Gurriers bring giddy chaos to the Electric Arena

Composed by Ennio Morricone, the theme from A Fistful of Dollars is somewhat different sound to the one usually associated with Gurriers.

As it temporarily transforms the Electric Arena into a saloon, one trait the two artists share becomes apparent- an ability to grab attention. The audience are now alert: surely this heralds the band’s arrival.

The music fades and out come the post punk fivesome. A small delay means there’s no time wasted, as they immediately set the tempo for a hard-hitting, high energy set with ‘Nobody’s Coming to Save You’.

The titular track off the band’s upcoming album is evidently a hit with fans, as anyone standing remotely near the stage is sucked (or willingly led) into a perpetual mosh pit that lasts the duration of their set.

The audience’s enthusiastic reaction gives the impression that the upcoming September release date is too long a wait. Thankfully, it’s not the only taste of upcoming project that we get, as the band give special, “don’t tell your friends” performances of ‘Crybaby’ and ‘Pins’.

Taking a rare break (albeit one that lasts less than 30 seconds), frontman Dan Hoff announces the next song is dedicated to the people of Castleblaney, Monaghan- something that encourages a surprisingly enthusiastic response.

‘Des Topia’ is the song in question, a tune that manages to stand out for its energy, despite being one single in an extensive catalogue of songs known for this very trait.

As they rip through their set, the band’s appreciation for the relationship between hard-hitting, heavy riffs and giddy chaos of their followers is apparent.

Guitarists Ben O'Neill and Mark MacCormack don’t need words to encourage their fans into a frenzy, as their chemistry onstage results in a crowd that never stops hopping.

Over their almost-metal sound, Hoff breaks from a trends amongst post-punk peers by alternating between your standard high energy, shouted lyrics, as well as more melodic moments.

It’s an effective mix, as the band and their fans seem to be in direct communication over when to take a breather and when to revel, something that results in an atmosphere that’s somehow both chaotic and orchestrated at the same time.