Bank Lane was buzzing last night as Gilla Band brought their chaos to Waterford for a packed, sweat-soaked night of noise and nostalgia.
Celebrating ten years since The Early Years EP, the Irish avant-punk icons tore through a set that touched on fan favorites, dissonant beginnings and glimpses of new sounds that already sound destined to shake eardrums. Every distorted riff and scream was amplified by the incredible acoustics in Bank Lane. Something fans were very grateful for!
Support on the night came from Lifts, who drew a pretty solid crowd. This was my first time hearing Lifts but the vocals and stage presence left a lasting impression on me and others that I spoke to after their set.
This was a night drenched in noise and energy that bounced off every wall in the intimate venue. For many of the crowd it was their first time in the venue and from what I experienced and heard they were very impressed.
Ahead of their Irish run, the band spoke about revisiting their early days, reissuing The Early Years EP in all its remastered glory (complete with the cult favourite “The Cha Cha Cha”), and previewed what’s next. If last night was any indication, the future will be thrilling, and just as loud as what came before it.
Upcoming Dates:
Sandinos, Derry – Thursday 23rd October
Workman’s Club, Dublin – Saturday 25th (Sold Out)
& Sunday 26th October (Sold Out)
Spirit Store, Dundalk – Thursday 30th October 2025
Lifts photos:
Gilla Band photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Lawman
De Bom Bom
I Love You (Beat Happening cover)
Why They Hide Their Bodies Under My Garage? (Blawan cover)
The Cha Cha Cha
Heckle the Frames
Umbongo
Pears for Lunch
The Last Riddler
Fucking Butter
Jacobsons
Flat Eric
Diet Coke
Shoulderblades
Backwash
Eight Fivers
Photos & Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography