SoFFT Nights Festival Review

SoFFT Nights made their highly anticipated return to Dunderry Park, Co. Meath yesterday and I headed down to experience the event in the flesh. I watched the live stream last year and was impressed by their approach to hosting the event and with Soda Blonde, Maija Sofia, and Callistan providing the live music on the day I simply couldn’t miss it.

Yesterday 27th August, the festival had a day of interesting activities that included Sound Meditation, Reggae Yoga, Children’s Well Being Workshops and Shamanic Drumming Workshops. There was something for everyone at the festival to enjoy before the evening of music began.

With an impressively talented band behind the musician, Callistan kicked the live music section of the day in motion. The artist crooned a sweet brand of grunge alternative rock, filling the tent with hypnotic, moody bliss. Callistan exudes a nostalgic 90’s tone that captivates and lures the listener deeper into the artist’s immersive songs. From awe-inspiring guitar intros and slinky bass lines to groove infested drums and lulling melodies, the set was the perfect pairing for the chilled atmosphere within the tent and for a 90’s grunge lover like myself, absolute manna from heaven. Callistan finished the set on the most perfect tune to match the vibes in Dunderry Park, The Smashing Pumpkins ‘1979’. It was a time-stopping moment that everyone in the crowd enjoyed to the fullest, appreciating the experience of live music in a wonderful setting.

As the sun began to set and the evening chill crept in Maija Sofia took to the stage. Sofia is mesmerising to watch. An artist of boundless talent she swooshes her arms and quips her vocals with a Kate Bush-esque flair while providing insightful introductions to her songs about great love stories in paintings, the stark murder of ‘The Wife of Michael Cleary’ and obsessions with Saint Sebastian. Her songs flow like old folk tales told on dark nights, and Sofia is the master narrator.

Sofia’s songs are rich in depth and her interaction with the crowd is refreshingly honest and fun, “there is a really beautiful sunset which you can’t see and you shouldn’t look at because this is your time to look at me, however, this is a love song and I very rarely write love songs”. It’s easy to get lost in the captivating, soothing tone of Sofia’s voice. Her vocals gently drift atop soft piano, guitar or harp (by harpist Méabh McKenna), the latter enhancing the calming atmosphere Sofia creates with just her voice. However, behind those beautiful vocals is striking and raw lyrical content. Tracks such as “Smile Please” showcase this perfectly and in a live setting the emotive weight behind these stark lyrics comes to the fore, “When I met a man with long-fingered hands he picked me apart like the meat from a crab claw”. Her set was thoroughly enjoyable and in a live setting, her talent truly shines. Sofia is a one of a kind artist.

Soda Blonde bring the crowd to the front with just a small beckon from Faye O’Rourke as the sweet sound of ‘Tiny Darkness’ wafts through the tent to joyous yelps and cheers. Children dance with glowing solar lights as the band’s glorious grooves resound throughout the grounds. This band are masters of their craft and their musical prowess has to be commended. Dylan Lynch exudes a cool air of nonchalance from behind the drum kit as he creates an irresistible rhythm that commands the crowd to dance while Donagh Seaver-O’Leary executes the groove inflicted bass lines and sharp smouldering poses with masterful precision.

“Does it feel like a festival?… It feels so good” Adam O’Regan declares as the crowd cheer. O’Regan is perhaps one of the most underrated artists on stage. His versatility is impressive – he skillfully drifts between guitar and keys while harmonising with O’Rourke with effortless ease. Especially within ‘Perfume’; just an acoustic guitar and the duo’s vocals make for a captivating treat to the ears. Their voices blend beautifully. O’Rourke’s vocals exude strength and floods of emotion ( ever so slightly reined in ) while O’Regan’s velvety tone slips underneath creating warmth and complementing her range perfectly. It’s another magical moment that can only be truly appreciated within the live setting.

The band are in top form smiling and engaging with the dancing crowd. O’Rourke has a bewitching stage presence. Her theatrical gestures and potent vocals make for a powerful yet vulnerable set. She dances while executing some pretty hefty notes without a quiver or falter through ‘Don’t Mind Them’ and ‘Terrible Hands’. The band’s dreamy alternative pop is difficult to resist especially within the live setting. Soda Blonde ooze larger than life persona. Their masterful musicianship and poetic lyrics make them a very special band that has the ability to capture the hearts of many with their rich melodious tunes.

SoFFT Nights pulled out all the stops with this festival from magical lighting throughout the beautiful grounds to a fire display at the end of the night as well as mindfulness sessions and fantastic music. It’s the most charming, chilled and enjoyable festival I’ve experienced in a long time. It was good honest fun and I’ve never returned home from a festival more relaxed, content and elated all at once, plus no one spilt their drink on me, that alone is a win.