Girl Band at Whelan's | Review

Girl Band in Whelan’s, Dublin on February 8th, 2014

There’s quite a buzz being generated around noise punkers Girl Band, and it’s not all coming from their amps. The four-piece’s single Lawman was released to much critical acclaim last month, and it is that song’s release that’s being celebrated tonight, giving us a chance to see if the band’s live show is as intense and full-on as their recorded sound.

You’re A Dog launches straight into a howling mass of guitar effects and pounding drums. This is what Girl Band are all about; delivering ferocious post-punk tunes with a frantic anger that brings to mind the fevered energy of Nirvana. Tell The Dead is a new tune to feature tonight, with the drums serving as the starting point for the song, allowing the wild distortions of the guitar and bass to spiral off into the realms of crazed noise rock.

The new tunes might be performed enthusiastically and with much aggression, but they seem to be missing the brilliance that some of their older tracks have. Perhaps unfamiliarity with these songs is to blame; after all, Girl Band’s songs are not meant to be immediately catchy. However the band up the ante appropriately during Why They Hide The Bodies Under My Garage with Faulkner mauling his drum kit and Kiely screaming for all his worth. Despite the angry sound that borders on the chaotic, the band are very composed with their stage presence, with the guitarists staring at their pedals and Kiely maintaining a relaxed and controlled air throughout.

Lawman is the undoubted highlight of the night, showcasing Kiely’s natural singing voice which is just as good as his passionate screams. The band are clearly having a great time, as evidenced by the grins they share between the loud and quiet sections. This fuels the most intense song of the evening, and the ferocity of the performance is staggering. The band close with the incredibly short Cha Cha Cha which lasts under half a minute. It’s a cheeky finish, and puts an end to an immensely powerful and intense show.