LIVE REVIEW | NELL MESCAL | ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL, LONDON| 19th November 2025 by Martina Aguirre Torres

Stepping onto the historic stage of the Islington Assembly Hall last week was Irish singer-songwriter Nell Mescal. Delivering a deeply resonant and profoundly honest performance, this appearance was in support of her stunning new EP, The Closest We’ll Get – released just a few weeks ago. The younger sister of actor Paul Mescal (who was actually amongst well wishers in the room tonight), Nell is no “nepo” sibling; she has been grafting and securing her dedicated fan base on her own deserved merit for more than half a decade now.

Transforming the room into an intimate chamber, Mescal created a floral fairy light sanctuary – a space where vulnerability would be celebrated, and the moment she arrived on stage, she gently commanded the crowd. Her striking ethereal voice cuts through the room like an emotional dagger, her words not only lyrics but an extension of her soul, revealing her vulnerability to her fans who hang off her every word tonight.

Taking time between tracks to connect with the crowd, Mescal opens up and shares context and stories that made the songs become what they are hearing tonight. From reflecting on living by the sea to addressing feelings of insecurity and shame around her appearance, Mescal’s words resonate deeply with her fans, creating a safe space they can truly be themselves. And it shows, as young girls sing along and dance with their friends like nobody is watching.

The show was just as much about the fans as it was about the star of the show. Draped a delightful blend of styles that could be described as a charming mix of cozy cottage-core aesthetics and soft, feminine chic – the cute fan aesthetic produced an inviting atmosphere, where attendees of various ages came together to celebrate their mutual love of Nell.

The set list was crafted with care, with emotional pacing evident throughout. Featuring tracks from her latest EP The Closest We’ll Get, ‘Middle Man’, ‘Carried Away’ and title track ‘The Closest We’ll Get’ were easy standouts of the show, with Nell’s beautiful raw tone taking centre stage. Yet, it was the more established fan favourites like the anthemic ‘Killing Time’ and later ‘Homesick’ that really got the crowd going, with every song, ballad or outburst, hitting just as hard as the last.

From start to finish, Nell Mescal is a delight to watch on stage as her remarkable ability to shift effortlessly from intimate, piano-driven moments to vibrant full-band performances is a unique talent she carries so gracefully. A performance that changes you, it’s only a matter of time before Mescal is heading for the bigger stages.