Following a successful summer season playing at all of the major industry showcases throughout Europe, Dublin-based post-punk outfit Gurriers celebrated the release of their recent single ‘Nausea’ with a sold-out show in The Grand Social.

The fact that the unsigned quintet are selling out such venues after only three independently released singles is quite a feat in itself, but it’s quickly apparent why indie stations throughout Europe and America are so keen on the latest offering from the much-hyped, but often underwhelming production line of the Irish post-punk rock scene.

Gurriers deliver a potent mix of ear-splitting, energetic riffs and cutting, often witty social commentary, all of which combine to separate them from the local herd. Sure, the obvious influences of Joy Division and Sonic Youth are flagrantly obvious, but the motorik beats and hypnotic basslines at times give Gurriers the feel of a punk band covering dance music.

Add to this the interplay of the often wildly contrasting ways in which the guitarists approach songs, which can often leave the material feeling as close to Deftones or At The Drive Through as any of the other classic acts this genre is commonly associated with.

It’s not long before a mosh pit forms and turns into a full-blown circle pit thanks to songs such as ‘Sign of The Times’ and ‘Approachable’, and by the end of the show, bodies are flinging themselves into the crowd with abandon. The group look a mixture of surprised and concerned at times, but they’ll have to get used to witnessing such scenes in the future.

There’s a hint of Michael Douglas in ‘Falling Down’ – the good guy who has simply had enough – to frontman Tom Hoff’s onstage persona, snarling throughout the songs, but almost apologetic for playing them at times. He tells the crowd “I hope you enjoy it” before introducing several songs, including a future single which is given its live debut.

Who knows how far Gurriers can go, but there’s enough on display throughout this performance to suggest that much bigger venues await over the next 18 months or so. And what more can you ask from an unsigned act, still in their infancy and already punching well above their weight.