Dott @ Fred Zeppelin’s, Cork, Ireland 24/08/2018
Galway indie darlings Dott, strolled into Cork’s iconic Fred Zeppelin’s last week as part of their album launch tour.
While Dott were celebrating the launch of their second album Heart Swell, there was a bittersweet essence in the air that it might also be the final gig to take place in Fred Zeppelin’s.
Nothing has been officially confirmed but one of Cork’s longest standing music venues looks set to lose it’s place in Cork’s music scene due to new regulations. The news added to the emotion on the night and it was fitting that local band Hope Is Noise, got to take to the stage for potentially one last time, after growing as a band over the last two decades in the venue.
Their sound was rammed with vicious riffs and monstrous melodies, songs filled with angst and underlying frustration. A packed hall looked on as there sheer forceful rock demanded you gave them your full attention.
The band were filled with gratitude to the owner of Fred’s and anecdotes of gigs gone by in the venue. They’d entertain with sharp-wit but mostly the anthemic rock that they blast you away with so well. A thrilling opening act.
Heart Swells is the first album release from Dott since their debut Swoon, came out back in 2013. So naturally they celebrate with a tour across Ireland to showcase their latest offering.
The new record was aired out into the intimate venue, basking Fred Zeppelin’s in their dreamy guitar-driven sound. With the new material sounding flawless, mixed in with the old, it was an uplifting night.
Songs such as ‘Bleached Blonde’ would build into a rip-roaring finalé, while the title track ‘Heart Swell’ was a gloriously, hypnotic ride of luscious melodies, swaying hooks and enchanting singing.
Throughout, it was a captivating performance, with songs of love, friendship and everything in between. The quirky style of rock is one that make Dott’s live shows such an enjoyment. It’s a breath of fresh air to the usual gloomy, insecure vibe that indie bands put out.
Just as it was when we caught Dott in Cyprus Avenue last month, ‘Wedding Song’ was a standout moment. The slow-building track, where frontwoman Anna McCarthy sings of the ideal wedding, with the tempo gradually building. It culminated in a rush and flurry of sound that swelled and eventually erupting in spectacular fashion. A song that has surely cemented its place in their future setlists indefinitely.
Dott took time to reminisce about Fred Zeppelin’s and the influence it’s had on them, almost feeling guilty that they could be the last band to grace it’s stage. A cover of Weezer’s ‘Buddy Holly’, brought the night and potentially an era to a close.
Dott celebrated in style and brought people together for one more night in a venue that has hosted so many of Ireland’s most exciting talent over the years. Hopefully a resolution will be found and Cork won’t lose what’s been a vital part to it’s music scene. If that is the case though, at least it went out in style.
Check out the gallery below, with photographers Joy Gillen and Jina Estrada both on site to capture the night.
Hope Is Noise! shrouded in darkness during a moody and loud set. Photo by Joy Gillen.
Photographs courtesy of Joy Gillen and Jina Estrada. Check out more of Jina’s work by visiting her Instagram account.