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LIVE REVIEW: Meryl Streek @ Whelan’s, Dublin

If a person asks the question, is punk truly dead? Please point them in the direction of MERYL STREEK. Touring his latest album, Songs For The Deceased, Dublin hosted the penultimate show of an electrifying UK & Ireland tour.

Yinyang live @ Whelans, Dublin. Photo Credit: Orla Joyce
Yinyang live @ Whelans, Dublin. Photo Credit: Orla Joyce

When an artist is given the task of being not only first on the bill but also the only support act it is no mean feat. It is particularly daunting in a smaller venue when the crowd is just arriving, getting drinks, searching for friends, etc. Their attention may be hard to grab. But opening the night in one of Dublin’s most cherished venues, Whelan’s, was YINYANG. She is an up-and-coming punk artist, incorporating hip-hop and electronic influences. Once on the stage, it was her own. Engaging with the crowd and performing with a level of professionalism more experienced artists would struggle with. YINYANG  is an artist on the up and up, with a sound uniquely her own and creativity to boot, she is one to watch.

Rating: 9/10

Meryl Streek live @ Whelans, Dublin. Photo Credit: Orla Joyce
Meryl Streek live @ Whelans, Dublin. Photo Credit: Orla Joyce

After sufficiently warming up the crowd, they were ready for more, and MERYL STREEK took to the stage. This politically driven punk artist was greeted by an already raucous atmosphere. A contributing factor to the energetic crowd may have been that this was no ordinary Friday in Dublin. His home town show took place the same day as a much anticipated General Election. This serendipitous combination of events brought a more poignant feeling to the songs performed. The show began with Welcome, a song made up of sound bites from politicians and news clips discussing social and economic issues facing the Irish public.

There was a powerful performance by all involved, enthralling that riled up the crowd from beginning to end. From mosh pits to circle pits, Whelan’s had it all as the public had an opportunity to release some pent-up frustrations and feed off the catharsis of the moment. The issues tackled in MERYL STREEK‘s music are not confined to the island of Ireland. Sentiments of being let down by a system or forgotten by society transcend borders. Punk music is alive and well and will continue to be, whilst people are still left behind by repeated systemic failures.

Meryl Streek live @ Whelans, Dublin. Photo Credit: Orla Joyce
Meryl Streek live @ Whelans, Dublin. Photo Credit: Orla Joyce

Though stage effects were minimal, they were no less effective and complemented the energy of the show. House lighting was rarely used but a backdrop of protest posters and politically driven signage. A flashing torch worn by MERYL STREEK completed the atmosphere and the urgency of the message conveyed. As if this wasn’t enough, mid-way through the set, a guest joined the stage. Next on the setlist was Terence. Before launching into the song, a family member of the protagonist adds context to the lyrics for those unaware. An emotional speech was made regarding a twenty-year-old Dublin native, Terence Wheelock and the circumstances surrounding his death in 2005.

A concert like this is a reminder of the important role punk music has in society. So long as there is systematic oppression, punk will be found. It offers a corner of culture that dares to say you are seen, you are heard, and you are valid. This was apparent in how the crowd received MERYL STREEK and how he embraced them. Breaking the barriers between artist and patron by getting off the stage, being a vessel with a platform and using that platform well.

Though the show itself was an incredible hit, one drawback was the lighting. It was the constant strobe-like effects, albeit atmospheric, were overwhelming at times. Aside from this, it was a night full of talented musicians and a show to remember.

Rating: 8/10

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