Sin É reopened its doors this October for “In Through The Out Door”, a month-long series of standalone shows with some of the best acts in Ireland. This series was made possible with support from The Live Venue Collective and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media and features artists such as Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra, Hazey Haze, Toshín, Chrome, Vulpynes, Dani Larkin and much more. With such an extensive line up it’s been an exciting month for Sin É but lasts nights show with Columbia Mills supported by Dunx had everyone excited. The buzzing energy from the eager audience was felt even before the doors were open. People hovered around the front door of Sin É in the rain waiting impatiently for the venue to open so that the night’s revelries could begin. There was something in the air last night that had everyone ready to celebrate the glorious live music Sin É had in store.
Dunx and his desert-rock toned guitar kicked the night’s music into motion. His deep croons brooded over blues-hued tunes backed by hefty drums and slick bass manoeuvres; the effect was a wholly immersive sound for listeners to indulge in. It was a chill set that sparked cheers and sways from the crowd who loved every minute of it. Dunx is a must-see. His songs are well crafted and display the effortless charm, confidence and musical prowess of this talented artist.
Filling the venue with rumbling rhythms, dance-infused indie, soaring guitar and the full majesty of their sound Columbia Mills took to the stage. The bittersweet melodies of ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now? came to life within the live setting. The shadowy dark undertones within the band’s songs were perfectly translated through Fiachra Treacy’s intense delivery; eyes closed he was consumed in each song’s immersive hypnotic sound and so was the crowd who danced, swayed and stomped throughout the set.
The band’s sound is absolutely bewitching. They blend electronic fused melodic pop-rock with dance, and like masterful puppeteers had the audience in the palm of their hands dancing uncontrollably when beckoned.
“We are going to pretend this is our last song”, Treacy announced before the ethereal ‘Never Gonna Look At You The Same’. The serotonin levels soared from this point as both the band and audience gleefully cheered for the encore as fits of dancing and sing along’s en masse reverbed throughout the venue. Columbia Mills know how to put on a show, the encore sent Sin É into glorious chaos. Amidst the crowd one fan was seen with the stool he was sitting on raised above his head, punching the air and proudly marching in time to the rhythm of the music.
Columbia Mills put on a fantastic live show on Saturday night. They are a band that never disappoints. Their music is well-crafted, passionate and intoxicating and in some cases simply time-stopping ( ‘You’re Not The Answer’ is a fine example of this ). In a live setting, this band is unstoppable. Treacy is an effortless frontman and his irresistible persona is infectious and awe-inspiring to behold. Columbia Mills are a band not to miss live.
Author: Danu
