A haze of grey clouds hangs over the Liffey. Rain threatens to fall, a tonic to the heatwave that has scorched the city in recent weeks. As I make my way to the terrace of Dublin’s The Sound House, I feel like I have stumbled upon a secret party. And in a sense, I have! The night’s ‘Live From The Tree House’ event is part of a series of online streams in association with Jameson Connects. There’s a small number of lucky guests in attendance, who are some of the first in the city to experience live music since the beginning of the pandemic. The rooftop is alive with chatter, as smiling faces sip cocktails, soaking up the long-awaited taste of an almost normal night out.

Photo by Ashish Prasai @ashishprasaii

Dublin rapper Khaki Kid is on first, bringing tonnes of personality and swagger to the tiny stage. An air of cheeky seditiousness is immediately present, as he cracks jokes about his guitarist’s unconventional outfit (an ice hockey jersey and a balaclava, if you’re wondering). The tunes are playful and provocative, delivered with a stateside drawl that somehow doesn’t sound contrived. ‘Breakfast at Pluto’ is a particular highlight, his new collaboration with genre-defying Irish band Bricknasty. The band’s anonymous frontman accompanies Khaki Kid tonight, lending his vocals to the infectious hook. His backing band are tight, as the bouncy bassline provides a foundation for Khaki Kid’s lyrical flow, dripping with witty pop culture references. Energising a 50-strong seated crowd is no mean feat, but Khaki Kid takes it in his stride. His set is short and sweet, leaving the audience wanting more. 

Photo by Ashish Prasai @ashishprasaii

Headliner Why-Axis and his band take to the tiny blue stage to set up, their entrance announced prematurely by an eager emcee. “We’re just sound checking,” he explains bashfully. Any awkwardness disappears as his first song begins. ‘High’ is an upbeat trap ode to youthful hedonism. One of his earlier releases, it lacks some of the lyrical subtlety of his more recent tracks, but the crowd are vibing nonetheless. His flow is confident and assertive, and it’s clear that he has missed performing. Afterall, the rise of Why-Axis has been rapid; he’s gone from releasing songs on Soundcloud to playing the main stage at Longitude 2019 alongside the likes of A$AP Rocky and Slowthai. ‘Bloodstain’ is another high point, as the infectious vocal hook and energetic instrumentation coaxes some members of the crowd off their seats. There are some rusty moments—mainly involving a tipsy guitarist who forgot a tuning pedal—but the crowd are forgiving. After an eighteen-month hiatus, it feels as if nothing could ruin this intimate celebration of live music. As Why-Axis exits the stage, I take a moment to take in the view from the rooftop terrace. The clouds are lifting, and sunlight is breaking through.

Lauren Johnson

28th July 2021