Live Report: Forbidden Fruit wraps up with Underworld, Peggy Gou, Fcukers and more

Sunday marked the final day of Forbidden Fruit, with killer acts stretched across five stages on the IMMA grounds.

Up on the RTÉ Rising Stage was Dundalk-based duo, Negro Impacto. Blending neo-soul with R&B and funk, the group quickly drew a fast audience.

“We’re so happy to be here!” said lead vocalist Chi Chi. “Thanks to everybody that made it possible for us to be here. Thanks to you guys for being here. Y’all rock!”

Psychedelic visuals danced on the screen behind them, as Chi Chi’s buttery voice filled the tent. Each component of the group worked in beautiful harmony, with intricate guitar melodies and a groovy bass. Their synth player added heavenly supporting vocals, creating a layered effect.

“So, I think you guys want to dance,” said Chi Chi. “Since you guys like to dance obviously, do any of you guys like to salsa?”

Their next song was fast-paced and spirited, with Latin influences generating high energy from the crowd. 2024 single ‘FANGIRL' was more laid back, showing off Chi Chi’s impressive vocals. The love song captured the feeling of infatuation, slowly building into bassy splendour.

Negro Impacto at Forbidden Fruit Sunday. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

Up next on the RTÉ Rising Stage was Cork-based five-piece, Cliffords. Their set began with ‘R&H Hall’ off their new EP, Salt of the Lee. I was instantly met with powerful vocals from the talented Iona Lynch. Booming drums rattled the stage as Lynch outstretched her arms to the crowd. Her range was impressive, bellowing out rich notes before soaring into angelic highs.

“What’s the craic Forbidden Fruit, you having fun?” asked Lynch. “Are there lesbians here? This one’s for you.”

The band began playing ‘Shattered Glass’ from their 2024 EP Strawberry Scented. The song speaks to the complications of queer love, and features an anthemic performance on trumpet by Gavin Dawkins. Lynch’s angsty vocals were passionate and gutteral, filled with the power and grit of artists like Hayley Williams. Her presence was commanding, strutting confidently before the audience.

“Thank you very much for coming out,” Lynch said before leaving the stage.

Cliffords at Forbidden Fruit. Copyright Curtis DeSmith.

Next up on the Main Stage was the electronic trio, Fcukers. Based in New York, the group's unique sound featured live bass and drums. Shanny Wise's shimmering voice was a real highlight, with hyperfeminine vocals dancing above a heavy beat. The effect was extremely satisfying, and simply demanded movement.

"Yo Dublin, how we feeling?" asked their bassist Jackson Lewis.

The visuals behind the group were hypnotic, ranging from thermal body imaging to black and white film masquerades. Wise hopped around stage with a care-free attitude, and her cool-girl persona was infectious.

The best moment from their set was undeniably 'Bon Bon,' the last song the group performed. The bouncy track was instantly recognisable, and many festival-goers began singing along. With simple lyricism, Wise's sassy voice really shined.

"Thank you, we're Fcukers!" she exclaimed.

Fcukers at Forbidden Fruit. Copyright Curtis DeSmith.

Peggy Gou, a Berlin-based DJ, took the Main Stage next. Her deep techno sent the crowd into a flurry of movement, with complex beats filling the festival grounds. Trippy visuals flowed on the screen behind her as fans danced along.

One stand out track was her 2023 '(It Goes Like) Nanana (Edit),' sampling ATB's 1998 song '9 PM (Till I Come).'

"Sing it with me," she mouthed. "Are you ready?"

The DJ also sampled Jenny Burton's 1985 track 'Bad Habits' and Roddy Ricch's 'The Box.' Gou clearly knew what she was doing, and exuded an air of confidence that was palpable.

"I love you," she mouthed, blowing a kiss into the crowd.

Peggy Gou at Forbidden Fruit. Copyright Curtis DeSmith.

Last up on the Main Stage was the legendary Underworld. The British electronic duo meant serious business, comprised of Rick Smith and Karl Hyde. They kicked off their set with 'Jumbo' from their 1999 album Beaucoup Fish, with Hyde's brooding vocals enveloped by dynamic electronic elements.

Lasers and fog bathed the stage as fans danced energetically. Pounding beats would pull back before dropping again, toying with the crowd in the most rewarding way. Things heated up when the duo began performing 'Cowgirl' off their 1994 album Dubnobasswithmyheadman. Their gnarly bass rattled the stage and excited the crowd, jumping and banging their heads.

Another clear highlight was 'King of Snake.' Green visuals flashed the audience as Hyde prowled across stage. His deep voice filled the festival grounds, hurling repetitive and hypnotic lyricism into the mic.

The group finished off their set with 'Born Slippy (Nuxx),' made popular from the 1996 film Trainspotting. The powerhouse of a song captured Underworld's spirited energy, ending the night on a high.

Underworld at Forbidden Fruit Sunday. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

With dozens of exciting acts, Forbidden Fruit 2025 was an undeniable success.