The Rain City Drive and Honey Revenge co-headline show at Opium on Monday night (February 2, 2026) was a masterclass in how modern alternative rock can bridge the gap between heavy grit and polished pop.
With the Dublin rain providing an ironic backdrop, the atmosphere inside was anything but damp. The order was flipped earlier in the day, so Rain City Drive were the first headline, followed by Honey Revenge.
Rain City Drive’s Matt McAndrew (of The Voice fame) is arguably one of the best vocalists in the scene right now, and his live performance was studio-perfect. They opened strong with “Frozen” and “Concrete Closure”, showcasing a massive, arena-ready sound that felt almost too big for the venue. The band skillfully balanced their heavier post-hardcore roots with their newer, more melodic tracks from Things Are Different Now. When they played “Talk to a Friend”, the room became a single, unified voice.
By the time Honey Revenge took the stage, the anticipation was at a fever pitch. They brought their vibrant, Los Angeles energy to the intimate Opium venue. Frontwoman Devin Papadol is a natural star; her stage presence is infectious, frequently checking in with the crowd and making the room feel like a massive house party. The performance of “Airhead” saw one of the biggest singalongs of the night, while their latest single “Poison Apple Baby” proved it’s already a fan favorite. It was neon-soaked, high-energy pop-rock. Devin and guitarist Donny Lloyd have a “musical partners in crime” chemistry that makes their performance feel authentic and effortless.
This co-headline pairing is a stroke of genius. You get the polished, emotive power of Rain City Drive followed by the sugary, chaotic fun of Honey Revenge (or vice versa depending on the order they play). It’s a showcase of where the genre is headed: catchy, heavy, and deeply connected to the audience.
Honey Revenge photos:
Rain City Drive photos:
Photos & Words – David McEneaney @experimentzero
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