Back for its second year, GazeFest kicked off its two-city celebration of shoegaze music with an unforgettable night in The Grand Social, one of Dublin’s most beloved mid-size venues. The night brought together three compelling acts Skyless, Virgins, and headliners Whitelands each representing a different thread in the rich tapestry of modern shoegaze.
Despite clashing with Electric Picnic, one of Ireland’s largest festivals happening the same weekend, GazeFest drew an impressive crowd. The turnout alone was a testament to the loyalty and passion of the shoegaze community, who gathered not just to support local talent but to witness a truly special occasion: Whitelands, a rising shoegaze quartet from London, playing on Irish soil for the first time.
The evening began with Skyless, a Dublin-based band tasked with opening the night. They delivered a set drenched in reverb and atmosphere, setting the tone beautifully with waves of ethereal guitar and understated vocals. Though first on the bill, Skyless played with the confidence of a headliner, earning warm applause and building the momentum that would carry through the entire night.
Second to take the stage were Virgins, hailing from Belfast, and for me, the absolute standout of the evening. There was something hauntingly familiar in the vocals an echo of the Cocteau Twins, a band I was lucky enough to see live in Dublin many years ago. Virgins channeled that same dreamlike energy, with shimmering guitars and a rhythm section that pulsed beneath layers of reverb like a heartbeat. Their set was captivating from start to finish, leaving a lasting impression and prompting conversations in the crowd long after they left the stage.
That said, credit must be given to all three acts, as each brought something unique and vital to the night. Whitelands, stepping onto the stage for their Irish debut, closed the night with a powerful, emotionally charged performance. Their sound, lush and expansive, washed over the crowd in waves, creating moments of both introspection and euphoria. It’s easy to see why they’ve been gaining momentum on the UK shoegaze scene. Their connection with the audience was immediate and heartfelt, and it was clear they understood the significance of the night not just for them, but for the fans who turned out to witness their first Irish performance.
The atmosphere in The Grand Social was electric throughout the night. There’s something special about a genre like shoegaze, which often thrives on introspection, being performed in such an emotionally open and supportive environment. The crowd wasn’t just present they were immersed, responding to each sonic swell and fading echo with genuine enthusiasm. Everyone seemed to know they were part of something more than just a gig, it felt like a celebration of a genre that, while often described as niche, has a deep and loyal following.
As a personal fan of shoegaze, the night delivered everything one could hope for, reverb-drenched guitars, dreamy vocals, hypnotic rhythms, and a community of listeners who truly get it. What’s not to enjoy about a night dedicated to a genre that celebrates itself so completely?
With the second night of the festival set to take place in Belfast, featuring an even larger lineup—including Wynona Bleach, Sunstinger, How R U, Gush, Silk, and Haunted Images, GazeFest is quickly establishing itself as a cornerstone event for fans of the genre on the island.
Long live shoegaze and long live GazeFest.
Skyless photos:
Virgins photos:
Whitelands photos:
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic