5 Seconds of Summer at the 3Arena, Dublin, 28 May, 2015

Three short years into their career, Australian pop-punkers 5 Seconds of Summer have already reached enviable levels of success – having sold out two consecutive nights in the 3Arena. Their quick ascent (and, of course, their association with One Direction) has led to them being very easily dismissed, but tonight shows that the band merit their status and deserve the attention they are getting.

In 2014, 5 Seconds of Summer started a record label, Hi Or Hey Records. The first singing to this label is tonight’s support act, Hey Violet. The LA foursome are pretty much a more pop-orientated, more generic, more ‘trying-to-be-quirky’ version of 5 Seconds of Summer; but even so they put on a relatively enjoyable set. Lead singer and bassist Rena Lovelis’ vocals impress as does Casey Moreta’s guitar work throughout. It’s far from a flawless set and at time verges on cringeworthy – frequently feeling like watching a school talent show – but there are some catchy songs that get the crowd going and for a young band, they do alright.

To raise anticipation for the arrival of 5 Seconds of Summer, there is a two minute countdown on the big screens, showing videos and photos from the young band’s past. Finally 5 Seconds of Summer begin with End Up Here, arriving on stage to deafening screams.

The band have come a long way in the last year or so. All four members have become more confident and have developed in their showmanship, as well as mastering the more technical sides of the performance. There was a time when some of the band may have been slightly pitchy when singing, but there are nearly no signs of that throughout tonight’s show.

As well as this, the performance is infiltrated with personal and enjoyable conversations with the crowd, where each member has their say. 5 Seconds of Summer have obviously studied the bands they look up to and have learned by imitation. It’s undeniable that guitarist Michael Clifford is channelling a little bit of Billie Joe Armstrong and watching lead vocalist Luke Hemmings is, at times, like watching All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth.

There are very few flaws in the set, and even the more technically unenjoyable songs seem to be some of the crowd’s favourites. When the band perform Wrapped Around Your Finger, one of their more experimental and poppy songs, Michael Clifford’s vocals are not entirely on point and the electronic vibe to the song just doesn’t fit with the rest of their sound, but the crowd go crazy for it.

This slight lull is very short lived though and for the most part, the set has a massive energy. Even when they slow it down with Amnesia and Beside You, 5 Seconds of Summer manage to conjure up an incredible atmosphere.

In terms of both musical skill and pure showmanship, 5 Seconds of Summer do more than enough to justify their meteoric rise and legions of screaming fans by delivering an impressive and enjoyable show.