On the first night of the Irish leg of their Still Smitten tour, Pale Waves proved why they remain one of the most compelling acts in modern indie pop. Taking to the stage at Dublin’s Academy on October 28th, the Manchester quartet delivered a luminous, emotionally charged set that blended shimmering dream-pop textures with the dark-glam charisma that has defined their sound. Supported by rising alt-indie artist EMMMA, the evening was a celebration of melody, connection, and the electric energy that only a live crowd can create.
Opening the night, EMMMA wasted no time commanding the room. Over the course of an eight-song set, she showcased an impressive range of tones and moods, blending introspection with confidence. Tracks like ”Wednesday’s Child” and ”Whiplash” pulsed with sharp rhythmic tension and wistful vocals, while ”When It’s Done” offered a more delicate, introspective moment that drew the crowd closer. By the time she closed with ”Cards”, EMMMA had clearly won over the audience, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead. Her set felt both intimate and cinematic, the kind of performance that signals an artist on the cusp of something big.
When the lights dimmed again and the opening notes of “Perfume” the lead single from Pale Waves’ new album Smitten filled the venue, the energy in the Academy surged. Heather Baron-Gracie instantly captivating the crowd with her distinctive voice and effortless command. “Perfume” set the tone lush, confident, and emotionally vibrant.
What followed was a sixteen-song set that traced Pale Waves’ evolution from indie outsiders to full-fledged pop visionaries. ”Lies” came early, its driving beat and cutting lyrics igniting the room. Then came one of the evening’s biggest surprises a cover of The Cranberries’ ”Zombie”. Having just released their own version, Pale Waves performed it with a reverent intensity that resonated deeply with the Irish crowd. Voices filled the room in unison, echoing every line of Dolores O’Riordan’s iconic anthem. It was a moment that transcended nostalgia, it felt like a passing of the torch between generations of alt-pop icons.
Heather’s connection with the audience was genuine and playful throughout. Midway through the set, she asked the crowd about their favourite colour, teasing one fan who shouted “red.” With a grin, she dedicated the next song ”Red” to them. It was a small but memorable moment of warmth, the kind that makes live shows feel personal and spontaneous.
As the main set drew to a close, ”Glasgow” Heather’s own declared favourite from Smitten brought the night to a cathartic peak. Its sweeping melodies and heartfelt delivery made it a fitting closer before the encore. The crowd, however, wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Returning to the stage amid deafening cheers, Pale Waves launched into ”She’s My Religion”, a fan favourite that pulsed with raw emotion and intensity. The night ended on ”Jealousy”, a bold, shimmering anthem that left the audience buzzing long after the final chord.
Overall, Pale Waves delivered a night that felt both nostalgic and forward-looking a celebration of everything that makes them one of the UK’s most exciting indie acts. Their mix of infectious hooks, dark romanticism, and genuine stage chemistry makes Still Smitten not just an album tour, but a statement of identity. Supported by the impressive EMMMA, whose performance hinted at great things to come, the Dublin show marked a triumphant start to their Irish run.
For fans, it was an unforgettable evening of dream-pop brilliance. For Pale Waves, it was further proof that they’re a band still very much on the rise and still, truly, smitten.
EMMMA photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Burning Bridges
Wednesdays Child
Russian Roulette
Whiplash
Honey
When Its Done
Experiment
Cards
Pale Waves photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Perfume
Not a Love Song
Eighteen
Lies
You’re So Vain
Zombie (The Cranberries cover)
There’s a Honey
Change
Hate To Hurt You
Red
My Obsession
Kiss Me Again
Television Romance
Glasgow
_________________________________
She’s My Religion
Jealousy
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic