Night four of Whelan's Ones to Watch brought with it a rumbling fervour.

The night kicked off at 7:45 on the main stage, where listeners gathered to hear a stellar performance from Anna Leah, a young singer based in Dublin. Clutching a glimmering pink guitar and wearing a long white sparkly dress, I wondered if the glitz and glamour would be any indication of her star power. I certainly was not disappointed.

“I’ve been writing loads recently,” she tells the crowd, before swapping her electric guitar for an acoustic one. Her strong vocals dance above a groovy baseline and unrelenting drums, creating a heavy, weighted sound. Her lyricism is earnest and introspective, expressed best through tracks like ‘Bittersweet’ and ‘She’s got this.’

Stella and the Dreaming at Whelan's Ones to Watch Jan 9 2025. Copyright Curtis DeSmith.

Up next is Stella and the Dreaming, a performer who’s aptly named. The singer keeps her eyes closed for nearly the entire set, clearly lost in a world of her own. Her droning vocals are reminiscent of Ethel Cain, with each song blending softly into the last. The crowd roars in approval, lost in a hazy dreamscape created by her performance on piano paired with an accompanying violinist.

“I’m a little bit nervous, so thank you,” she responds.

Meanwhile upstairs, Pants on Fire is delivering an absolutely electrifying performance. There is not a single person in that packed room who is not enraptured with movement. With each guitar riff, the heavy indie rock band seems to control the crowd as if by some spell. Their vocals intermittently devolve into delightfully raspy howls, complemented by an impressively fast drumline. Despite performing early in the night, Pants on Fire rouses the crowd's spirits with ease, making their set an undeniable highlight.

Echo Northstar at Whelan's Ones to Watch Jan 9 2025. Copyright Curtis DeSmith.

Back on the main stage is soft indie rock band Echo Northstar. Each member appears equally entranced. Their keyboardist sits criss-cross on the floor as he plays, neglecting to face the audience. Their performance feels like a well-oiled machine, with each independent component serving to enhance the lead singer’s clear prowess. His vocals are truly remarkable and beautifully delicate. As I listen, I can’t help but think of Thom Yorke’s unique voice. Fans of Radiohead should definitely check this band out, particularly their songs ‘waking up’ and ‘creature.’

YINYANG at Whelan's Ones to Watch Jan 9 2025. Copyright Curtis DeSmith.

Next up comes the most unique set of the night, YINYANG. My excitement mounts as I watch the performer set up four large strobe lights facing the audience. Despite being just one person and a laptop, YINYANG’s stage presence is remarkable. She seems to have perfected a distinctive blend of hip-hop and electronic house music. From the moment her set begins, the entire venue shakes with a gnarly bass. I can feel her songs in my toes, my stomach, my head– she creates a full body experience.

“I’m gonna have some fun,” she tells the crowd, before moving her microphone stand to the side. A natural performer, she begins prowling around the stage and hurling lyrics into the mic.

“Is this what it’s like to feel alive!” she chants, her strobe lights flashing a new color with every word. YINYANG is absolutely vicious, and I look forward to following her career.

Electronic punk musician pawprints performs later in the night. Lights flash green and red as the performer outstretches his arm into the audience, grabbing a listener's hand. His unique sound attracts a ravaging sea of bodies, churning with energy and movement. He launches himself into the crowd a few times, splitting them down the center and watching them rejoin again. The audience goes wild for his electronic rendition of ‘Ghostbusters,’ as he jumps wildly on stage along with them.

From start to finish, night four of Whelan's Ones to Watch was undeniably jam packed with loads of killer acts.