Live report: Grooveline let it rip at the Button Factory

Grooveline took over the Button Factory with their biggest show to date last Friday, April 24. The Irish and English-speaking group offered a night full of unmatched energy and groovy dancing.

Made up of six childhood friends from the North West of Ireland, Grooveline blend Hip-Hop, Rock, Jazz, and Trad. They create a distinctive sound that's fun and unlike anything else in the Irish music scene.

Comprising Bainsy (vocals and saxophone), Tarach (vocals and guitar), Glen (bass), Matthew (guitar), Cian (keys, synths, fiddle), and Bronwyn (drums), the group started playing together about ten years ago, when they met in school.

Grooveline at The Button Factory on April 24th, 2026. Copyright Maizy Kharrazian/www.hotpress.com

They're like funky Kneecap as they also sing in Irish, blending Hip Hop with punk and political activism. They even supported the Northern Irish duo back in 2024.

Last year, Grooveline's Tarach spent two weeks in the Aida refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, where he volunteered in the local community. As a group, they often include their political views in their music, which was also noticeable at the gig. Joined by dancing and pro-Palestine chants, the crowd went wild at Grooveline's fingertips.

Grooveline at The Button Factory on April 24th, 2026. Copyright Maizy Kharrazian/www.hotpress.com

The set started with a countdown. A strong, driving bass, played by Glen, lead the way. Joined by a warm, expressive and sometimes raspy saxophone, the group started with their 2024 single 'Let Loose Let Go.'

They owned the crowd, who were jumping and singing back at them. The room was filled with so much positive energy that resonated from the floor to the roof. Shaking from mosh pits and jumps, the Button Factory saw a performance that brought people together.

The group played 'By Now (Samba)' from their 2026 EP Let It Rip. Mixing Bellini's 'Samba De Janeiro' with their distinctive sound, they put their own twist on the classic tune. Hinting of blues and trad, the song slowly turned into a series of 'Free Palestine' chants. Those moments of joy and unity defined this show, showcasing Grooveline's unmatched relationship with the crowd. It was also one of many examples of the band's strong political activist side, as they called for resistance to Israeli apartheid and expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran.

Their long and truly electric instrumentals, which incorporated keys, saxophone, and synths, offered an experience that was nostalgic of the '70s and '80s, but also new and diverse in flavour at the same time.

The saxophone player and singer, Bainsy, shook the walls with his resonating voice. Catching his breath in between vocal riffs and sax solos, he delivered his notes and lines effortlessly. In that moment, the energy in the room resembled the one of a summer carnival in Rio de Janerio - colourful and ecstatic.

Grooveline at The Button Factory on April 24th, 2026. Copyright Maizy Kharrazian/www.hotpress.com

Mid-set, Glen swapped out his bass for a tin whistle, simultaneously inviting CAOIMHÍN, their support from earlier in the night, on stage. You could feel the incredible buzz from a distance. Together they jammed to experimental, atmospheric trad melodies. Then 'Captain' Cian picked up a fiddle, taking us on a voyage through the roots of trad, straight back to the groove-infused Hip Hop. They covered '3CAG' by Kneecap, brining this incredibly hazy melody to the already steaming venue.

"Lads, too long the Irish people have slept on their own language," said Tarach, in-between singing.

"It is your fucking language. Wear it on that armour and sword!"

So powerful and emotional, the song transitioned smoothly back into a more energetic part of the set. The group prefaced the next song by asking: "Who's been to our gigs before?" "Who's a Grooveline virgin?" Bursting into laughter, they played an unreleased track, hinting on an upcoming release.

Grooveline at The Button Factory on April 24th, 2026. Copyright Maizy Kharrazian/www.hotpress.com

"Let's get a little bit hectic now," they shouted in unison, while welcoming Sligo-native rapper Granvil on stage. Their track 'GO HECTIC' made the crowd jump to the roof.

"In the North West of Ireland, if you want to go to a night like this, what you'd say is 'Let It Rip'," they smoothly announced the next track. Defined by its lyrics "boogie all night with a boombox," the song evoked strong funky '80s Hip Hop vibes. Hypnotising the entire crowd with its catchy chorus, they extended the instrumentals a few times.

"Our sessions never really end just like our songs so…" they looped back into the chorus once again. The fun at Grooveline's gigs is never really over as I got to see that night. They went from singing and jumping shirtless to singing 'Happy Birthday' as Gaeilge. This chaotic energy carried throughout the whole show, adding an undeniable element of excitement to it.

Grooveline at The Button Factory on April 24th, 2026. Copyright Maizy Kharrazian/www.hotpress.com

"From playing in a community centre to headlining the Button Factory tonight. Fucking unbelievable," Tarach commented on the group's milestone, while applauding his bandmates.

They ended the set with the optimistic 'Overtime,' grooving off the stage in style. Not even a minute later, they ran back for one more tune - a mash up of Bruno Mars' 'Uptown Funk' and 'Get Up Offa That Thing' by James Brown. So new, different, and exciting, Grooveline had its audience hooked every step of the night.

Finishing off with Tarach jumping headfirst into the crowd's wave of arms, this gig lifted people up and brought them together. Authentic and amazing craic, the Leitrim band showed Dublin how to truly 'Let It Rip.'