Arlo Parks brought the 6 Music Festival to a close at Victoria Warehouse on Sunday with a set both wholesome and entirely worthy of a headline act.
It is necessary to emphasise, purely because it is hard to believe when watching such an accomplished performer, that Arlo Parks is only 22-years-old.
The moment she came onto stage, performing unreleased track Bruiseless from her upcoming sophomore album, followed by the ever-catchy Caroline, it was clear the festival was in safe, assured hands.
Introducing her, 6 Music’s Tom Robinson told the crowd of his delight at her success – her debut album won the 2021 Mercury Prize – referring to “the poetry, the humanity, the artistry” he felt from her early demos.
And all of these were on show on Sunday night, not least in a piece of poetry she read from her notebook half an hour in: a tribute to American cellist Arthur Russell.
Before reading the poem, Parks described herself as “a music fan before a music maker”, but what luck for the Mancunian crowd that she is so adept at the latter, too.
In fact, that she was so clearly enjoying her own music was itself highly endearing: she asked the audience to shout the chorus to Caroline early on – “I’ll be watching” – and later on fans were encouraged to “have a boogie” to the “most danceable song of the set”, 2021 single Too Good.
Speaking to Radio 6 earlier on, she said: “I think there’s this sense of real excitement and passion and naivety that comes from being a teenager and an excitement that I try and hold on to and tap into now.
“Just that childlike wonder and excitement and willingness to put in the work.”
And it’s no wonder she is able to maintain that ethic.
Her appreciation for established musicians is evident: In Rainbows by Radiohead was named as an inspiration for the delicate Eugene, which featured a gorgeous guitar solo at its denouement.
She is clearly held in high regard by contemporary artists in return, too.
Having played a triumphant Glastonbury set last summer before joining Lorde and Phoebe Bridgers during their respective solo sets, she was able yesterday to treat Victoria Warehouse to a couple of guests of her own, namely The xx’s Romy, who beautifully harmonised with her on Black Dog; and Fontaines D.C. drummer Tom Coll, who performed skilfully on 2019 track Sophie.
Both were clearly enjoying themselves, but neither of them more than Parks, who also gave a special mention to Manchester: 6 Music Festival’s new permanent home and a city which, she said, “never disappoints”.
This was the first time Parks had headlined a festival, and if the audience was suffering from a hangover after the previous two nights, the good vibes exuding from the stage were the perfect antidote.
Certainly, as she left the stage grinning, her band playing the final notes of 2022 single Softly, it was hard to leave this closing show without reciprocating that smile.
