NewDad’s Biggest Headline Show to Date.
words + photography by NADINE GOETZIrish alt-rock trio NewDad played their largest headline show to date – and of their tour – at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London on October 28th. The band from Galway brought their Altar tour to London, captivating fans with Julie Dawson’s voice and the trio’s raw talent.
The evening was opened by another Irish band, the Cardinals from Cork, fronted by brothers Euan and Finn Manning. The indie rock band stands out in the genre by incorporating folk elements and featuring an accordion, giving their music and live performance a unique twist. The five-piece band received enthusiastic applause, creating a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of London with both slower and more rock-driven songs. Although their stage presence seemed somewhat mysterious, as they rarely spoke to the crowd, the Cardinals delivered an engaging set that clearly left the audience wanting more.
When NewDad’s frontwoman Julie Dawson first appeared on the North London venue’s stage by herself, the atmosphere shifted instantly as the crowd erupted in cheers. Dawson and the rest of the band were visibly moved by the sight of the audience at their biggest headline show to date. “What's happening here?” she asked after mentioning the night’s milestone to the crowd. She was joined on stage by Sean O’Dowd on guitar, Fiachra Parslow on drums, and two additional female musicians. They opened the show with ‘Other Side’, the first track from their September-released album ‘Altar’. The setlist heavily focused on the new record but also included older songs and fan favorites like ‘Sickly Sweet’, ‘Nightmares’, ‘Let Go’, and ‘Angel’ from their 2024 album ‘MADRA’. Their 2020 single ‘Blue’ also received plenty of applause. The set balanced slower songs with more rock-infused indie tracks.
The night had an almost dreamy feel. NewDad’s latest and second album, Altar, explores themes of homesickness, ambition, and sacrifice following the band‘s move from Galway to London. Compared to their debut album’s dreamy sound, Altar is more guitar-driven. What truly stands out across both releases is Julie Dawson’s voice. Something about listening to her feels almost calming, equally dreamy and powerful. Before performing ‘Misery’, a song about being stuck in an unhappy but comfortable situation and fearing change, Dawson joked, “This one is a bit freaky.” Amidst the dark and sometimes haunting lyrics of NewDad’s songs, Dawson’s voice adds a dreamy touch.
Although the band didn’t interact much with the crowd, fans connected through swaying and singing along, letting the music speak for itself. During ‘Angel’, a clear fan favorite, Dawson even moved toward the audience, closing the gap between the band and their fans in the front row. Before ending the night with ‘Roobosh’, a more rock-driven song from their latest album, Dawson addressed the crowd one last time, saying, “This is our biggest headline show to date. We didn't know what to expect. Thank you for buying a ticket.” Clearly emotional, the band received another round of applause after the song, ending the night on a high note.
Overall, the evening celebrated Irish musicianship with two emerging bands from Ireland. NewDad cited influences like The Pixies, Oasis, and The Cranberries on their latest album, with the latter especially noticeable—not just because of their shared heritage and female lead, but also in the mix of shoegaze and heavy rock elements. With so many exciting artists emerging from Ireland in recent years, it‘s clear that NewDad is a band to watch in the future.
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Nadine Goetz.
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