Friday night at Workman’s Club accompanied by the knee-bouncing, head-banging sounds of Dublin’s finest; What better way to end a lengthy work week?

Ex Oh Promotion’s Next Big Thing Festival came to a close last week, showcasing the final six acts and wrapping up a four-night run of musical successes.

Kicking off the night on Workman's mainstage was V-Sensei, a nineteen-year-old underground hip-hop artist based in Dublin. Joined by DJ/producer Jess, pictured onstage in an eye-catching “Sex Symbol” tank top, V-Sensei’s self-described “frat music” and laid-back charm pulled a shy crowd from their shells.

Glancing out beneath his dark shades, V-Sensei took to the mic with ‘Who We Really Are’ as the floor shook with heavy bass.

Credit: Emily O'Brien

“This one’s inspired by a Taylor Swift song in a bad way,” the rapper cooed through his Auto-Tuned microphone. “You guys know that one song she’s got with Kenrick Lamar? This is my take on ‘Bad Blood.’” After previewing the chorus a capella, V-Sensei worked the crowd as Jess worked the DJ deck, jumping into the audience to bolster support as he rapped, “I got bad blood and I choose to let it bleed. Only difference being you is that you never gon’ be me.”

The crowd’s lackluster energy during V’s first few tracks pushed the rapper to put on a bigger and bolder performance, finding the payoff in his third song, ‘Falling,’ a fan favorite that marked a turning point in Sensei's set. A catchy exploration of mental health and internalized emotion, V got the enthusiasm he deserved as he found his place onstage.

The energy continued as Sensei transitioned into last year’s Valentine's Day release ‘MODEL!’, a “drunk and vibey” R&B track complete with an intoxicating beat and groovy chorus that brought listeners to the dance floor.

Emblazoned by the newfound engagement, which peaked with a roar of applause as he peeled off his sweaty button-up shirt, Sensei’s set was a wash of energy and charisma, the beginning of what is sure to be a prolific career.

The night continued with the arrival of Denim Teeth on the mainstage. A furious wave of sound composed of vocalist John A Reilly, guitarists Daniel Cullen and Conor Fitzpatrick, bassist Glenn Mc and drummer Dan McDonald, the Irish five-piece announced their presence with the steely guitar and thumping bass of ‘Red Light Dream.’

Denim Teeth brought Workman’s audiences a taste of surf-goth, nailing the eclectic mix of pop, rock and beach while highlighting their unique sound and musical prowess. Reilly’s estranged vocals ripped through the crowd as Cullen and Fitzpatrick wailed on their six strings, Glenn and McDonald driving the rhythm section as the room exploded with sound.

Credit: Emily O'Brien

With the click of McDonald’s drumsticks, the band dove into a blistering rendition of ‘Hypnodisc,’ a crowd favorite that brought Reilly to his knees, gaze upturned and free hand reaching out as if in prayer.

By the set’s halfway point, a thick crowd had formed around the stage, drawn in by the band’s spiralling sounds. Recently recorded ‘Lowrider’ brought out the goth side of surf-goth, featuring Reilly’s piercing upper-register as he barreled through the final chorus and inducing a feeling of pure release throughout the crowd.

Before long, Reilly’s billowing white shirt had been tossed aside, following V-Sensei’s lead as he leaped off the stage during their final song, ‘Marionette.’ The tune’s mesmerizing intensity culminated with the heave of an audience member as he was lifted into the air, passed above the heads of onlookers and giving a new meaning to ‘surf-goth.’

Wrapping up the night and the festival was LoFi singer, songwriter, producer and larger-than-life personality Kendino (a.k.a. June Manzano). Decked out in fingerless skeleton gloves, chunky bracelets and a pin-covered beanie, Kendino was the perfect finale for a talented lineup of artists.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Joji, Childish Gambino, Tobi Lou and Isaiah Rishad, Kendino’s smooth entrance on stage brought with it laughs, sing-alongs and some of the most entertaining mid-set ads to grace the Workman’s stage –– with personalized jingles upholding the Kendino-flair his fans know and love.

Credit: Emily O'Brien

“This first song is for all the pretty bitches out there!” Kendino declared as his first song blared through the speaker. ‘Pretty Boy’ was a stark departure from the fierce rock of Denim Teeth, bringing a lighthearted groove back into the venue as Kendino bounced across the stage, his colourful character making it impossible to remain motionless in the crowd.

With a quick wit and exuberant style, Kendino quickly dominated the room, bringing the inner “girly-girl” out of even the most mental-loving listeners with an upbeat rendition of ‘MTV Sweetie.’ “Let's get our girlypop on!” Kendino cried as he held the microphone out above the crowd.

Continuing the night’s trend, the singer/rapper stripped off his outer layers of clothing as he introduced a brand new-unreleased single. “It’s still in the oven,” he explained. “She’s not quite ready. She still needs a little extra seasoning, but I’ll give you a taste.”

A hook, verse, and singalong was all the crowd needed to fall in love with the untitled comic masterpiece. Finding their voice, audience members shouted out the call and response, yelling “She crazy! She crazy!” at Kendino’s command.

Credit: Emily O'Brien

After a 30 minute set of blissful banter, Kedindo brought the night to an end with a personality-infused cover of Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall,’ belting out the iconic tune alongside new fans and devoted listeners alike.

By the end of the cover, met with calls for one more tune, the Workman’s superstar reprised his unfinished, half-baked track, bringing The Next Big Thing Festival to an end with cries of “She Crazy! She Crazy!”