Live Report: Burglar shake up the Workman’s Club Cellar

Burglar rocked the Workman’s Club Cellar on Wednesday, selling out their first headline show.

Softdrink Millionaire opened for the band, creating a powerful ambiance with their droning bass and unrelenting guitar. Soft and melodic, frontman Josh Fortune derives inspiration from groups like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and The Microphones. Their performance of ‘Deep Fat Fried’ showcased the band's approach to song-writing, building slowly from a laid back guitar track into an explosion of drum and bass.

“Thank you,” said Fortune. “What’d you think?”

The crowd cheered in approval, primed and ready for the main act.

Softdrink Millionaire at The Workman's Club Cellar. Copyright Emily Boyle.

Based in Dublin, Burglar brought an incredible energy. Inspired by artists like PJ Harvey and King Krule, Willow Hannon and Eduardo Di Santos formed the band after meeting in 2021. Their punchy guitar and groovy bass ignited the audience, with Hannon’s soft vocal performance complimenting their sound well. Hannon and Di Santos sang interchangeably, frequently blending their voices into a harmonious fusion.

“How's everyone feeling tonight?” Di Santos asked the crowd, with excited roars echoing back.

“I have a shaker now,” added Hannon, clutching the percussion instrument proudly. “This song's called ‘Citywide Blackout.’”

Their performance of the track built up gradually, full of distorted guitar and killer drums. At one point during the show, Di Santos erupted in blood-curdling shrieks, falling to the floor and writhing madly. The band’s energy was palpable and infectious.

With their expert vocal performances and electrifying instrumentals, Burglar are certainly ones to watch.

See the full photo gallery here.