We Cut Corners, Holy Roman Army & Yes Cadets live at Whelan's

We Cut Corners are a duo who build their sound on drums, a guitar, and the sweetly intense falsetto of Conall O’Breachain. Along with guitarist John Duignan, he proves you don’t need such excessive accessories as a bass to rock out. Between songs, the pair are so coyly nervous, you want to hug them. Once they get behind their instruments, O’Breachain’s voice is overwhelmingly powerful – what Mika might sound like if he decided to rock out.

Next, the brother and sister duo the Holy Roman Army deliver a subdued but impressive half-hour set. Joined by a trumpet player, Chris Coffey blends samples and synths while Laura Coffey handles the keyboard and guitar. This reporter was reminded of Canadian indie favourites Stars.

The set is a mixture of originals and covers, the latter drawn from their new EP ( a haunting electronic take Bon Iver’s ‘Skinny Love’ is a highlight). If anything is missing, it’s stage presence. Laura seems not to have grasped that, as singer, her job is to entertain.

Finally, Belfast band, Yes Cadets. Their songs showcase an alt-electronic sound alongside dazzling lyrics that would make the Arcade Fire proud, particularly the gem, ‘Canada’. The foursome clearly know how to put on a show and perform with the real verve. The future of Irish indie rock is bright.