Peel back its tourist-friendly veneer, and Kilkenny reveals itself as an unlikely landmark for music lore. Nowlan Park, better known for the tribal roar of hurling matches, has welcomed Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart and most famously Bruce Springsteen, who has his own mural on the stadium’s walls.

A short trek from the floodlights, down Hebron Road and onto John Street, the Marble City cradles a more intimate treasure in the Set Theatre. Choosing this compact setting for their first live show in three years, Wolf Alice delivered a sweat-soaked sermon to a lucky 300-odd punters, putting on a gig that served as both a celebration of the London quartet’s acclaimed back catalog and a confident step forward ahead of their upcoming album, The Clearing.

They were clearly up for it from the off. Singer Ellie Rowsell emerged, panning the room and nodding approvingly, while bassist Theo Ellis appeared as if he was frothing at the mouth, pumping his fist and hyping up onlookers – who were on top form themselves, singing along word-for-word to opener ‘Bloom Baby Bloom', despite the track only coming out a few days prior.

This was followed by a potent trio of fan favourites – the serpentine swagger of ‘Formidable Cool,’ the L.A lament of ‘Delicious Things,’ and synth-poppy ‘How Can I Make it Ok?’ The setlist was clearly curated for Wolf Alice’s dedicated devotees. Performing gems throughout their career, the band showcased their range, seamlessly transitioning from the delicate, Labi Siffre-esque pathos of ‘Safe from Heartbreak’ to the sonic assault of ‘Smile.’

Another new number, titled ‘Thorns’ (according to a setlist nabbed after the show) offered a glimpse of The Clearing with a slow-burning piano ballad, reminiscent of Elton John in his early '70s heyday.

Arguably the most memorable moments came when Rowsell swapped her mic for a megaphone for blistering renditions of ‘Yuk Foo’ and ‘Play the Greatest Hits,’ tearing through the venue and appearing on a balcony overlooking the stage, before she began to prowl through the crowd.

Her voice was an instrument capable of fragility, anger and everything in between. Before the show, she told Hot Press that she’d been honing in on her vocals lately, a dedication that was evident in the hushed intensity she brought to ‘The Last Man on Earth,’ before the crowd reclaimed the microphone for the communal catharsis of ‘Don't Delete the Kisses.’

These days encores can feel rote, more of an expected occurrence than a reward. Either way, the Kilkenny crowd had earned their extra dose, as Wolf Alice ended the show with ‘Moaning Lisa Smile’ and ‘Giant Peach’ from their 2015 debut My Love Is Cool.

This show was also a testament to the importance of intimate gig spaces. Wolf Alice guitarist Joff Oddie was recently speaking in the UK parliament about grassroots venues, and the band revelled in the Set Theatre; leaning into the crowd and interacting with fans, as the intense heat added to the fervent atmosphere.

It was a reminder of the unique connection forged in close quarters, where every note, shared glance and bead of sweat is felt.