Fox Avenue - 18/02/12

After a long wait from the postponed headline November show, Fox Avenue and Jody Has A Hitlist finally made a welcome return to Dublin and Belfast this week. The early matinee show was most likely the reason there wasn't overwhelming liveliness inside the venue of The Academy, Dublin on a cold February day, but that didn't spoil the show for the bands and the audience. With doors opening at 12 noon, I arrived just before 11am, and there were already about 50 to 60 people queuing for the highly in demand place at the barrier.

Broken Glass on Broadway

Starting the show off on a great note were young Irish band Broken Glass on Broadway from Clonmel and Dublin. Considering this was most likely their biggest gig of their short career, the band interacted extremely well with the crowd, and have gained quite a few fans from it. Doing original songs, I think they have a unique sound, as it's nothing quite like anything else in the Irish scene right now.

Kelan; Jody Has A Hitlist

Octane Ok literally had the audience on the floor at one point, and straight away connected with the audience. They put on a great set even if a little repetitive, but sadly it was obvious that the crowd were not here to see them.

Next, Jody Has A Hitlist put on a fantastic live set, beginning with old favourite Nobody's Looking At You, playing the singles from their latest Choose Your Battles EP and older songs. Padraig McAlister, (vocals, guitar) and Kelan O'Reilly (keyboard, vocals) took to the stage with humerous banter that was self called "awkward" at times. The highlight of their hour was Comebacks Aren't Your Thing (I finally heard it live -yes! But it's no Steer Clear - sad face) and the group ended breaking fans hearts (almost) but saying it would be their last Dublin show of the year.

Patrick; Fox Avenue

Even though it was a joint headliner between Jody Has A Hitlist and Fox Avenue, Fox Avenue completely stole the show.

With talk of dead grandma’s and verging on racist comments, you’d think this would make it awkward for the audience. Not for Fox Avenue. Their dedicated fan base know that the boys are only having the banter, and are well known and loved for it.

Dara; Fox Avenue

Playing a brand new song – White Lies – they later showed off their hip hop groove to covers of Hello, Paper Planes by M.I.A, and even teasing the audience by beginning What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction, ending with We Found Love by Rihanna. Ended the show with the big radio hit Tonight.

The guys afterwards were nothing but grateful for everyone staying back to meet them afterwards, thanking everyone individually, with lots of hugs thrown in. I hadn't seen them in almost two years so I was delighted after the day. Definitely worth the wait.