Rianne Downey packs out The Globe, Cardiff
Photos: Amy Smith
Words: Richard Samuel
★★★★☆
Hailing from Belshill, just outside Glasgow, Rianne Downey’s musical roots run deep-nourished by legends like Patsy Cline, June Carter, Townes Van Zandt, Joni Mitchell, and Fleetwood Mac. That rich heritage is unmistakable the moment she strides onstage to Dolly Parton’s ‘Dumb Blonde,’ with a lovingly crafted mini-Dolly shrine looking over her and the audience—a playful nod to her influences and a nod to what’s in-store for the packed audience at The Globe, Cardiff.
Photo: Amy Smith
Backed by her tight five-piece band, Rianne launches into ‘Sunblind’, her vocals uncannily matching the warmth and clarity of her top 20 debut album, ‘The Consequence of Love.’ Her voice is a chameleon—at times echoing the honeyed tones of Cam, the indie-folk edge of Jade Bird, and, naturally, the sparkle of Dolly herself. Visually, she channels the retro glamour of a young Duffy or Dusty Springfield, captivating the crowd with both sound and style.
As the set unfolds, Rianne’s seamless blend of folk and Americana shines. ‘The Song of Glencoe’ is a standout, its Celtic-tinged beauty casting a spell over the room, while the heartfelt ballad ‘Because’ and the album’s title track—written in tribute to her late Gran—reveal her emotional depth. The audience erupts as she closes ‘Angel’, and soon everyone is clapping and stomping along to a rousing rendition of ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’.
Recent years have seen Rianne join forces with Paul Heaton, which explains the sea of designer anoraks and track jackets in the crowd. When she and her band tear into tracks from their latest album, ‘The Mighty Several’—notably the energetic ‘Silly Me’ and ‘Quicksand’—the room’s energy surges. But it’s The Beautiful South classic ‘Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)’ that truly brings the house down, sparking a euphoric, roaring singalong.
Between songs, Rianne’s shy, pint-sized presence is endearing. She may not command the silences or hold the audience in the palm of her hand just yet, but her genuine gratitude for every clap, whoop, and singalong radiates warmth, making the night feel intimate and special. Each song is delivered flawlessly, though there’s a sense that her stage banter is still finding its footing.
As the show closes with ‘Home’ and ‘Good in Goodbye’, it’s clear this is only the beginning for Rianne Downey. With her remarkable talent, a growing sense of confidence, and ever-larger rooms ahead, she’s poised to rise to the top and claim her place as a star in her own right.