Recently chosen by Hot Press as a ‘Hot for 2020’ Irish act, indie four piece The City and Us cemented their reputation as one of the country’s most promising bands with a stellar set at Lost Lane, Dublin last night.

Support on the night was provided by another rising star, 18-year-old singer-songwriter Martin McDonnell. Fresh from a reportedly terrific Whelan’s show earlier in the week it was soon clear what all the fuss is about. Boasting a powerful, heavenly voice, charisma and a host of re-listenable tunes, including his latest single – the emotional, delicate pop ballad ‘Leaves Me Wanting More’, he surely has what it takes. I suspect it won’t be long before he’s on every radio station in the country.

After McDonnell warmed up the crowd with just his voice and guitar, The City and Us kicked proceedings up a notch. Launching their set with the pounding drums and propulsive guitars of ‘Don’t Let Me’, the band showed a heavier, rawer side than on the singles they've released to date.

Moments like this were littered through the show, notably during the thunderous climaxes of tracks like ‘One More Day’ and ‘Drive’.

There’s a plenty of variety to The City and Us. The upbeat, funky ‘Closer’ had audiences singing and dancing along. Meanwhile, the softer love songs like ‘Hamburg’ and ‘Home’ tugged on listeners’ heart-strings, combining warm melodies and sweet lyrics to fine effect.

Whether in upbeat or downbeat mode, playing pop or rock, one thing is for sure – The City and Us looked delighted to be on stage together. The pleasure they take in their craft was evident in the big grins of frontwoman Elva Trill (who people may also know as an actress, having appeared in Line of Duty and various Irish projects) and guitarist/vocalist Mark Hogan. It was also palpable in the natural, warm banter they traded with the audience.

At one point, the band even stepped down off the stage and performed two acoustic tracks amongst the crowd, one of which was a winning cover of Cyndi Lauper’s classic ‘Time After Time’. Bringing audiences closer to the action, it demonstrated that The City and Us refuse to take themselves too seriously.

Concert closer ‘I Flew to L.A.’, was an epic, fast-paced, rocking finale. Seriously, if tis is not their next single, I'll eat my trilby.

At their first headline gig of 2020, The City and Us didn't just prove that they are well deserving of the hype that's been surrounding them, they successfully upped the ante. Hot for 2020? Damn right they are.