one4review | On 26, Nov 2024

– Four Stars ****

Sublime Sibling Synergy.
Planet Earth, please welcome your new favorite band.

Indie rock band Dubinski (named after their late mother’s maiden name) lit up the stage at Newcastle’s Cluny 2, delighting the Geordie crowd. Born in Yorkshire, raised in the Highlands, and now based in Edinburgh, they’ve quickly become a local favorite.

The brothers—Eugene, Eoin, Donal, and Fergus—took the stage in vibrant (and possibly flammable) retro outfits. From the first notes of Fall Right in the Grave, with its gritty T.Rex/Kasabian hook, they were on fire — metaphorically, of course.

Gotta Get Outta This Place is a tight, two-minute tub-thumping gem. Hole in the Head, with its ethereal, Blur-esque chorus, was quickly followed by All Fired Up, a track inspired by Talking Heads’ 77 era.

The Gaine brothers are clearly close, and musically they function as a seamless unit. Eugene, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, performs as though possessed by the spirit of Carter USM. Lead guitarist Fergus dazzles, playing just behind Donal, the bass player, who looks and performs like Frank Zappa’s talented long-lost grandson. Eoin’s drumming is exceptional—dare I say, he might be the finest musician to ever hail from Bilston, Midlothian.

Homesick shifts the energy with its introspective exploration of touring life and political undertones. Tracks like Never Gonna Learn and Beyond Me lean into nerd-rock territory with buoyant guitars reminiscent of Two Door Cinema Club. Early track Figurine provides a raw glimpse into their origins, while the night’s highlight, Downtown, showcases their current direction with lush synths and socially conscious lyrics.

New York Arizona and This take listeners on slower, reflective journeys, painting vivid, evocative images.

Bad Talking Sister sounds like a lost collaboration between Arctic Monkeys and Oasis—sharp, energetic, and unforgettable.

The encores, The Soothsayer and the lively Better on the Day, brought an electrifying close to the evening.

What stood out was the hard-earned polish of a band that has invested years in perfecting their craft. With a dynamic frontman and a precision-engineered ensemble, Dubinski ranks among the best live acts you’ll see this year.

Watch this space—greatness awaits them.

Final thought: their parents must have had an incredible record collection!
****
Reviewed by Steve H
Cluny 2
Newcastle
21st November