Playing her second show in Scotland, after the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow only a few months ago, Lucy Dacus seems to have a soft spot for old Caledonia. The feeling is clearly mutual, as dedicated members of tonight’s International Festival crowd were seen queuing outside the venue several hours before doors opened. 

Starting things off with the gradually building ‘Triple Dog Dare’ (from her most recent album Home Video), Dacus’ tight-knit band slowly come alive. Made up of drummer Ricardo Lagomasino, guitarist Jacob Blizard, bassist Dominic Angelella and Sarah Goldstone on keys, this loyal entourage colour in the fine lines of their leader’s simple melodies, adding vivid shades with heavy synths and guitar feedback that sympathetically recreate the sonic complexity heard on her records. ‘VBS’ and ‘Night Shift’ particularly benefit from heavier moments of released tension, while the addition of auto tune for ‘Partner In Crime’ (which Dacus discloses was actually written in this very city) added yet another interesting texture into the mix.

^{Pictures: JShurte}

Dacus’ smooth and evocative vocals shine in songs like ‘Thumbs’ and ‘Please Stay’, as she displays an effortless ability to pull audiences into her musical stories with the same intent as if they were hearing them for the first time. The room senses when to quieten down during these tracks, which reference personal stories of abuse and poor mental health, and a loud, supportive roar seems to take on the quality of a gentle hug. ‘Give me a cheer if you’re gay’, she says to a chorus of whoops and hollers, before playing a Dacus-ified rendition of Cher’s ‘Believe’. The dropped tempo and guitar-strummed chords make it distinctively hers and further unite this room in song and a gentle sway. 

After repeatedly complimenting the venue, city and crowd, Dacus waits until her encore to reveal the ultimate symbol of trust: a newly written song that has yet to be recorded. Right on cue, phones go in pockets and eyes stare widely at Dacus, who is left on stage alone with her guitar. This Virginia-raised, former vacation bible-school attendee may come from a world far from Edinburgh’s Leith Theatre, but tonight she’s ensured everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. 

Reviewed at Leith Theatre as part of Edinburgh International Festival.