Entering the 3Olympia Theatre on the 19th of September feels like stepping into a world of its own, almost like finding yourself in the middle of a computer game. The indie rock band, Good Kid are bringing their tour to Dublin and the five computer science graduates, self-described as “computer boys who make music”, are putting on quite a show.
The technology and gaming themes that characterise their public image and marketing are seamlessly integrated into the performance. There are sound elements reminiscent of video game effects incorporated into the songs, the electronic textures functioning as little easter eggs. The stage contains various small screens stacked on top of each other, all of which light up with small faces before the band comes on stage. The animated mouths move in unison, declaring with an electronic and monotonous voice that emotions and dancing are discouraged, and that compliance is not optional. Amusement ripples through the crowd as people pretend to be following the orders, but as the band jogs onstage to the blaring of electric guitars, everyone breaks loose at once. The energy and atmosphere are contagious.
The floor vibrates under the joyful screaming and jumping of the crowd. Strangers are friendly with each other and it becomes obvious that everyone is united in their passion for the music. The great diversity of the attendees does not take away from the sense of community; rather, it elevates it to new levels. In the back of the room, a group of people that just met are doing a mini moshpit, while people at the barricade are looking out for each other and taking videos with someone’s Nintendo.
When lead singer Nick Frosst picks up on the crowd’s unmatched energy, exclaiming that Dublin is “down to party”, it is immediately clear that this is just as much the case for the band. The five men are laughing, grinning, and bouncing around. It is impossible not to join in with their display of genuine enjoyment performing their music.
The interactions with the crowd are very authentic and joyful, and the band makes an effort to engage the fans with games and little conversations. At one point, they choose an audience member to come up on stage and play Guitar Hero. He gets to select a Good Kid song, as well as the difficulty, then he gets to play the game live while the band performs the chosen song. During these three minutes, he is taken in like a member of the band, playing back to back with guitarist Jacob Tsafatinos. When the fan scores 84 per cent, beating the high score of the United States, everyone celebrates the Irish victory.
There are many ways in which the show is linked to Ireland and Dublin, and the band charmingly explains that they have a soft spot for the country, since Two Door Cinema Club was a major inspiration in the formation of Good Kid. They spell out the equation: no Ireland equals no Good Kid.
The diversity of the band’s fandom is reflected musically, as the instrumentals and the production are rich in variety. The set ranges from high energy rock to an emotional song written by guitarist David Wood, which he performs alone with just an acoustic guitar. For the intro of one song, the drummer switches to a keyboard. In another song, the lead singer performs a section on the trumpet. The audience adapts to the different moods, welcoming the range of instruments with enthusiasm.
Overall, the atmosphere of the show can only be described as comforting, and even though the largest part of the set consists of high energy songs, the band manages to create a safe space in which a supportive and welcoming energy is fostered. Anyone who has ever been part of a fandom will understand how much value this holds.
