Funeral Suits / The Shacklewell Arms

Upon stepping into The Shacklewell Arms of dilapidated Dalston on a soggy Friday night tired, cold and shoes seeping with water, it’s hard to imagine being able to properly enjoy a gig. However, as soon as Funeral Suits take to the stage, the gloomy atmosphere that once clenched the crowd in its bedraggled hands is utterly diminished. Good vibrations are instigated, instantly changing the atmosphere and mood completely, with an added bonus of miraculously dried clothes!

As the band begin to play, it’s evident they have a London-following as fans flood to the front of the stage to dance and sing along in an “Oh my God I love this song!” manner. Stand out track “Hands Down by Your side”, is a utopian amalgam of an alluring riff and bass drum resembling an exquisite heartbeat, evolving from a beautifully eerie ditty into a staggering up-beat jangle with a Mystery Jets meets Passion Pit vibe.

Rendering blissful melodies structured of Afro-pop beats and ominous guitar ostinatos, fan favourites “Colour Fade” and “All those Friendly people” act as a puppeteer with a thread, each pluck of a string, and hit of the snare spawning movement throughout the crowd, with the die-hards remaining up at the front singing-along every to word.

As the set is completed, I head towards the door to brave the rain once more, only this time with an array of euphonious melodies stuck in my head. Perhaps an auspicious sign that the future is ablaze with opportunity for the Dublin quartet.