Returning triumphantly from the last Black Deer festival in 2019, Irish Mythen is a rare gem, one of life’s good people and has not disappointed in her return this year.

Her powerful vocals accompanied by her solo guitar create an unexpected ferocity that leaves the crowd quiet and absorbed.

One held note in the song ‘Gypsy Dancer’ has us holding our breath with her and leads to one crowd member declaring his love; ‘musically, philosophically, I think you’re a poet!’

‘A poet or a pervert?’ Mythen replies, and we love her even more for her humour, particularly when she continues to another crowd member, ‘settle down now middle aged white man, you can’t be talking when a woman’s talking.’

‘Sweet Necessity’ is a gorgeous folk song full of intense energy. Mythen’s vocal range, use of dynamics and intelligent use of space within her music has us all imagining road trips and adventures through the Canadian mountains (her home country) .

Irish Mythen weaves stories not only though her lyrics but also as she describes the context of songs such as ‘Let Them In’. Many artists use their voices to forward personal political opinions and this isn’t always to everyone’s taste, but Mythen’s gentle approach accompanied by the soft tone of her guitar can’t help but force some emotion from the most stoic listener.

But that isn’t her only poignant message in a touching and often moving set. ‘This festival is magical… we’re all here together and it’s a real privilege.’ To finally be here all together at Black Dear festival 2022 – well, we couldn’t agree more.