On Thursday, May 23, Australian indie rock band Teenage Dads performed at The Academy 2 as part of their UK and EU tour.

Consisting of band members Jordan Finlay, Connor McLaughlin, Vincent Kinna, and Angus Christie formed Teenage Dads in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria in 2015.

For their Dublin show, the dads brought in Pio Hartnett to open their show. Hartnett is singer-songwriter and producer hailing from Clifden. He performed a mix of old singles, unreleased tracks and many songs off his debut album Cargo. The Academy was filled with Hartnett's supporters who knew all the words and would call out his name after each song, bringing a smile of true joy to his face.

Teenage Dads at The Academy 2. Copyright Emily O'Brien

When Teenage Dads made their way on stage, the crowd was pushed up against the barricade, only a mere few inches from the stage. The blockade was lined with phones as the band grabbed their instruments and struck their first funky chord.

Every song seemed to be a fan favourite as each track ended and they started a new one, there would be an audible gasp from their fans. They played tunes like ‘Piano Girl’ from their 2021 album Club Echo as well as singles like ‘Speedracer’ and ‘Tale Of A Man’.

With a devious smile, frontman Finlay looked out to the crowd and said “next we’re going to play the song that the BBC told us never to play because they were scared of it” as they started to play their new single ‘Weaponz’. This fast-paced rock tune contained a hit hitting bass as well as lyrics that some consider too violent.

Teenage Dads at The Academy 2. Copyright Emily O'Brien

The red and white lights of the stage flashed on the crowds' faces revealing wide smiles and many mouths singing along. Friends grabbed one another's hands and pulled each other together to dance as Teenage Dads proved their musical talent song after song.

The Academy 2 was filled to the brim with a feel-good energy created from the indie style of Teenage Dads’ music. Their energy turned into excitement when the band said, “this is a new one called ‘Boyfriend’ and it’s coming out in a few weeks.”

'Boyfriend' opened with a snappy chord from Finlay on the keyboard. This combined with the relax harmonies from his bandmates created a light and catchy tune.

Teenage Dads also pulled a song deep from the archive from 1979 and performed their version of ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ by The Buggles.

Teenage Dads at The Academy 2. Copyright Emily O'Brien

After performing their bass heavy single ‘Cheerleader', Finlay looked out to the crowd and said, “normally this would be our last one unless you don’t want it to be,” to which the crowd replied with uproarious cheers and applause.

Their fans followed up with a powerful call for “one more tune”. Looking back at his bandmates, Finlay grabbed the mic and replied, “did you say two more tunes?”

McLaughlin started playing the next track’s robust melody while Finlay called out saying, “This is the largest gig on the tour and you can definitely be the loudest. It’s your turn Dublin, scream at the top of your lungs!”

Teenage Dads at The Academy 2. Copyright Emily O'Brien

Through the noise, Teenage Dads began playing ‘Teddy’. Bolstered by the elated crowd, fans sang the words “Teddy doesn’t live here anymore” back at the band. The venue pulsed as fans jumped, clapped and sang along to this upbeat track.

'Teddy' venture more into the pop genre than other songs from Teenage Dads. It's opens with an electronic chord that then pairs with a hard hitting bass and repetitive lyrics make it stand out in their discography.

Kinna pulled out his tambourine, rhythmically hitting to the beat of his drums and McLaughlin moved centre stage as he performed a gripping guitar solo. All while the crowd sang the rhythmic “ahhs” of the track.

As the song came to a close, Finlay, McLaughlin and Christie rushed up and climbed on the barricade. Standing high above the crowd they brought the show to a close mesmerising scene of musical talent.

Check out Teenage Dads’ new single ‘Weaponz’ below.