Review: Lana Del Rey, Main Stage Sunday – ****
Lana Del Rey delivered a masterclass in glamorous inscrutability as she brought the curtain down on Electric Picnic 2016.
As the festival’s final headliner, the flame-haired New Yorker had a lot on her shoulders – and that was before the skies opened above Stradbally.
But, wearing a simple yellow and white dappled frock, she owned her big moment, with a performance that blended soul-baring intimacy and Hollywood dazzle.
@LanaDelRey cantando 'High By The Beach' hoje (04) no 'Electric Picnic Festival' na Irlanda. pic.twitter.com/lgDSDoNkCP
— Portal Lana Del Rey (@PortalLDRey) September 5, 2016
Del Rey was widely dismissed as a “manufactured” novelty when she broke through with her defining hit Video Games in 2011.
But across her three albums the 31-year-old has communicated a coherent world view, equal parts Sixties girl pop and David Lynch fever dream.
She looked every centimetre the pop regent come to claim her crown as she negotiated puzzle box anthems Born To Die, Blue Jeans and Ultra Violence.
Almost as striking as the performance was the response of the crowd, which greeted Del Rey as a treasured acquaintance back into their lives after too long away.
From the little I saw/heard lana del rey was best headline act at electric picnic.
— Travis Buckley (@TravB20) September 5, 2016
Apparently the romance flowed both ways with Del Rey later posting a video message in which she thanked fans for their warmth and enthusiasm. She was absolutely correct – this had proved a love-in to remember.
Ireland! You were outstanding. Blessed to play along side such amazing acts for such a warm crowd. I hope you had as much fun as we did.
— Lana Del Rey (@LanaDelRey) September 4, 2016
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