Bangor-based outfit The Florentinas delivered a packed gig in Workman's Cellar on Thursday night, securing success in hook-heavy indie rock style for the band's first headline gig outside of Belfast with a commanding stage presence and crowd-captivating set.
The band brought their signature guitar-heavy youthful energy to the bijou box venue and delivered emotional anthems with dynamic guitars and raucous beats, dressed plainly but playing anything but casually.
Since the band's formation in early 2019, The Florentinas have supported larger acts including Nothing But Thieves, Stereophonics and Snow Patrol, but this headline served to show fans that the Bangor boys are more than capable of steering the ship alone, and have earned a spot among their fellow indie rock four-pieces. Since signing a publishing deal with BMG in 2020, the band have truly come into their own, releasing four wildly successful singles, including their 2021 hit 'Sandcastles'.
Dublin fans were elated to see the Northern Irish musicians perform, as swathes of people trickled into The Workman's Cellar early on Thursday evening, abandoning the warm, bright weather too rarely seen in the capital city to attend the busy show. As guests began to pour in, ranging in age and style but all joined in excitement for the gig, Irish musician Dylon Jack entered, guitar in hand to warm up the crowd.
Dylon Jack supporting The Florentinas at The Workman's Cellar, 1st of June 2023. Copyright Tina Ackermann.
After quickly recovering from some unfortunate technical issues, which the endearing singer laughed off with ease, Dylon launched into his first single, 'Director'. His infectious energy and passion meant Dylon easily claimed the stage and brought the crowd to life with soothing alt-pop melodies, with Dylon's passionate scream of "DUBLIN" capturing the incoming crowd's full attention.
Dylon delivered an hour of suave, cynical pop built around catchy hooks and groovy guitar licks, with the crowd supplying some "really stupid dance moves" upon the singer's request during his melodic 'Real U'.
Dylon showcased heartfelt lyrics about about relationships and breakups with addictively catchy beats, with particular higlights being the successful singalong after 'IDFC', and the collective jumping of the whole crowd to 'Nervous', a song that Dylon prefaced with reassurance that it "is my only sad song, don't worry!".
Following some energetic and funny quips between songs, which included Dylon revealing he had only found about about the gig that day and travelled from Clare to perform, Dylon ended the show with his 2022 single 'On U', a song about letting go and living freely, certainly a fitting transition into the night’s main act.
Dylon Jack supporting The Florentinas at The Workman's Cellar, 1st of June 2023. Copyright Tina Ackermann.
Soon after, The Florentinas entered the small stage, seemingly somewhat surprised at the crowd size of the now-full venue. Instantly slipping into their effortless indie rock with their first song 'Find a Way', the band was precise and chaotic, both melodic and discordant, and won over the crowd in seconds with their honest performances. Audiences members from the back could feel the electricity from lead singer Paddy Boyd, with excellent, passionate singing providing a bright and strident start to the show.
The Florentinas at The Workman's Cellar, 1st of June 2023. Copyright Tina Ackermann.
Following the band's first song, which bassist Jacob Kane had thoroughly boogied through with the crowd, The Florentinas all radiated joy, fun and overwhelmed gratitude. The band were easy crowd pleasers seemingly without realising, with punching instrumentals from Luke Swann on guitar and Jakob Swann on drums meaning it was impossible to find an audience member not grooving to the melodies.
The band did not take time to relax, and launched into a rip-roaring version of 'Sandcastles', the band's 2021 single which has proven to be their most popular on Spotify. The popularity of the song was immediately evident, with many joining Paddy in singing along. The early favourite accompanied by a brazen light show lifted the room further and brought the Cellar to life, giving the feeling of a venue ten times the size.
The Florentinas at The Workman's Cellar, 1st of June 2023. Copyright Tina Ackermann.
Quickly working through 'Do it All Again' and 'Silhouettes', crowd pleasers which set the tone for the rest of the show and deserve streaming releases, the band moved to Paddy's favourite song, 'Ghosts'. Jakob was a blur, seemingly constantly on the move throughout the song delivering thrashing yet melodic drum beats from behind the others. Luke stole the spotlight during the song with effortless funk-fuelled guitar, and bassist Jacob could do no wrong out front, as every energetic dance move earned a loud cheer from the loving crowd.
The Florentinas at The Workman's Cellar, 1st of June 2023. Copyright Tina Ackermann.
The band called out between songs to the crowd, looking for their fans who had made the commute from Northern Ireland to see the Dublin show. While a large cohort had commuted for the band, The Florentinas had drawn in a hefty Dublin audience.
As the band grinded the set down into elongated tender jams, as on a beautifully unfurling 'Someday You'll Find Out', a poignant 'Party People' or the subtle groove of their latest May single 'Miami', The Florentinas allowed their personality, wonky edges and timeless qualities to shine. Each band member worked in perfect unison to balance their collective energy, and easily matched the lively crowd.
'Colours' and 'Porcelain' saw lighters raised in the crowd, seemingly proving the band delivered a masterclass in a new form of classic rock, and Luke proved this to be true with some soulful guitar through both songs. Another fan favourite 'Weatherman' followed, delivering lyrics fuelled by bitter experience and untrammelled honesty that struck a chord with eager listeners.
Guitarist Luke Swann of The Florentinas at The Workman's Cellar, 1st of June 2023. Copyright Tina Ackermann.
A classic Dublin cheer of 'gerrup the yard' had Paddy questioning Dublin slang, but the singer had nothing but love for the city, venue and attending fans, promising the crowd that the band would return to Dublin as the evening's gig had been "phenomenal".
The band ended strong with a familiar song, 'It's Not In Vain', a thumping, guitar-heavy piece loud enough to reverberate off the four walls. By the end of the song, bassist Jacob was far from alone dancing to the song, as most of the crowd couldn't help but move.
The Florentinas at The Workman's Cellar, 1st of June 2023. Copyright Tina Ackermann.
Ending far too soon but on a serious high note, the four Bangor boys received well-deserved applause and cheers from everyone at The Cellar, before giving the audience a final farewell wave.
The Florentina's have charm in buckets. The electric Workman's Cellar show has proven to Irish listeners that the band are an infectiously energetic live wire with a pretty cadence, and this headline gig has provided the band with a platform from which they can only grow.
