Acrobat at The Academy (photos & review)

Dublin rock trio Acrobat emerged on stage as the supporting artist for Bastille at The Academy, on April 4th. Formed only in 2011, the band consisting of Mark Thomas, Naoise Morzadec and Paul McGonagle, emerge on stage with a setlist of tracks that demand you to believe otherwise. Formerly known as Panama, the band debuted material last year to widespread acclaim and have previously played support for Mumford & Sons.

Their stage set up is somewhat strange. They present themselves with their bassist taking front and centre of stage, with their lead vocalist to the left. However, this seems to work well with their bassist exuding the confidence and stage presence of a well experienced performer. The band have an alternative rock sound, similar to that of Incubus with hints of Audioslave. They are greeted by a more than enthusiastic crowd and play a flawlessly enthralling set.

Their final song and debut single “Safe Inside” brings with it a chanting chorus and the crowd quickly catch on, foreshadowing a chanting theme that will dominate throughout Bastille’s set later tonight. The song takes on a life of it’s own on a live stage and translates brilliantly from the recording.

Check out Acrobat’s debut single “Safe Inside” below.

Review and photos by Laur Ryan