On Sunday night Dublin-based band KLDD played their headline show in The Workman’s Cellar with support from TroyOkay and Kathryn Stewart. This band set the bar high with their musically lush tunes and compelling stage presence. They tore the roof off the venue and marked themselves as a band to keep an eye on.

Kathryn Stewart and band set the night of fantastic tunes in motion with a sleek set of soul, R&B-infused originals and covers. From a velvety rendition of Tyrone by Erykah Badu to some classy and emotive originals such as the sombre ‘Weather’, Stewart’s compelling vocal ability was on full display. Her rich depths added power to the choruses while her soft coo’s oozed soulful tones within the verses. Enhanced by the magnificent Grace Jacobs on backing vocals and a tight and polished sound by her band the set exuded an effortless chicness throughout. With an enjoyable set featuring a sing-along rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’ Stewart put on a compelling performance and had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand. 

After a witty and brave impromptu introduction from Conor Eiffe, indie artist TroyOkay followed. His dreamy guitar-driven indie sound wafted throughout the venue as bopping heads in the crowd became immersed in his sunkissed riffs and buoyant rhythms. His vocals have a nonchalant grunge element that exudes tones of aggression and frustration over the sometimes heavy instrumentation providing an intriguing edge to his tracks. With his first-rate band in tow showcasing catchy riffs, ebullient rhythms and a jazzy injection on keys it was a satisfying and tight set from start to finish. There is no pompousness or fluff with TroyOkay’s performance just good honest indie rock tunes riddled with dark undertones and moody vocal outbursts. Very enjoyable.

KLDD wasted no time and got straight into their well-executed dynamic set. The room immediately erupted as the crowd fell under KLDD’s spell. For a young band, their sound is tight, unblemished and full of indie rock goodness. With the efficiency of a well-oiled machine, they went through their original tunes with a suave and chilled bravado that had the audience captivated. The crowd danced, punched the air and even attempted air guitar throughout the frenzied set while the four-piece remained composed on stage ready to execute slick guitar refrains and thrilling bass rumbles with a cool demeanour. Each member of the band Kilian Callegari on bass, Liam Bennati on drums, David Bradford on lead and Davy O’Toole on vocals and rhythm exuded effortless charm and their precise, polished tunes filled the venue with musical ecstasy. The crowd sang every word, cheered and danced without fail, not even a temperamental mic could sour the atmosphere. O’Toole, like a pro, laughed off its resistance to stay at the correct height and stood on his tippy toes to finish ‘Tastes Like Tragedy’ while the crowd shouted the lyrics back to him. 

Impressively composed and musically rich, KLDD’s songs sound mature and refined beyond their years. This band have some bangers in their repertoire and they put on an impressive show from start to finish. Judging from the unreleased tracks, the soaring melodies and the energy in the room KLDD are a band to get excited about.

Author: Danu