Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
Rock City is packed wall-to-wall with the eager buzzing’s of fans, they have waited patiently in the cold for the doors to open as tonight, Swedish rockers; ”ROYAL REPUBLIC”, a band known for their infectious energy and genre-bending style, are here, armed and ready to deliver a party on day two of their mini four date, UK tour, and to help them get the party started is Belfast’s up-and-coming rockers, the duo that is Dea Matrona, the perfect opening act to get everyone warmed up.
Dea Matrona, formed in 2018, their name meaning ‘Divine Mother’; In Celt mythology she was the goddess who gave her name to the river Marne in Gaul’, have been bringing a raw rock and roll sound to fans far beyond their Belfast beginnings. Mollie McGinn, Orlaith Forsythe, share vocal and instrumental duties, creating a classic yet fresh vibe. Their sound, built on inspirations from Fleetwood Mac to Led Zeppelin, comes alive on stage, blending the grit of classic rock with catchy modern hooks. Their humble start busking the streets of Belfast as a trio, that then included sister Mamie McGinn on drums, (she departed the band to finish her education), has developed into a sensation that has seen the ‘now’ duo share the stage with the likes of Sheryl Crowe and Shania Twain to name but two, to be fair they are two giants in the world of female rockstars. Tonight, they are accompanied by ‘Declan’ on left-handed guitar and Ross thumping the tubs.
Their humble Discography includes, “Make You My Star” (Single, 2018), “Glory Glory (I Am Free)” (Single, 2019), “So Damn Dangerous” (Single, 2020) and “Stamp On It” (Single, 2022). They released they’re debut long player in May this year entitled “For Your Sins”.
As Led Zeppelin’s “In The Light” is broadcast over the speakers, Rock City’s lights dim, and Belfast rockers Dea Matrona take to the stage. There was a seemingly instant connection between the crowd and the young women: Mollie McGinn, Orlaith Forsythe. With their chemistry and natural rock charisma, they bring an undeniable edge to their set, beginning with their hard-hitting single “Stamp On It” (2022).
This song’s gritty riff and heavy bassline were the perfect introduction, and Mollie, confidently holding center stage on bass, set a powerful tone as Orlaith’s vocals soared. The pair quickly moved into “Get My Mind Off”, with Orlaith taking up lead vocals and Mollie swapping to guitar, a change they would repeat often, keeping things fresh and dynamic. Their harmonies were tight, and the chemistry between Mollie and Orlaith added layers to the song’s deep rock feel. They locked eyes, clearly enjoying every beat, and their energy drew the crowd in even more.
On “Stuck On You”, Ross’s solid, punchy drumming laid a strong foundation. Mollie’s slick lead guitar work shone here, with her rhythmic transitions standing out. The crowd couldn’t help but nod along to the groove as Orlaith’s melodic bass line held the song together. “Oh Well” brings a bit of classic blues to the proceedings. This Peter Green anthem is given the Norn Irish treatment by the girls and it rips.
Next up was “Black Rain,” with its darker, moodier vibe. Mollie and Orlaith swapped instruments again, with Orlaith now on guitar, bringing a rich, haunting depth to the track. The band’s seamless transitions and chemistry on stage were clearly visible as they moved, shifting between songs and instruments with an impressive ease that kept fans engaged.
“So Damn Dangerous” brings the energy back up, s Dea Matrona have an uncanny knack for balancing rock attitude with catchy hooks. The crowd responded well, clapping along and feeding off the girls’ high-energy performance. Ross’s drumming is sharp and unyielding, giving the song a relentless, driving beat that complemented Mollie’s and Orlaith’s harmonies.
The crowd responds enthusiastically to “Glory Glory (I Am Free)”, which has the crowd clapping along to the beat. Mollie had previously asked who had seen the band before, despite a few muffled cry’s, Mollie accepted that they were playing to a brand new fanbase, not that you’d know it, they were going down brilliantly. This track’s gospel-inspired feel gives it a unique energy, with the band’s harmonies resonating perfectly across the venue. Mollie and Orlaith’s camaraderie shines through yet again, as they take turns singing lead, swapping looks and grins, showing a natural ease with each other and a comfort on stage that few bands achieve so naturally.
For their closing song, “Red Button,” Dea Matrona went all out. With Mollie back on guitar and Orlaith on bass, Ross’s drums brought a frenetic energy to the track. The bands chemistry is endearing, and as they reach the final chorus, they urged the crowd to sing along. The crowd’s enthusiasm matching the bands, and as the final note ring out, the duo looked genuinely grateful and pumped up by the response from the now impressed crowd. With a cheering crowd, the band pose for the traditional end of set photo, the crowd bouncing in the back ground as the memory is taken.
As they leave the stage, Dea Matrona left a set filled with powerful rock riffs, seamless instrument swaps, and a playful, infectious energy that warmed the crowd, they have plenty of new fans onboard after that great set. And in doing so, had set the perfect stage for Royal Republic’s wild ride which was yet to come
Formed in 2007, In Malmö, Sweden, Royal Republic have always brought a unique, eclectic mix to rock n’ roll. They infuse rock with punk and disco, and add their seemingly relentless energy on top, that goes to make each live show a proper celebration. Their albums, from the debut ‘We Are the Royal’ (2010) to the disco-infused Club ‘Majesty’ (2019) to 2024’s “LoveCop”, have built a devoted following. Adam Grahn’s captivating stage presence, along with the musical talents of Hannes Irengård, Jonas Almén, and Per Andreasson, make for an unmissable live experience.
To date their long-playing discography includes: The debut album “We Are the Royal” (2010). “Save the Nation” (2012), “Weekend Man” (2016), “Club Majesty” (2019) and their latest release, “LoveCop” released in June this year.
Rock City was still vibrating with as Royal Republic took to the stage, ushered in by Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” blasting through the house speakers. The Swedish rockers – Adam Grahn (vocals and rhythm guitar), Hannes Irengård (lead guitar), Jonas Almén (bass guitar), and Per Andreasson (drums) – exuded their trademark confidence, prepared to unleash an explosive night of funk, punk, and rock ‘n’ roll on the eager crowd.
They kicked things off with “My House” from ‘LoveCop’ (2024). Right out of the gate, Per’s pounding drumbeat ignited Rock City. The stage is dark as Adam comes on with his ‘lit’ shark fin guitar, his raspy vocals had everyone’s hands in the air. The groove-driven bass from Jonas’s keytar kept it punchy while Hannes’s gritty, rhythmic riffs cut through the air, adding bite to the melody. The crowd sang every word back, an immediate connection between band and fans sparking the night to life. This was something that was never in doubt.
Next up was “LoveCop” the title track from the latest long player which appeared on our shelves back in June this year. This one, blends funk and rock with slick precision. Hannes took center stage with a clean, disco-rock riff, Adam charismatically driving the song’s seductive vibe with his smooth vocal delivery. Jonas’s bassline provides a danceable groove, and Per’s crisp beats kept everyone swaying. It was impossible to resist the beat, and the crowd was all in, Rock City was reveling in the party spirit Royal Republic excels at.
For “Getting Along” this one, the second from Weekend Man (20160), Adam has the crowd light in their loafers once more. Jonas’s smooth bassline and Per’s tight drumming created a laid-back groove that kept everyone moving, while Hannes’s rhythm guitar lent a rock edge that kept the crowd in high spirits. Adam’s warm, engaging vocals turned the song into a communal singalong, with every voice echoing the chorus back, the outro features a few bars of Metallica’s “And Justice For All’ I’m reliably informed.
Then came “Baby” from ‘Weekend Man’ (2016), an upbeat tune that brought a fun, singalong moment. Hannes’s melodic, twangy guitar riff opened the track, as Adam delivered the catchy lyrics with a mischievous grin. Jonas’s punchy bass supporting Per’s infectious, upbeat, driving rhythm, locking in the groove that had Rock City clapping in unison. Adam’s playfully played with the crowd, this helping to take the party vibes up another notch
“Boots” from ‘LoveCop’ (2024. This golden oldie had the room cheering loudly. Jonas’s bass was hitting everyone square in the chest, Adam was strutting around the stage with a cheeky grin as the tight band brought their relentless energy to the eager crowd. The songs catchy hooks and groove laden riffs had the crowd chanting and bouncing along into “Stop Movin’” from ‘Club Majesty’ (2019), brought even more intensity. Hannes’s sharp, biting guitar riff hooked the crowd, while Adam’s raspy commands got everyone moving. Jonas’s bassline added an infectious funk texture, working seamlessly with Per’s rhythmic drive. Hannes and Adam’s dynamic interplay on guitar amped up the energy as fans danced harder, the Rock City floor practically bouncing underfoot.
“Anna-Leigh” from ‘Club Majesty’ (2019) brought the heat, scorching the crowd as if the band were on fire, the playful yet powerful lyrics driven home with Adams raspy vocal. The funky groove slammed home as the back line locked in tight delivering a tsunami like rumble of noise. Adam emphasized each word with a cheeky grin and a mischievous glint in his eye, this was a frontman enjoying his job to the max. “Back from the Dead” follows on, this one from ‘Hits & Pieces’ (2015), has Jonas’s thick basslines and Per’s powerful drum fills set a heavier tone, with Hannes’ intense riff creating a distinctly raw edge. Adam’s gritty vocals once again carried through Rock City like a jolt, bringing the crowd already at a fever pitch respond as fists and voices rise to match the anthemic vibe.
The party was back in full swing with “Freakshow” another from ‘LoveCop’ (2024). On this one, yet again, Hannes’s punchy riff brings a heavier, more aggressive sound, while Adam’s gritty vocal power carries the crowd through this, one of their more, grittier anthems. Jonas’s bass provides a steady rumbling undercurrent, and Per’s drums driving the song’s rhythm with a percussive intensity, matching the bouncing, head-banging crowd beat for beat. “Full Steam Spacemachine” from the debut album ‘We Are the Royal’ (2010), keeps the energy pumping. The opening riff saw Hannes unleash a punky ferocity, Jonas adding thunderous bass, and Per’s relentless drumming adding fuel to the crowd’s more than enthusiastic cheers. Adam’s vocals were raw and fiery, and in being so helped to encourage the crowd to chant the chorus back in full voice, they easily matched the band’s fiery performance as they finish this banger with a few bars from yet another Metallica tune, this time it’s “Ride The Lightning”.
“WOW WOW WOW” from the latest ‘LoveCop’ (2024) shifts the energy to somewhere special. Adam and the band take to the front of the stage, Adam takes an acoustic guitar and leads the stripped back version of this classic RR track. Without the usual distortion and effect’s, the song now has a raw, almost cheeky feel. The band command the stage like the true professional entertainers they are as they all lean into this stripped-back number.
They followed it with “Boomerang” from ‘Club Majesty’ (2019), this is another fun, upbeat track and played acoustically with its memorable rhythm has the crowd chanting along. Adam’s charismatic, bluesy delivery brings the house down yet again, Rock City, are, as one, clapping along with every hook and sway, reveling in the party vibe being delivered with cream cakes and jelly…“Electra” from ‘LoveCop’ (2024) See’s normal services resumed, with a fierce guitar riff the crowd are jolted back from the hippy swaying of the acoustic numbers. Adam delivers each line with a devilish grin. Jonas’s bassline is a thundering pulse locked in tight to Per’s relentless hammerings.
Hannes slick riffs slice through the air with ease as the crowd show their enthusiasm by bouncing and singing along. For “Ain’t Got Time” from ‘LoveCop’ (2024, Adam is in the crowd, much to their delight. He is grinning away as he picks a fan from the crowd and, stood on a box he’s encouraged to play a cowbell while the band thrash out this new song. The crowd join in with the beat, clapping along with the beaming fan and Adam. We all agree that the Cowbell is the best instrument in the band.
“Fireman and Dancer” from Club Majesty (2019) follows on with its irresistible funky bassline, you have to move, it’s impossible not to. Adam’s slick vocal booms out as his raspy vocal has a playful intensity to every line. This is a party anthem if there ever was, and judging by the crowd it has unleashed a new energy in their now hot n sweaty bodies as the familiar opening to “Tommy-Gun” from ‘We Are the Royal’ (2010) has the crowd roaring once again.
This is the set closer and a cracking tune for that job. Hannes’s gritty riff blasts through the air, Jonas’s bass thumped, and Per’s thunderous drumming propels the track forward like a runaway train. Adam’s dynamic vocal delivery brings the song’s intensity to life, the fans chanting along with every chorus. Rock City was alive with excitement, making it another standout moment of a night packed to the rafters with them.
“Lazerlove” from ‘LoveCop’ (0242) starts the encore and adds a hypnotic groove to the set. Hannes’ slick guitar adding a sultry edge, Jonas’s funky bass pulsing beneath Per’s rhythmic thundering foundation. Adam’s vocals have a charismatic, playful quality, keeping the energy electric while letting the audience catch their breath with this, a slower yet irresistible groove. To honor the legends, the band dive into a powerful cover of Metallica’s “Battery”. Jonas’s ferocious bass matching Hannes’s aggressive guitar licks, while Per continues to deliver an intense drum work out that gives this Metallica cover a force to be reckoned with. Adam’s raw vocals added weight, with the crowd rocking out with heads banging and fists in the air.
The set finished with “RATA-TATA” from ‘Hits & Pieces’. This being a perfect end to the evening’s high-octane show. Hannes’s fast-paced riff and Jonas’s heavy bass set a high-energy tone as Per’s relentless drumming had the already crazy tempo surging. Adam’s vocals once again commanded the stage, as the crowd bounced along, chanting the song’s infectious hook. And as the last notes fade, the crowd continued cheering and clapping, thoroughly satisfied.
The night ended on a mellower note, with Bob Dylan’s “The Man in Me” playing over the speakers as we filtered out, most, exhilarated from a night filled with electrifying rock. Royal Republic have once again delivered an unforgettable, high-energy performance, each song building on the last to create a set that everyone in Rock City would joyfully remember for a long time to come, well until the next time they come out to play, Oh and don’t forget your car!
