This past Saturday marked the final night of Whelan’s Ones to Watch, closing their six-day series for music-lovers in Dublin.

The night started off in the main room at 7:45, when four young women in matching white button-ups and ties walked on stage. Their look and feel was immediately reminiscent of queer supergroup boygenius, and an audience of young girls gathered in their wake.

“We’re Ciúnas,” said the lead singer, “and if you haven’t seen us before, what the hell.”

The all-girl indie rock band brought an absolutely starry performance. Though early in the lineup, Ciúnas drew in an immediate crowd. Listeners bobbed along to a bright, commanding guitar paired with a smooth and hypnotising bass. Their hazy sound, inspired by CMAT and The Cranberries, was amplified by angsty, guttural vocals. Best represented in their final song ‘Foggy,’ many listeners knew the words and sang along, eventually devolving into impassioned screams.

“Thankfully for my throat this is my last song,” they said

Hotgirl at Whelan's Ones to Watch Jan 11 2025. Copyright Jason Doherty.

Later in the night Hotgirl took to the main stage. The lead singer’s voice immediately captivated me, having that warm, rounded quality similar to beabadoobee. Oozing with personality, they erupted in vocal runs and untamed shrieks, all the while shredding the guitar. As if possessed by some musical deity, the vocalist lurched over-top themselves and prowled across the stage. Lost in a fit of passion, they eventually collapsed to the ground and began kicking wildly. Their bassist kept their eyes glued to the pedalboard, creating an intoxicatingly rhythmic sound. It was non-negotiable– Hotgirl’s set demanded movement from each and every body in that crowd.

Bold Love at Whelan's Ones to Watch Jan 11 2025. Copyright Jason Doherty.

Two acts later appeared Bold Love. Their softer, more melodic sound gradually pulled me in. Their guitarist’s hand jittered with splendor, striking the most gorgeous chords. Just when I thought I had them figured out, I was met with an explosion of dynamic sound. Bold Love commanded the room, creating an entrancing dreamscape through tracks like ‘Is It Over Yet’ and ‘Never Enough.’ Their punchy drumline took control over my body, pumping my blood and shaking the room.

My favorite performer of the night, danzi, took to the stage upstairs at 12:15. Accompanied by a full band, I watched the music wash over him in waves. His body swayed amongst the current, and his voice swam expertly through the sea of heavy bass.

“Feel the music,” he told the crowd.

A blend of R&B and hip-hop, danzi’s unique sound refreshed and reinvigorated the packed audience. His deep, sultry voice was displayed best through his song, ‘iknow.’

“He looks like God,” I heard someone comment. “He looks, like, holy.”

The final performer of the night, Lil Skag, ensured that Ones to Watch wrapped up with a bang. With cheeky lyricism through songs like ‘Cunning Linguist’ and an earth-rattling bass, Lil Skag’s trap and drill-inspired rap thrilled the room back on the main stage.

“I’m a little parched right now, I’ve had a long day,” he said with a smile, sipping his beer.

Lil Skag danced around the stage with confidence, his flow never faltering. He wore a “JESUS” beanie, and was seemingly having just as much fun as the audience, if not more. Eventually, the young crowd began chanting “Free, free Palestine!” to which he replied, “On God.”

With a variety of great acts, Whelan's Ones to Watch certainly lived up to its name.