Live Report: NewDad bring new sounds to Electric Picnic

The Three music stage is shrouded in a haze. Working overtime, the smoke machines have filled the tent with a gloomy fog, creating a fitting environment for what’s to come.

As the stage lights up, three shadowy figures are suddenly revealed front and centre. Half expecting them to declare “Do not be afraid”, the set has become a visual spectacle before a single sound is made.

Pulling gazes away from our shoes, the Galway four piece illicit a roar from the crowd with the opening chords of ‘Drown’, as NewDad make it clear that they have arrived.

New Dad in at the 3 Music stage. Credit: Miguel Ruiz

Lead singer Julie Dawson’s angelic vocals float around the tent, contrasting with the songs delightfully dark lyrics as the sounds of her and Sean O’Dowd’s guitars ricochet back and forth.

The band's chemistry is displayed to us in every moment of the set, as Dawson and bass guitarist Cara Joshi move across the stage in what can only be described as a waltz. The movement is dizzying, but there isn’t a note or chord out of place as their perfected sound flows from the amps.

The lighting and smoke machines make drummer Fiachra Parslow is a disembodied voice, and an occasionally visible pair of drumsticks behind the glinting cymbals.

His anonymity contributes hugely to the ethereal experience of the set- but unseen or not, his presence is undeniable- something he proves by launching into the opening of ‘Just Like Heaven’.

Released earlier this year, the cover attracted the praise of The Cure's frontman Robert Smith. More importantly, the crowd love it, showing their appreciation by nearly drowning out Dawson with their praise.

Julie Dawson. Credit: Miguel Ruiz

The band doesn't waste any time talking, letting their music do it for them. That being said, Dawson does at one point request that the audience bark on the count of three- a request which they naturally oblige.

They also give the Town of the Tribes a shoutout, with the answering roar revealing the unsurprising fact that the crowd is filled with Galway heads.

All in all, NewDad deliver a performance that revels in their gloomy sound. But to suggest that the energy was anything but high would be a total misdiagnosis.