Whelan’s, one of Dublin’s most beloved venues for live music, played host to a night of fierce, female-fronted alt-rock on October 3rd as Venus Grrrls made their much-anticipated Irish debut. It was the opening night of a three-date run that will see the goth-grunge quintet continue on to London’s Oslo Hackney and finish in their hometown of Leeds at The Key Club.
The night kicked off with two strong Dublin-based support acts, both of whom set the bar high before the headliners took the stage. First up were Trinkets, who wasted no time capturing the attention of the growing crowd with their gritty energy and melodic hooks. Their sound, a raw and unapologetic mix of indie rock with a punk edge, was a perfect opener, and despite being new to me, they delivered a tight and engaging set that left a strong impression.
Following them were Girlfriend, who turned things up another notch. Their set was powerful, emotionally charged, and full of confidence clearly a band in full control of their identity and sound. With infectious basslines and commanding vocals, they brought a dark yet danceable energy that kept the crowd moving and set the tone perfectly for what was to come.
Catch them opening for Chewie at The Academy Dublin on the 17th of October.
Then, as the house lights dimmed and the stage bathed in eerie redess orange, Venus Grrrls emerged to a roar from an already energetic audience. Having followed the band for a while, I had been eagerly waiting for the chance to see them live and they absolutely did not disappoint.
Launching into a set that balanced snarling attitude with moody atmospheres, Venus Grrrls brought their signature blend of goth-grunge and riot grrrl energy to life in electrifying fashion. Frontwoman GK was a force throughout, delivering each lyric with intensity and control, while the band’s chemistry was undeniable tight rhythms, gritty guitar riffs, and synth flourishes all working in tandem to create a dark, magnetic soundscape.
Songs like opener ”Ivy Tre” / ” Darla” and ”Liar Liar” hit especially hard in the intimate space of Whelan’s, a cover of Siouxsie and the Banshees ”Spellbound” was a nice treat, with the crowd shouting back lyrics. It was clear from the get-go that this was a room full of people who got it fans who had been waiting just as long as I had to see this band in the flesh. There was an electricity in the room, a kind of shared catharsis that comes from loud, emotional, unapologetic music played live. Finishing their set with ”Hex” left the crowd screaming for more, but sadly that wasnt to happen.
From a technical standpoint, the sound was flawless all night a real testament to the venue’s team and the bands themselves. Every instrument cut through clearly without overpowering GK’s vocals, allowing the full weight of each track to land with impact. If there was one downside to the night, it was the lighting, which was occasionally too dim. Still, it didn’t detract too much from the overall experience.
In a music scene that still too often sidelines female voices in rock, a night like this felt important not just for what was being played, but for who was playing it. Venus Grrrls brought a visceral, empowering performance to their first ever Irish show, and the reception they got in Dublin proves they already have a solid fanbase here.
For those in London or Leeds lucky enough to catch one of the remaining tour dates don’t miss it. Venus Grrrls are a band on the rise, and their live show is as powerful and unapologetic as their music suggests. As for Trinkets and Girlfriend? Keep your eyes on both these are local acts more than ready for bigger stages.
Trinkets photos:
Girlfriend photos:
Venus Grrrls photos:
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic