Few things worse than discovering a cool new band, just as they’re starting to come to an end. This was the case last week when I happened to come across an advertisement on Instagram for a farewell show by Dublin band, Tung In Cheek. Having previously been unfamiliar with the career of these boys before last week, I decided to head along to Whelan’s for a night of music as the summer has started to wind to a close.

Tung In Cheek

The support on the night was also excellent. First up we had Dublin duo, Curfew, consisting of Gavin Dunne (who would later feature on the bass for the headliners) and Michael Caffrey. This was a quick set of bright energy and great instrumentation as they helped to build anticipation for what was to come with the rest of the night.

Next up were Dublin band Yer Ma. This band are quickly becoming one of my favourite bands in Dublin at the moment, and have been doing so since I first saw them perform in The Grand Social a few weeks ago. Again, this half an hour set showcased the incredible level of songwriting and musicianship that categorise the quartet. It will be very exciting to continue to watch this band to grow and develop in the near future.

And then it came time for the main event…

This was my first time seeing Tung In Cheek perform live, and it immediately became apparent why there was such a supportive and engaged crowd there to support them at this show. From the opening note there was an energy from the four boys on the stage that made this a joyous and fun night of live music. This was clearly a night for the a band who were just going to enjoy the last night they would have together as a band, and the audience in attended fed off the energy to make for a lovely gig going experience.

And so another promising and talented Irish band decide to call an end. Hopefully we will see them pop up in different guises in the future to continue their contribution to the Irish music scene, but for now we are just left with the music of Tung in Cheek.

MK