Dea Matrona are literally a garage band — they announce early in their performance on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions’ Y&E Series that their rehearsal space is called ‘the garage'. The title captures something else charming about the group, though. Between their young age and vintage sound, the Belfast three-piece really do have all the passion of a garage band, alongside the polish of professionals.

The band members — Mollie McGinn, Orlaith Forsythe and Mamie McGinn — were playing together for the first time since February at this special Hot Press performance, supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Mollie and Orlaith originally met in school, bonding over their love of Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Mollie’s younger sister Mamie — who still can’t buy a beer at venues the trio sell out — soon completed the line-up on drums.

The trio’s classic rock influences were openly on display Sunday evening. They covered ‘Crossroads’ by Cream, ‘Walk This Way’ by Aerosmith and ‘Whole Lotta Love’ by Led Zeppelin. As Dea Matrona played their heroes’ hits, their enthusiasm was contagious. Before playing ‘Whole Lotta Love', Orlaith said, “Well, I think it’s time we do something pretty rockin’,” and all three grinned. Their talent was striking, too: Mollie nailed the fiery guitar solo on ‘Walk This Way'.

Dea Matrona also performed their own original music, including two new songs. The band’s songwriting owes much to their classic influences, but is also clearly of their generation — singing harmonies, the three sound like HAIM. The first song to be unveiled on their Instagram Live show was ‘It’s Only Music', which has bluesy guitar riffs and a sing-along ready chorus. Before ‘Heart', the first song they ever wrote together, they played another new track, this one replete with a jazzy bass-lines and lyrics that'll resonate for a lot of people: “Love’s a losing streak / if you don’t get it right.”

Re-watch Dea Matrona’s charming performance – supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on the Hot Press Instagram channel – below. In the not too distant future, we could be looking back on it as a classic.

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Upcoming on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series: 

Thursday, 16 July: JACK RUA
Glam-based pop artist Jack Rua has just released his debut mini-album ‘Narcissus’. Inspired by some of the most ambitious and creative artists of the last fifty years, Jack Rua spent his formative years studying the work of icons such as David Bowie, Madonna, Lady Gaga & Prince; analysing their every move and how they used their art forms to innovate and rebel. He has fast become one of the most compelling young glam pop artists in the country.

Friday, 17 July: JANET DEVLIN
Many will remember Janet Devlin from her storied days as an X-Factor contestant, but that was just the beginning. Devlin's latest concept album Confessional came with a matching book, and saw the singer use her phenomenal voice and Celtic sensibilities to grapple with her demons. Inadvertently finding a new meaning in 2020, the final album single ‘Big Wide World’ brings a positive message of re-embracing the outside world.

Saturday, 18 July: JESSY ROSE
Formerly a member of Hare Squead, Jessy Rose took a break from the group back in 2017 – now, he's back and better than ever. The 23 year-old Dubliner blends R&B and elements of soul to create a tender and touching sound, while his latest solo offering 'Bloom’ was described as a "moving, radio-ready ballad” by Hot Press.

Each live showcase of The Y&E Series – supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht – will be broadcast live, to Ireland and the world, at 19:30 from the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine).