Live Report: Nova Twins storm the Button Factory stage

Fresh from the release of their new album Parasites and Butterflies, London duo Nova Twins take over Dublin once again.

Brightening up the gloomy Tuesday evening in Temple Bar, fans are queuing outside the Button Factory at 7pm sharp, lining up with their dyed hair, fishnet stockings, corsets and black platform boots. It could be punk-rock prom.

The doors open and a sea of black lace shuffles into the Button Factory. The evening begins with a short opening from the incredible HotWax, a rock trio from Hastings, England that shred the stage with their energetic alt-rock numbers. It's a romping performance which suggests some Riot Grrrl influences, setting the tone for the evening.

Soon Nova Twins storm the stage. The apron is covered with huge white paper flowers the size of trees, complemented by moody purple stage lights, as vocalist Amy Love and bassist Georgia South stand side by side.

They dive into their first song, 'Black Roses', off their new album. Love's hair is tied into a long thick black braid, which swings as she commands the stage. Her vocals echo through the venue, with the bridge offering a softer melody, as if Love is placing a spell on the crowd. The track ends with what sounds like bird calls emerging from the back of her throat.

"When I was a little kid they always called me a freak and now them little bitches want to look like me", Love raps on 'Cleopatra'. "They'll be injecting, imperfecting 'til it starts to weep. You can buy your looks, but you can't buy your genes."

The track is made for a night out, when you need an extra boost in confidence. At this stage the crowd is ecstatic, with those in the seated balcony emerging from their seats and inching closer to peer over the edge.

“To all the women in the room please raise your voices, this song is for you” directs Love while introducing 'Soprano'. Her ability to transition from rap to screamo to gentle vocals is mind-blowing, showcasing effortlessness vocal control. 

Then the crowd really loses it as 'N.O.V.A' begins.

“What’s the name bitch? Say our name! All you bitches say, N-O-V-A!," screams Love

The final half of the song is dedicated to a call-and-response spelling out N-O-V-A section by section, as Nova Twins stand beaming.

The band brings out opener HotWax to perform the song 'Athena' off their debut album. It's a signal to let the moshing commence, as bodies shift back and forth. The energy is intense, with the two bands singing, dancing and embracing one another, acknowledging the chemistry them has built up over the past month of touring.

After HotWax take their exit, a melodic siren fills the room. On the fittingly named 'Hummingbird', Love's voice is enchanting. Notes spill out of her like gospel, with a tone that's reminiscent of Prince's 'Purple Rain'.

The room is completely still, before Nova Twins pull a fake exit and the crowd roars for their return.

They run back in as Love removes her braid - now messy from a night of heavy dancing - she throws it into the crowd. "There's a lot more important stuff than my hair!" she acknowledges.

One of their crew bring out a white banner with the words: "Love Over Hate". The two women hold the banner high.

"People who protest a genocide are being arrested," says Love. "People who look like our grandparents. It's fucking madness."

Amnesty international, who were collecting donations ahead of the gig, receive a shoutout from South.

"We've got some really special merch with them, promoting love over hate," she shares. "All the profits are going towards all the amazing things they're doing for human rights. So please if you can, support."

"Make sure you stand up for each other too," continues Love. "Protect your community, protect your neighbours, protect your trans friends!"

Then it's time for Nova Twins to present their final song, 'Glory', the news of it being the final song being met with some well-intentioned boos.

Hearing 'Glory' feels like being taken to metal mass. It's a heavy and powerful track, filled with chaotic guitar riffs juxtaposing with Love's angelic melodies. South meanwhile, blows the crowd away with a thundering bass solo.

The two end the concert shredding their guitars, before blowing kisses to the audience. Suddenly, it all becomes a great memory.