As anyone who has been to a Jameson Cult Film screening will tell you, if any company can throw a spectacular party its Jameson. Their now annual Global Party for St Patrick’s Day is no exception. Streamed live across the world and connecting with varies cities, this year’s Dublin location was the Station House, part of the former Harcourt Street railway station. The empty space was transformed into a vibrant green hotspot complete with a New York fire escape come Irish bar themed stage.
Opening the evening was Irish act Delorentos, hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed third album “Little Sparks”. Beginning their set with latest single “Right To Know”, it was a perfect opportunity to showcase some newer material in front of an audience who may not be too familiar the group. With a setlist comprising of some of their more laid back songs including “Petardu” and “The Stream”, it was the high energy “Waiting” that motivated the crowd to dance and get into the party spirit. Highlight of the set for most was of course their signature hit “S.E.C.R.E.T.”, complete with crowd jumping and chanting.
Headline performers of the night were indie Londoners Razorlight. As a huge fan of the first Razorlight album I was one of the many appalled by their “selling out” with their second release. Upon finding out Johnny Borrell was now the only original member of the group I was expecting a shambles of Guns N’ Roses proportions. With two new members arriving on stage dressed like dodgy extras from Pirates of the Caribbean I really wanted to dislike them for disrespecting the name of my once beloved Razorlight; however, as a live act I cannot fault this line up. Kicking off all guns blazing with “Back To The Start”, before ploughing straight into “Into The Morning”it was clear Razorlight were back with a bang. With a hit packed set including “Stumble & Fall”, “Golden Touch”, “Vice”, “Before I Fall To Pieces”, “Don’t Go Back To Dalston”, “Somewhere Else” and “America”, it seemed to shock the entire audience and remind us just how many fantastic songs Razorlight were responsible for. The main thing that has prevented them from becoming the indie Guns N’ Roses is Borrell; he is and always was the focus of Razorlight. Many said he had the potential to be one of the great frontmen of our time and if this performance was anything to go by he still could be. Any new frontmen out there could do a lot worse than to look at him for a lesson on how it’s done properly; captivating to watch and an expert at engaging with an audience. Taking time off to allow this new line up to connect was a wise move that has clearly paid off; having seen them several times during their hey-day I can honestly say this was the best performance I have seen from them.
Ending the night was Scottish star DJ Mylo. A fantastic night for all who attended, we completed our evening dancing away to hits such as “Get Into The Groove”, “Blue Monday” and Mylo’s own “Drop The Pressure”. It was another superb party from Jameson; once again making the Global Party the only place to be on St Patrick’s Day.
