It is absolutely baltic and pouring down as I make my way from the sticks to the big smoke, to catch one of Northern Ireland’s favourite sons performing at The Telegraph Building in Belfast. It is the day before the arrival of Potus himself in Belfast, aul Joe Biden, and we have been warned of traffic chaos around the city centre as roads are closed for his imminent arrival. With that in mind, I make my way down a little earlier to be sure, to be sure, and low and behold there is zero drama and I am way too early! As I am a sensible kinda guy I have a heavy fleece on me and a rain jacket, suitably dressed for the Northern Irish April showers, it is literally bouncing off the ground as I make my way from the car park to the venue and as I arrive I see an army of Norn’ Irelands teen fans (the ladies) in jeans and bra tops queuing up outside in the pissing rain! #lunatics While waiting for tonight’s opening act to take to the stage I fear for the sanity of the youth of today and their wardrobe choices in such weather. #howoldamI
Tonight’s opener is Dublin band Cruel Sister, a distortion fest-wall of noise that gets the crowd going for sure. A shoe-gaze-laden band that brings an angst-ridden vibe to the Telegraph building to make sure everyone here is fully paying attention. Their set is feisty and purposeful, strong and cohesive in its chaos and the Belfast crowd does seem to dig it. I can’t find a lot of info on this crowd of misfits but keep your eyes and ears to the ground on this one and I am sure they will be making waves locally soon enough.
Two Door Cinema Club is an indie rock band from Northern Ireland that has been captivating audiences with its electrifying live performances for over a decade. Since their formation in 2007, the trio has garnered a dedicated fanbase around the world, with their music praised for its catchy hooks, infectious melodies, and dynamic instrumentation.
The smiles on the faces of the fans streaming into the building tonight tell me everything I need to know about the popularity of this band and their far-reaching ability, with an eclectic crowd in attendance clearly there is no holding back this powerhouse band.
One of the defining characteristics of Two Door Cinema Club’s live performances is their energy. The band members – Alex Trimble, Sam Halliday, and Kevin Baird – are known for their frenetic movements on stage, jumping and dancing as they play their instruments with incredible precision. This energy is contagious, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the excitement of their performances.
The band’s live shows are also notable for their impeccable musicianship. Each member of the trio is a talented instrumentalist, and they work together seamlessly to create a sound that is both tight and expansive. From Trimble’s soaring vocals to Halliday’s intricate guitar work and Baird’s driving bass lines, every element of their music is executed with skill and precision.
In addition to their technical proficiency, Two Door Cinema Club’s live performances are also marked by their emotional intensity. Many of their songs deal with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, and the band delivers these messages with a rawness and honesty that is palpable. Whether they’re playing fan favourites like “What You Know” and “Something Good Can Work” or newer tracks like “Talk” and “Satellite,” their music has a way of resonating deeply with audiences.
One of the things that sets Two Door Cinema Club apart from other indie rock bands is their ability to reinvent their sound for each new album. While their early work was characterized by guitar-heavy pop rock, their more recent releases have incorporated elements of synthpop, funk, and dance music. This versatility is evident in their live performances, where they seamlessly blend old and new material to create a cohesive and engaging setlist.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Two Door Cinema Club’s live performances are a testament to the power of music to bring people together. Their shows are a celebration of life, love, and the human spirit, and they have a way of making even the largest venues feel intimate and connected. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual listener, their live performances are an experience not to be missed.
Two Door Cinema Club is a band that truly shines in the live setting. With their boundless energy, technical prowess, emotional depth, and musical versatility, they are one of the most captivating and compelling indie rock acts around today. Whether you’ve seen them a hundred times or have yet to catch them live, their shows are an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling energized, inspired, and thoroughly entertained. The Telegraph Building was bursting with joy in celebration at the homecoming of one of Northern Irelands favourite bands playing 3 sold out shows, it is crazy to think but they have done it and in some style, tonight may have only been the taster for the other two nights but I guarantee this will be historic in the bands journey. A fantastic performance that had the Tele building bouncing from start to finish, I doubt aul Joe will be able to compete with that!
Photography: Mark McGrogan
@flashartmark #flashartmark
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