We've Only Just Begun Saturday Review

An all-female fronted lineup, with some of Ireland’s best up-and-coming talents, graced the Whelan's stage tonight. Saturday's gig showcased a solid selection of rockers with warm vibes, hot tunes all night long.

Girlfriend kicked off the night playing songs from their debut EP 3AM Rituals and other previously released singles. While the crowd stood nervously with their drinks the group brought lively energy, joking and chatting with the audience between tracks. Their songs started off sweet and innocent but gradually grew to harsh screams as the girls thrashed, fell to their knees and even perched atop a balcony at one point. Songs like ‘Spit Kissing’ captured anger, frustration and sadness with beauty and rocked you all the same.

The Dublin jazz-punk collective, Vernon Jane, was next up to bat, riling up the crowd with their first song. Their music was all high energy, with the lead guitarist shredding through each track, bassist hopping through the crowd and drummer delivering a deadly beat. Lead singer Emily Jane O’Connor’s fluctuating vocals were mesmerizing as she and her backup singer harmonized at unbelievably high pitches with immense power. ‘Toy Boy’ was the standout track in the performance, showcasing her speed and fully awakening the now lively crowd.

Bitch Falcon finished off the night with a set that rivaled their electrifying performance at Knockanstockan. Lead singer Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s shook the venue with her long, melodic wails as she slammed away at her guitar. The band exhibited impressive stamina, often transitioning to each new song without skipping a beat. Whenever there was a break between tracks the venue felt empty without their robust sound. The once stolid crowd devolved into a wild dance pit with people abandoning shirts and moshing to songs like ‘TMJ’ and ‘Of Heart’.

The night's performances proved the festival’s potential to be a phenomenal addition to the Dublin music scene for years to come. It not only addressed the gender imbalances in the music industry but also fostered another hub for phenomenal Irish music.