Dublin was given a full on Brighton assault on Wednesday night as three bands from the south coast of England descended upon The Academy Green Room, delivering an evening of alternative rock, nu-goth metal and punk- fuelled mayhem. With Knife Bride and SNAYX warming up the crowd before headline act Yonaka took centre stage, this was a showcase of three distinctly different sounds, united by sheer intensity and an undeniable desire to leave everything on the stage.
First up were nu-goth metal outfit Knife Bride, who wasted little time establishing their presence. Opening with “Lillies”, they launched into a powerful seven song set that combined dark atmospheres with crushing heaviness. Tracks including “Melancholia”, “Poisoned by God” and “Worthy” demonstrated their ability to balance brooding intensity with outright aggression. Their performance was commanding, setting the tone for an evening that was never going to be short on volume or attitude.
Next came punk-rock trio Snayx, who sounded like the lovechild of The Prodigy and Senser after a particularly energetic encounter. Their nine song assault was an exhilarating collision of punk, electronic textures and relentless rhythmic drive. “Work”, “Gold Star”, “Go With You” and “Ignorance” were among the highlights of a set that seemed determined to keep the audience moving. Snayx brought a different flavour of chaos to the room, delivering their material with infectious energy and an unmistakable sense of urgency.
Then came the headline act, alternative-rock outfit Yonaka, bringing their UK & Ireland 2026 tour to Dublin. Following two exceptionally strong support performances, expectations were high, but the Brighton trio were more than ready to take ownership of the evening. Their appearance completed a bill that showcased the breadth of the city’s alternative music scene, moving from Knife Bride’s dark metallic weight through Snayx’s punk-electronic frenzy to Yonaka’s alternative-rock territory.
Choosing a standout performer from the night is no easy task. Each band brought its own identity, sound and stage presence, and all three gave everything they had. Rather than competing for the same musical space, they complemented one another, making the evening feel like a carefully assembled celebration of Brighton’s diverse underground talent.
One thing was certain, Dublin had been well and truly Brightoned.
Three bands, three distinct sounds, one unforgettable night of live music.
Its been fours years since I saw and covered Yonaka in Dublin in the same venue, dont leave it so long next time!
Knife Bride photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Lillies
Crucify
Melancholia
Fang Dummy
Poisoned by God
Alone at the Altar
Worthy
Snayx photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Work
Braincellz
Nice Day 4 It
Gold Star
Lost Cause
Go With You
Sink or Swim
Ignorance
Violence
Yonaka photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Problems
Predator
Punch Bag
Cruel
Eat You Alive
Miss Millennial
Call Me a Saint
Hit Me When I’m Sore
At the Beach
Trouble Follows
Stay a Little While Longer
Don’t Wait ‘Til Tomorrow
Lose Our Heads
Bite The Bullet
Hands Off My Money
Teach Me to Fight
Clique
_____________________
Ordinary
Seize the Power
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic