Brand New Friend Live Show With Support From Felonies At Whelan’s Dublin

When your ears are ringing after a show it’s either one of two things – one, your ears hurt from unbearable noise that you wish to forget as soon as your hearing returns, or two, they are buzzing from one intoxicating, loud and invigorating show of fantastic music. Lucky for me I experienced the latter on Wednesday night. Castlerock’s Brand New Friend were headlining Whelan’s upstairs venue with support from Felonies.

Wicklow band Felonies kicked off the night commanding the stage with their blistering alternative punk rock. It’s a band of singers as Aaron Meagher, Andrew Connaughton, Ryan Mortell and Tom Brady all take a turn on vocals. Hair flailing over their faces they blast into ‘Berlin Blues’, ‘Welcome’ and ‘Small Town Syndrome’. They have an intriguing stage presence. Aaron Meagher ventures close to the edge of the stage laughing and engaging with the crowd while Tom Brady thumps his chest vigorously before the band steam roll into ‘S.A.P’. Shrilling guitars pierce through our skulls as the masterful drumming keeps the crowd bouncing. These guys have the crowd in the palm of their hands. Their fun approach radiates charm and swagger-filled persona as they shred through slick guitar solos and mosh smacked wall of sound. Extremely energetic and intricate Felonies meld raw acute punk and infectious indie rock with some pop sensibilities. They perform with magnetic adrenaline that creates frenzy among the audience. These guys are ones to go see live. Their presence alone is pretty mesmerising but those tunes are sure to frazzle your brain and leave you dazed, exhilarated and craving for more.

Brand New Friend take to the stage with a new addition to the band, Lauren and Taylor Johnson’s younger brother Logan Johnson. Overwhelmed with the attendance the band are in good form and ready to rock. They burst straight into their exuberant youthful wall of sound as the crowd joyously bops and bounces along. Lauren and Taylor Johnson’s vocals blend and contrast superbly as they smile at each other. These guys are having fun on stage and that radiates throughout the room. Their humble yet confident stage presence is charming and quite refreshing. Though their sound is tight, refined and professional Brand New Friend are not pompous or arrogant Taylor sweetly and regularly thanks the crowd for their attendance he shouts “This is F*cking mental… genuinely don’t know what to say…thank you so much for being here this is ridiculous.. We didn’t expect this… this is class “. They hop and jump about the stage encouraging the crowd to go wild. Luke Harris’ drumming rumbles through the venue. The floor creaks from people jumping and moshing as Harris’ flexible roll and rumbles pound through their bodies. The band dedicate songs to members of the audience such as ‘Settle Down’ “ this ones for Eoghan ”. The sweet keys jingle and glisten between their vibrant wall of sound creating refreshing little melodies to blissfully lilt along to. Their tunes hold an air of nostalgia with emo hues and punk foundations against an indie rock backdrop. From mass sing-alongs, a lot of excited swearing (from Taylor ) and people from the crowd shouting “we love you!” to a cheeky Blondie intro to the ‘Maria’- esque start of track ‘Girl’ these guys don’t take themselves too seriously and it makes their live shows more enjoyable. Aaron Milligan wrestles those playful guitar lines with a cheeky grin while newest member Logan Johnson fits in perfectly singing every line enthusiastically as he creates that all important bass groove with confidence and prowess. They are a tidy band brimming with fun and exhilarating tunes.The happiness is infectious and the kinetic and elated atmosphere impossible to fight off. Everyone was dancing, moshing and enjoying themselves helping each other so no one hurt themselves throughout the mania. It’s the promotion of fun, the innocence and sheer charm of this band that is utterly compelling and their skill and talent is the icing on the cake.

Felonies and Brand New Friend are two spirited bands with powerful commanding tunes and both bands are enthralling to watch live. I highly recommend going to their live shows. You won’t regret it.