Dublin's own guitar-driven, indie-rock four-piece Ten Hail Marys took to the stage at Whelan's on Saturday night, treating the audience to a thrilling set.

The evening began with supporting acts Bleech and Theatre, who set the tone with layered sounds rich in reverb and distortion. With fearless vocals and killer drums, the warm-up acts left a lasting impression.

As the lights dimmed, anticipation for the main act rippled through the crowd. The audience was met with Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’s ‘Pure Imagination’ playing softly over the speakers, an unexpected prelude that offered a surreal contrast to what was about to unfold.

Without introduction, Ten Hail Marys kicked off their set, immediately captivating Whelan's. Frontman Adam Cullen grinned as he surveyed the packed venue, acknowledging the most animated members of the crowd with a point or a wide knowing smile.

The band, Adam Cullen (Vocals/Guitar), Jake Murray (drums), Joe McGuirk (synth/guitar), and Dillon Doyle (bass), wasted no time, barely pausing as each track bled into the next.

Ten Hail Marys at Whelan's. 9/3/25 Photo Credits: Curtis DeSmith

The setlist leaned heavily on their debut EP released earlier this year, Faults I May Have, with ‘I Had a Dream’ serving as the first true stand-out point of the night. The chorus of the riff-driven tune was shouted back to the band in unison.

While Ten Hail Marys thrive on high-energy tracks, the quieter moments of the set were just as captivating. After wishing the crowd a “Happy International Women’s Day,” the band showcased their full range, from a higher-key rendition of ‘I Promised (Terry’s Version)’ to the reverb-drenched ‘Echoes,’ where Cullen’s vocals took centre stage.

Their versatility was undeniable, the band's sound swelled to every corner of the venue before the guitars and the intense percussion crescendoed to a powerful climax.

The softer moments didn’t last long. “You might know this one,” Cullen casually teased, before the intro of ‘I Still See Your Face’ was met with deafening cheers, sending the night into overdrive.

The song’s 80s-tinged pop-rock groove had the entire crowd moving, its crisp guitars and pulsing bassline setting the stage for the chorus. The rowdy yet warm energy from the crowd throughout the song was a highlight of the night.

Not letting the momentum slip away, the band debuted an unreleased track that kept the adrenaline high.

‘America’ arrived as a fittingly explosive closer, with Cullen playing around with the lyrics and intonation as soaring guitars and killer drums sent the crowd into a final frenzy. As the last note rang out, the band stepped off stage, only to be met with ear-splitting chants of “one more song.”

Ten Hail Marys at Whelan's. 9/3/25 Photo Credits: Curtis DeSmith

Ten Hail Marys happily obliged as Cullen playfully yelled back at the crowd, “How many more? How many more?”

“We don’t play this one anymore, but we’re back in Dublin and all that,” Cullen said, before launching into their 2022 single ‘So Young’. The charged, higher-pitched rendition ignited the crowd, sparking excitement as the audience recalled an old fan favourite.

Another surprise came immediately after, as Choice Prize-nominated rapper Curtisy emerged from the crowd, joining the band for their song ‘Bruises, Cuts’. Effortlessly cool, he grabbed bassist Doyle’s sunglasses and took to front stage, his hypnotic flow blending easily into the band’s sound.

For the finale, the four-piece launched into their own version of Iggy Pop’s ‘Lust for Life’, delivering a feverish take on the classic.

One by one, the members left the stage, each raising their beer in a silent toast as they exited. The final moments belonged to Murray’s drums, pounding out an echoing rhythm before fading into silence, a silence the crowd didn’t share as they were still buzzing for more.