Dea Matrona

Taking to the stage tonight is Irish rock duo Dea Matrona, composed of Orláith Forsythe and Molly McGinn. Adopting their name from the Celtic meaning of ‘”divine goddess”, they exude confidence and power, their weapons of choice the electric guitars around their necks. From the very start, this is clearly a band who know who they are, and they allow themselves to be playful with genre and let the music speak for itself.

The first few songs will get anyone off the sides of the walls in Lower Third – they are that good. Stamp On It is an excellent opener, groovy with a punchy beat, and their stage performance is impressive for a band in its youth. Get My Mind Off is the one to hook everyone in, with a dirty bass that reminds one that their talent in producing their own songs is another impressive feat. They play a cover of Prince’s Kiss, and it’s a testament to their own music that it fits into their set so well. Indeed, the tracks they play and the way they play them have that satisfying old-school feel, like they’ve already had decades of life lived behind them.

Both members stun with their vocals all night, and there are a few acoustic moments that really drive this home. A beautiful harmony in Did Nobody Ever Love You? shows how naturally their voices blend together. Glory, Glory (I Am Free) is another example. They wave goodbye to their band and ask for phone lights to be raised. Now, lit entirely by the hands of the audience, they fill the room with a country-esque tale of devotion, their voices filled with a storyteller’s emotion. 

Most of the gig is guitar-led rock, but Dea Matrona are not a band to let themselves be boxed in. Although their rock set is undeniably a good time, it’s nice to hear their voices and their personalities explore the realms of music in front of us. Black Rain is a low-lit, jazzier number, while Dead Man’s Heart is full-on, boot-licking country, cowboy hats and all. Their guitarist joins them in the centre for this one and the three of them play their strings like they’re extensions of their fingers.

They end with Make You My Star, one of their earlier singles. With hair-fuelled head bangs and whoops of joy, they’re not afraid to rock out as they send the crowd off into the night.

Talitha Stowell
Photos: Nick Bennett

For further information and future events visit Dea Matrona’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Every Night I Want You here: