuring her entire discography. A lucky audience member was brought onstage to spin the wheel, adding an element of surprise to the setlist and creating an intimate connection between artist and audience.
Even when the venue’s sound system decided to act up, the show never lost it’s momentum. If anything, the technical difficulties only highlighted the dedication of Gartland’s fanbase – every time the sound cut out, the crowd seamlessly picked up the slack, their voices filling the venue with word-perfect renditions of her lyrics.
The night’s standout moments included a stirring performance of “Why Am I Like This?” – a song that gained widespread recognition through it’s feature in the hit show Heartstopper. One of the closing numbers, “Late to the Party,” truly brought down the house, with the entire crowd jumping in unison and creating the kind of electric atmosphere that reminds you why live music is irreplaceable.
Throughout the evening, Gartland demonstrated why she’s graduated from YouTube covers to selling out venues: she’s an artist who creates genuine connections with her audience, turning technical difficulties into memorable moments and transforming a concert into a communal experience.
Check out all of Nathan’s photos from the show below.
