Live Report: Beach House at The National Stadium

Beach House delivered a captivatingly atmospheric show for fans on Saturday night, during the Dublin leg of their Once Twice Melody tour. The indie dream-pop duo, made up of Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally, performed a combination of tracks off their recently released album and a swathe of cult favourites, which had fans leaving the eclectic venue elated.

As attendees pooled into The National Stadium, which serves as the only purpose-built boxing stadium in the world, British lo-fi indie band White Flowers began slowly warming up the waiting crowd. Melodic, soft guitar and echoing vocals of tracks off their debut EP Day By Day prepared the crowd for the similarly laid back performance that was about to come from the headline act, with 'Help Me Help Myself' further cementing the dreamy, meditative atmosphere of the evening.

Plunged into darkness, the crowd waited eagerly for the imminent arrival of Beach House, who emerged from the fog, spotlights glistening on the pair's respective black sequinned and PVC jackets. Illuminated by a soft pink hue, the spectacular visuals had only begun for the night as the first notes of 'Once Twice Melody' whirled their way throughout the audience. The rhythmic, breezy and tranquil track established the spectral qualities of the rest of the set.

Glittering blue stage-lights engulfed the audience as the hypnotic opening chords of 'Lazuli' from their 2012 album Bloom began to play, with tour-drummer James Barone at the forefront of the performance, as the crashing sound of a cymbal lay heavy on the track. The crowd were now swaying in unison while Legrand, vocalist and keyboardist, enthused about how she was beyond happy to be performing, evoking a roar of support from the crowd. They then went on to play another song off their album, 'Through Me,' while live, close-up footage of Legrand's hands playing on the keyboard, appeared in the background.

The venue once again descended into darkness before the familiar, synth-centred, wistful musings of 'Silver Soul' emerged from the stage. The popular favourite packed a punch as the crowd erupted into applause for the emotionally charged, minimal track. As the chorus played, everyone found themselves singing along to the catchy albeit melancholic chorus, 'It is happening again...' – as black and white visuals flickered across the stage and left the trio as shadows against the swirling stage lights.

Twinkling stars appeared behind the band as the crowd cheered them on, before guitar laden track 'Dark Spring' from their 2018 album, 7, began playing. Beach House maintained a relaxed yet expressive disposition throughout their set. Legrand called out to the audience: "I didn't know that part of jet lag makes you feel short, I feel like one of those trolls,'"which was met with an outbreak of laughter from the crowd.

'PPP', yet another cult-favourite, brought those who were still sitting out of their seats. A sea of head nodding and swaying ensued along to the easy-going, tinged-with-sadness track off Beach House's fifth studio album, Depression Cherry. Scally, the band's guitarist, keyboardist and back-up vocalist, delivered the song's signature baseline which added to the track's somber feel.

After a rousing performance of mellow, ethereal track,'Wildflower', Scally told the crowd that it was wonderful being back in Dublin after four years, and the crowd rejoiced as he shared that after landing in Ireland, the pair spent the night in Whelan's.

'Space Song', Beach House's most streamed tune on Spotify, delighted the audience. Each member of the crowd seemed to sing every word alongside Legrand's celestial vocals. The epitome of dream pop, 'Space Song', with its rich organ and keyboard baseline, managed to be even more spectacular live.

The trio finished out the set with soothing, lo-fi track, 'New Romance', before leaving the stage. Luckily, the audience only had to wait a couple of minutes for the band to reemerge for their encore. A final ode to their new album, the band delivered an exciting performance of 'Over and Over' before taking a well-deserved bow and thanking the roaring crowd.

Listen to Beach House's new album below: