Jo Quail is an internationally acclaimed virtuoso cellist and composer from London who has become a foundational figure in the post-rock and neoclassical scenes. Her performance last night at The Academy showcased her mastery of the electric cello, utilizing complex live looping to build orchestral layers from a single instrument. Her music seamlessly bridges the gap between classical discipline and contemporary experimentation, often incorporating heavy, rhythmic elements that appeal to metal and avant-garde audiences alike. By the end of her set, the room was captivated by the atmospheric depth and percussive intensity she achieved, setting a profound tone for the evening.
Irish post-rock titans God Is an Astronaut returned to Dublin for a powerful homecoming performance at The Academy. From the first notes, the band established a dense, cinematic wall of sound that balanced ethereal melodies with crushing crescendos.
The setlist traversed their extensive discography, blending the synth driven nostalgia of their early work with the heavier, more aggressive textures of their recent releases. Visually, the show was a masterclass in atmosphere, with a lighting design that moved in perfect synchronization with their pulsating rhythms and krautrock-inspired basslines. The Kinsella brothers, alongside drummer Anxo Silveira, demonstrated a tight, telepathic musical chemistry that kept the audience locked into their sonic narrative.
High intensity tracks were met with a visceral energy from the crowd, while the more ambient, introspective moments allowed the venue’s acoustics to shine. There is a specific raw power to their live performance that records can only hint at, characterized by a physical resonance that vibrates through the floor. As the final notes faded into feedback, it was clear that the band’s ability to evoke deep emotion without a single lyric remains unparalleled. Their performance served as a reminder of their status as pioneers of the genre, leaving the Dublin audience in a state of collective awe.
Jo Quail photos:
God Is an Astronaut photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Falling Leaves
Epitaph
All Is Violent
Apparition
Seance Room
Odyssey
Suicide By Star
Frozen Twilight – with Jo Quail
Fragile – with Jo Quail
Oscillation – with Jo Quail
Embers – with Jo Quail
Forever Lost – with Jo Quail
From Dust To The Beyond – with Jo Quail
Photos & words – Zoltán Szabó @mrzoltanphoto
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