Gilla Band

Gilla Band — formerly known as Girl Band — formed in Dublin in 2011, Dara Kiely, Alan Duggan, Daniel Fox, and Adam Faulkner developing a sound rooted in noise rock, post-punk, and industrial music that was immediately confrontational and distinctive. Kiely's vocal performances — ranging from spoken word to screaming — were the emotional centre of everything they did, and the band's rhythmic ferocity gave their music a physical intensity that was unlike most of their contemporaries.

Their debut album 'Holding Hands with Jamie' (2015) was one of the most acclaimed Irish debuts of the decade — abrasive, intense, and genuinely original. 'The Talkies' (2019) developed their sound further, with Kiely's lyrics becoming more explicitly personal and the music more sonically adventurous. Both albums earned strong critical attention and a devoted following.

Gilla Band released 'Most Normal' (2022) to considerable acclaim, confirming them as one of the most important acts in contemporary Irish music. Their live shows are genuinely extraordinary — physically intense, emotionally raw, and entirely unlike anything else. They are one of the great underappreciated acts in British and Irish alternative music. ⚠ Flag: post-2022 activity — verify any releases since 'Most Normal'.