Night four of Whelan's Ones to Watch brought with it a rumbling fervour.

The night kicked off at 7:45 on the main stage, where listeners gathered to hear a stellar performance from Anna Leah, a young singer based in Dublin. Clutching a glimmering pink guitar and wearing a long white sparkly dress, I wondered if the glitz and glamour would be any indication of her star power. I certainly was not disappointed.

“I’ve been writing loads recently,” she told the crowd, before swapping her electric guitar for an acoustic one. Her strong vocals danced above a groovy baseline and unrelenting drums, creating a heavy, weighted sound. Her lyricism was earnest and introspective, expressed best through tracks like ‘Bittersweet’ and ‘She’s got this.’

Stella and the Dreaming at Whelan's Ones to Watch Jan 9 2025. Copyright Curtis DeSmith.

Up next was Stella and the Dreaming, a performer who’s aptly named. The singer kept her eyes closed for nearly the entire set, clearly lost in a world of her own. Her droning vocals were reminiscent of Ethel Cain, with each song blending softly into the last. The crowd roared in approval, lost in a hazy dreamscape created by her performance on piano paired with an accompanying violinist.

“I’m a little bit nervous, so thank you,” she responded.

Meanwhile upstairs, Pants on Fire delivered an absolutely electrifying performance. There was not a single person in that packed room who was not enraptured with movement. With each guitar riff, the heavy indie rock band seemed to control the crowd as if by some spell. Their vocals intermittently devolved into delightfully raspy howls, complemented by an impressively fast drumline. Despite performing early in the night, Pants on Fire roused the crowd's spirits with ease, making their set an undeniable highlight.

Echo Northstar at Whelan's Ones to Watch Jan 9 2025. Copyright Curtis DeSmith.

Back on the main stage was soft indie rock band Echo Northstar. Each member appeared equally entranced. Their keyboardist sat criss-cross on the floor as he played, neglecting to face the audience. Their performance felt like a well-oiled machine, with each independent component serving to enhance the lead singer’s clear prowess. His vocals were truly remarkable and beautifully delicate. As I listened, I couldn't help but think of Thom Yorke’s unique voice. Fans of Radiohead should definitely check this band out, particularly their songs ‘waking up’ and ‘creature.’

YINYANG at Whelan's Ones to Watch Jan 9 2025. Copyright Curtis DeSmith.

Next up came the most unique set of the night, YINYANG. My excitement mounted as I watched the performer set up four large strobe lights facing the audience. Despite being just one person and a laptop, YINYANG’s stage presence was remarkable. She seemed to have perfected a distinctive blend of hip-hop and electronic house music. From the moment her set began, the entire venue shook with a gnarly bass. I could feel her songs in my toes, my stomach, my head– she created a full body experience.

“I’m gonna have some fun,” she told the crowd, before moving her microphone stand to the side. A natural performer, she began prowling around the stage and hurling lyrics into the mic.

“Is this what it’s like to feel alive!” she chanted, her strobe lights flashing a new color with every word. YINYANG was absolutely vicious, and I look forward to following her career.

Electronic punk musician pawprints performed later in the night. Lights flashed green and red as the performer outstretched his arm into the audience, grabbing a listener's hand. His unique sound attracted a ravaging sea of bodies, churning with energy and movement. He launched himself into the crowd a few times, splitting them down the center and watching them rejoin again. The audience went wild for his electronic rendition of ‘Ghostbusters,’ as he jumped wildly on stage along with them.

From start to finish, night four of Whelan's Ones to Watch was undeniably jam packed with loads of killer acts.