On the 2nd of September, Australian indie-folk outfit Dope Lemon, fronted by the ever cool Angus Stone, brought their Golden Wolf tour to The National Stadium in Dublin, and what unfolded was a hazy, blissed-out evening of smooth grooves, soulful melodies, and effortless charm. Supported by local band Fizzy Orange, the night offered a perfect balance of homegrown energy and international class.
Opening the evening, Fizzy Orange got the crowd warmed up with their blend of jazzy, funk-infused indie sounds. Their set was tight and well received, with the Dublin audience showing solid support for their hometown heroes. It’s always a tricky job playing support to such a beloved headliner, but Fizzy Orange held their own with charisma and confidence.
As the lights dimmed and Dope Lemon took the stage, the energy in the venue subtly shifted. There’s a unique atmosphere that follows this band wherever they go something between a late-night jam session and a lucid dream. Kicking off the set with “Stonecutters,” they set the tone for the night, mellow, moody, and mesmerizing. The track’s dreamy guitar riffs and Stone’s laid-back vocals washed over the crowd like waves, easing everyone into the sonic journey ahead.
From there, the band dipped into fan favorites including “Hey You” and the timeless “Honey Bones,” both of which drew some of the biggest cheers of the night. The setlist was carefully curated, flowing seamlessly from one track to the next, never breaking the spell that Dope Lemon so effortlessly casts over their audience.
One of the most enjoyable parts of a Dope Lemon concert is the vibe and this night was no exception. The crowd was in great form from the very beginning, completely tuned into the music yet totally chilled, swaying and nodding in time as those signature grooves floated through the air. There’s something uniquely unhurried about a Dope Lemon show. It’s not about jumping or shouting it’s about soaking it in.
Visually, the performance was just as impressive. The lighting was moody and atmospheric, perfectly matching the band’s mellow aesthetic. A particularly surreal and entertaining addition to the show was the dancers in oversized animal heads, who appeared onstage during certain songs. It was bizarre, unexpected, and entirely on brand for a band that embraces the offbeat and psychedelic without ever feeling forced.
Having seen Dope Lemon twice before, this show only reaffirmed what I already knew this band is consistently excellent. Everything from the sound mix to the stage presence was flawless. There’s no ego in their performance just a love of music and a desire to share it in the most relaxed, authentic way possible.
What makes a Dope Lemon concert truly special is that it doesn’t feel like a spectacle it feels like an experience. Whether it was your first time seeing them or your third (like me), the result was the same you walked away with a smile, a few tunes stuck in your head, and the feeling that, for a couple of hours, you were part of something quietly magical.
Their live show is proof that sometimes, the best nights aren’t about fireworks and frenzy they’re about vibe, soul, and a good groove. And Dope Lemon delivers all three in abundance.
Fizzy Orange photos:
Dope Lemon photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Intro
Stonecutters
How Many Times
John Belushi
Marinade
Hey You
Little Whiskey (Angus & Julia Stone cover)
Golden Wolf
Slinging Dimes
Play Video
Play Video
Electric Green Lambo
Coyote
Rose Pink Cadillac
Uptown Folks
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Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic