The massive success of Northern Irish band, Two Door Cinema Club is undeniable, with their music featuring in advertisements and on mainstream radio stations across the board. They first gained international attention with the release of their debut album ‘Tourist History’ back in March of 2010 and have been touring off it’s success almost constantly since. As It’s becoming increasingly evident that not many Indie bands care to play under 18’s shows here in Dublin, fans were ecstatic to hear that their age wouldn’t serve as a debilitation when TDCC announced their return to the Olympia Theatre from the 18th to the 19th of March to play two underage gigs. I went along on Friday the 18th of March.
The doors were set to open at 7:30 but upon my arrival at 6 o’clock, there were already dozens of adamant fans waiting outside, despite the less than desirable weather. There was an eclectic mix of people in line which at first was refreshing. It’s widespread appeal was evident and reflected the band’s versatile sound and style. After the 10 minute fumble to find somewhere suitable to stand, I quickly realised that this did not come without it’s problems. I had the misfortune of being surrounded by a large group of rude, obnoxious ’howiyas’. I’d never seen such disregard and un-respectful behaviour towards fellow fans and the band before in my life. It was disheartening and put a damper on not only my concert experience, but others too but I digress.
TDCC were supported by two bands, the first being Miracle Bell, who opened up first. Miracle Bell play fun electro/synth pop music that was very well received by the crowd. Admittedly, I wouldn’t be a massive fan of that type of music but I did appreciate their efforts to excite and elate the audience. The second support act, Girls Names performed afterwards but I think they would of been better received as a prelude to Miracle Bell because people were too exhilarated after the first set to care for the trio’s brand of gothic surf-rock. Girls Names also fell victim to the terrible sound quality of the equipment that was being used that night. The feedback and distortion was so bad at times that the singer became completely drowned out. With a knowledge of their back catalogue, I can say that their performance on the night did their music no justice.
TDCC came out at around 9:30, much to the delight of the crowd, triggering screams from every corner of the Olympia. They opened with Darude’s ‘Sandstowm’ which went down like a charm and then delved right into their set, hastily and without breaking between songs. The setlist worked very well and contained a great variety of their music although one or two covers wouldn’t of went astray. They played some of their best tracks like ‘This is the life‘, ‘Come back home’ and ‘Eat that up, it’s good for you’ off Tourist History as well as newer, unreleased material like ‘Handshake’ and songs off previous EP’s like ‘Costume Party’. They strategically left one of their most popular tunes ‘I can talk’ until the very end, during their encore, as a final send off before the older folk went to the after party and the under 18's headed home.
No beat was missed, no chord was out of place and every single note was hit by singer, Alex Trimble. They play incredibly well as a unit and their music is extremely fluid and composed, sounding identical to how it does on the record and by the end of the night, my opinion of the crowd shifted and the atmosphere became enjoyable and a fraternal bond grew among fans. Yet, they lacked any real essence or passion. I felt that they weren’t playing at us but rather over our heads. They made no eye contact and no real effort to communicate with the audience as much as they should have. They wore expressionless, tired faces and I felt that they weren’t enjoying themselves in the slightest.
Although they are obviously very talented young men, with the ability to write catchy songs and play flawlessly, It was an impersonal and abruptly short performance which I felt somewhat disappointed with. I cannot however say I wouldn’t see them again or recommend them to others. I’m under the impression that they have the capability to put on a great show but unfortunately due to their over booked and packed schedule and clear fatigue caused by their constant touring and performing, they are unable to do that right now. Perhaps one day they will reach their full potential but for the moment, fans will have to suffice with half-hearted performances and half-arsed attempts at conversation.
