Øyafestivalen: PJ Harvey Review

Scoff down a spaghetti bowl and make your way to the barrier of the main stage of Øyafestivalen, where the legendary PJ Harvey is waiting. She is not waiting for you to finish your order, but it certainly helps to have empty hands for her performance. The adulation necessary in this barnstorming set had attendees clapping their way through. An inspired series of choices, a slick and stylish presence verging on performance art at times and the various, minimalist rooms in the mind of one of the world’s more underappreciated artists, lend themselves to this performance. A massive ask and an even bigger crowd – but PJ Harvey does not disappoint. She is as powerful an artist as her work would suggest, and eighteen songs in a seamless setlist is more than a treat. 

Let England Shake has heartbreaking and provoking moments to it, now more than ever. With far-right thugs marching the streets and hurling hate at what stands in their way, the country is trembling. As much can be felt in the implications of the lyrics from PJ Harvey. It is a performance where the music speaks for itself. Aside from a few words of thanks and an introduction of the band, PJ Harvey is keen to let the music speak for itself, to explore the context and points of songs like The Desperate Kingdom of Love and I Inside the Old I Dying without the explaining crutch. Faith in these words is just as important as the instrumental conviction which drives them. 

In turn, PJ Harvey makes for a monumental live experience. A well-balanced collection of songs old and new. A fair focus on her contemporary materials and an explosive performance of 50ft Queenie shows the range in as perfect a focus as expected. PJ Harvey sought meaning on her most recent album and is closer still to finding it, exorcising the thrills of Prayer at the Gate with the likes of The Glorious Land. An unexpected and necessary narrative thread begins to form through this set. Her performance in Oslo last year brought the first touring leg to a close in support of I Inside the Old Year Dying, and it feels rather fitting to hear it paired with the likes of Send His Love to Me. A captivating experience in every sense of the word, and come rain or shine, there was no stopping this triumphant PJ Harvey set. 

Much of this triumph comes down to the closely-knit musicians at play, their striking understanding of the songs at hand and the instrumental versatility they find themselves with. PJ Harvey stands tall as a remarkable performer, backed by those who not only know the notes and tones but understand the heart of these pieces. Moving and extraordinary, at points the performance becomes the ultimate emotional high, a blinding experience of work with a rich tapestry falling on new ears. Long may the PJ Harvey tour continue. Her time at Oya Festival brings about an intensity expected in her words, matched by a talented group of musicians doing everything they can and then some to keep the instrumental fires burning. A truly unique and unwaveringly brave experience at times, listen in to the words and work your way through the open book that is I Inside the Old Year Dying.