Live Report: Mt. Joy finds the silver lining at the 3Olympia Theatre

As people filed into the 3Olympia Theatre, the excitement for U.S indie outfit Mt. Joy only intensified. When the lights faded and a dark blue hue filled the stage, fans pressed up against the barricade.

As they struck the opening chord to ‘Lemon Tree’, spotlights illuminated flowers that floated around the theatre. On stage they have an unfazed, calming presence. Quinn did not stop to talk in between songs, instead allowing the music to speak for itself.

Mt. Joy at 3Olympia Theatre, Photo Credit: Gary Ibbotson

With no supporting act, frontman Matt Quinn took centre stage with his acoustic guitar as his cohorts moved to their respective places. To his right was Sam Cooper on the guitar and Michael Byrnes on the bass, with Jackie Miclau on the keys and Sotiris Eliopoulos on the drums to his left.

For their first set, Mt. Joy jumped between indie classics like ‘Orange Blood’ to more electric pop inspired tracks like ‘My Vibe’. I couldn't help but smile as I watched on at the sea of indie folk-loving fans, with friends wrapping their arms around each other and swaying to the rhythm.

The show had an intimate atmosphere, with superfans lining the front of the pit, calling and cheering each musician on by name.

Mt. Joy at 3Olympia Theatre, Photo Credit: Gary Ibbotson

The talent of each band member was absolutely astounding. Miclau could be seen with one hand on each keyboard, Eliopoulos would jump in his seat with every drop of the beat and, gripping their guitars, Cooper and Quinn would dance towards each other whilst playing a show-stopping refrain.

Mt. Joy closed the first set with their folksy, emotive track ‘Cardinal’. Quinn’s soothing voice paired with the tranquil melody of the song, lulling listeners into blissful satisfaction.

Mt. Joy at 3Olympia Theatre, Photo Credit: Gary Ibbotson

When they returned to the stage after a short break, the band dazzled crowd with hits like ‘Sheep’ and ‘Julia’, as well as their newest single ‘Highway Queen’. They sang a folksy cover of the classic electro pop song ‘Dancing On My Own’ by Robyn, with one avid onlooker noting that it "was the perfect song for them to cover”.

The second set closed with the '70s styled rock number, ‘Astrovan’. Mt. Joy fans have been waiting for the band's return to Dublin for years, and it showed in their enthusiasm, as they celebrated by grasping each other's hands and singing their hearts out.

The band were drawn back out to the stage by hundreds of fans chanting ‘Olé’, a true Irish call for one more tune. Matching the beat from their supporters, they dove into ‘Bathroom Light’.

Mt. Joy at 3Olympia Theatre, Photo Credit: Gary Ibbotson

“This is truly a dream," Quinn told the crowd. "To be in a place so far from where we’re from and filled with people like this singing our songs is something we will truly never forget.”

It was as if everyone knew what would come next. Before saying goodbye, Mt. Joy performed ‘Silver Lining’ which Quinn, my fellow husky from the Northeastern class of 2013, originally recorded in college. The song wouldn't take off until the band formed, with a re-recorded version appearing on their self-titled debut album in 2018.

A full circle moment for Quinn as he harmonised with the theatre, the five-years-in-the-making tune sent everyone home on an indie-rock high that will not be forgotten anytime soon.