There was never much chance of a quiet night at Vicar Street when Gurriers were in town. Taking to the stage for the biggest headline show of their career to date, the Dublin five-piece (minus Pierce) wasted little time reminding everyone why they have become one of the most ferocious live acts around.
The opening notes of “Nobody’s Coming to Save You” set the tone immediately. There was a real tension in the air as the track began, slowly pulling the room into the chaos that was about to unfold. Once things got moving, there was very little let-up.
The likes of “Des Goblin” and “Drones” predictably sent the crowd into a frenzy, although it would be unfair to suggest the moshing was reserved for the heavier moments. There seemed to be a mosh pit developing at all times, with crowdsurfers making regular appearances overhead. Vicar Street was certainly getting its money’s worth out of the security team.
Elsewhere, “Approachable” proved to be a particularly memorable moment. Its infectious refrain received plenty of attention from the crowd, with the audience more than happy to throw themselves into it. It was a reminder that beneath all the distortion, noise and general mayhem, Gurriers have an increasingly impressive catalogue of songs that know exactly how to get a room moving.
There is also something particularly satisfying about seeing a band reach this stage of their career without losing any of the rawness that made them exciting in the first place. This was their biggest headline show yet, but there was no sense of them easing into the occasion. If anything, they seemed determined to make the room work for it.
Support came from Enola Gay, who are a pretty obvious recommendation for anyone already familiar with Gurriers. They take the distortion up another notch, delivering their own brand of controlled chaos with enough noise to keep the walls of Vicar Street feeling slightly uneasy. It would be surprising if they didn’t leave with at least half the room converted into new fans.
By the time Gurriers wrapped up, the place had been thoroughly put through its paces. A landmark headline show for the band, and another reminder that Irish guitar music is in very safe, very loud hands.
Enola Gay photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Intro
Stakes
Sofa Surfing
Cortana
Cold
M.U.A
Chemical
Knives Out
For God & For Ulster
Scrappers
Gurriers photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Nobody’s Coming to Save You
Party Lines
Nausea
Des Goblin
Pins
Today Is Not Enough
Nothing Happens Twice
Shades
Dipping Out
Erasure
Come & See
Drones
Interlude
Top of the Bill
Waiting for Fisher
Approachable
I Wish I Was
Crybaby
Photos & Words by Myles Dunne – @MylesDunnePhoto