The fifth annual First Fortnight festival came to a close on Saturday night with a sold out show at the Button Factory. We’ll get to the music in a moment but the night was about more than a strong line-up of emerging and established Irish acts. It was also interspersed with reminders – from performers and attendees – that communicating with each other about mental health does help.

It’s a recurring theme at First Fortnight events, and communication is encouraged in such an open and inclusive way. You could be a writer or a singer, an artist or an actor, a filmmaker or a music reviewer, or – you know – anyone with a head. If you have something to say, say it; there is no appropriate or inappropriate time to talk about mental health.

Even just cataloging our shared experiences can help. Like days when the sound of a car outside could shred at your nerves or…

Anyway, Vann opened proceedings on the night and the band should feature on plenty of ones-to-watch lists over the coming year. There’s probably a ban on any emerging Irish band being likened to U2, but Vann have a similar sound. To clarify, they sound like U2, they’re not the next U2. We don’t want to ruin them on you. They also all have  great hair; Jonas Brother good. Admittedly not going to affect how you hear their music but it felt like it was worth noting.

…when getting up in the morning is difficult in a way that goes beyond tiredness or the sound of rain outside and talking to…

Then we have Kopek to continue the trend of striking hair on each act. Frontman Danny may posses the most impressive dreads on an Irish head ever. Their sound packs a punch too. They brought many of their loyal fanbase on Saturday but their howled lyrics and unashamedly theatrical riffing will have converted many more in the crowd. Loud rock by accomplished performers, we would call it ‘no-nonsense’ if that phrase hadn’t become saddled with negative, dour connotations. Maybe ‘pure rock’ works better.

… family and friends about that doesn’t need to become an explanation or an excuse but can be a acknowledgment that you’re…

We Cut Corners combine the simplicity of White Stripes (the guitar-drum combination means comparisons are inevitable) with lyrics and vocals that are close to The Decemberists; and anyone lucky enough to see that act play live will understand that is A Good Thing. Again they have some loyal fans in tow, but it’s nice to think that with four such different acts performing there might be some musical minds broadened this evening.

… not happy. And that in itself doesn’t need to be a shocking revelation. Just a heads up to someone close to you that things are not…

The show is building of course to the big finale, and if ever there was an Irish band suited to delivering a big finale it is Le Galaxie. Their shows sometimes feel like one big, triumphant finale. Saturday was no different. Except, with the Button Factory heaving and the four lads not emerging until midnight, almost on the dot, the scene was set for a particularly triumphant set. There may still be regular Irish gig-goers out there who haven’t seen (and enjoyed) a Le Galaxie gig but they’re a species that should be extinct by year’s end.

…going well. And the acknowledgement in itself may not always prove a magic solution. But it will almost certainly help. And that…

And that was that. A great night to bring a great event to a close. But the success of First Fortnight will not be measured in numbers through the doors on a Saturday night. It will be in the actions of those who are worried about a friend, or a colleague, or themselves. It will be in how we help each other to help each other.

… thought – that a problem shared is a problem halved – is reassuring. And feeling a little reassured is no small thing.

First Fortnight Photo Gallery

Photos: Kieran Frost