As the house lights dimmed and the crowd at The Academy, Dublin, buzzed with anticipation on Monday, September 15th, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of music.
The UK’s very own Basement delivered a blistering performance that left no doubt as to their status as one of the most vital bands in modern alternative rock.
Before the headliners took the stage, the crowd was warmed up by three fantastic support bands, Midrift, Anxious and Dynamite.
Unfortunately I only arrived towards the end of Midrift’s set due to only finishing work in Dundalk at 6pm. This was personally disappointing because I’m a fan and was looking forward to seeing them, and they sounded fantastic.
Dynamite, on the other hand, brought a more explosive energy (I guess the clue is in the name…), with a raw and furious sound that had a noticeable punk edge. I had heard some of their stuff before so was curious to see if their sound translated live, and I have to say it was even more powerful, and you could tell they meant every second of it.
Anxious, with their earnest and melodic take on emo, did a stellar job of setting the mood for the main act. Their tight performance and heartfelt songs resonated well with the crowd, and their singer was surprised to see so many people singing along. These guys are one of the most energetic bands I’ve seen in a while, and seem to be almost impervious to shutter speed! By the time their set ended, you could tell the crowd was pumped up and more than ready for the main event.
When Basement finally appeared, the roar from the audience was deafening. The band launched into a setlist that was a perfect blend of fan favorites and newer material, showcasing their impressive career arc. From the soaring anthems of “Promise Everything” and “Aquasun” to the raw, visceral energy of their earlier work like “Covet” and “Crickets Throw Their Voice,” the set was a journey through their discography.
Frontman Andrew Fisher’s vocals were as powerful and emotionally charged as ever, carrying the weight and sincerity of each lyric. The band as a whole was incredibly tight, delivering a flawless performance that was both musically precise and brimming with passion. The connection between the band and the crowd was palpable, with singalongs and crowd surfers becoming a constant presence throughout the night. It was a show that proved Basement’s ability to not only craft incredible songs, but to deliver them with a live intensity that truly sets them apart.
In a night of stellar performances, Basement’s gig at The Academy was a triumphant return to Dublin, leaving the crowd with a feeling of catharsis and the memory of a truly exceptional live show.
I just hope it’s not another 14 years before they return.
Dynamite photos:
Anxious photos:
Basement photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Are You the One
Promise Everything
Aquasun
Bad Apple
Spoiled
Earl Grey
New Song – Unkown
New Song – Unkown
Whole
Fading
Brother’s Keeper
For You the Moon
Breathe
Yoke
Crickets Throw Their Voice
Pine
Covet
Photos & Words – David McEneaney @experimentzero