Dove Ellis (+ Existing Conditions)- The Workman’s Club

After the rave reviews of their debut album, touring the US with Geese, and the mystery surrounding the artist, expectations and intrigue were high ahead of Dove Ellis' live performance. Choosing an enigmatic Dublin venue like The Workman’s Club was key to attracting an eclectic crowd that varied in age, style, and background, all excited to see what Thomas O'Donoghue and the rest of the band had to offer. The supporting act, Existing Conditions, was such a refreshing discovery. They brought to mind Windmill Brixton’s late-2010s rock scene, with a sound similar to Black Country, New Road and Black Midi. It was impressive to see that a seven-piece band with a brass section had enough stage space to comfortably perform a 15-minute song and leave the crowd in awe. They are definitely worth seeing again if the opportunity arises. Dove Ellis’ setlist consisted of 14 songs, which showcased the emotional depth behind the project. It was the perfect mix of singles from Blizzard that people could sing along to and unreleased material that had the crowd paying close attention, with barely any phones in hand. Tom’s voice brought to life hints of Freddie Mercury’s powerful rock ballads and a sound reminiscent of Kodaline’s debut album, highlighting his Irish roots. All the musicians on stage switched instruments between songs and sang together five-part harmonies while keeping audience interaction to a minimum, yet still managing to crack a few jokes that had the room laughing every time. Mesmerising.