LIFT OFF 2.0: A PERFECTLY CURATED IRISH SHOWCASE BY SKY ROCKET PROMOTIONS.
On Monday night, we headed to one of our favourite Dublin venues, The Grand Social, for Lift Off 2.0 hosted by Sky Rocket Promotions. We unfortunately missed Somaterra due to travelling down from Belfast, but we’re keen to catch the alt-rock four-piece live soon.
MERRICAT
Merricat were just getting started as we arrived, and the room already felt warm and receptive. It was our first time seeing the young band live, and there was an immediate sense of confidence in how they carried themselves on stage.
We were especially looking forward to hearing their new track Merrow, which we’d been lucky enough to catch ahead of its official release. From the opening moments, it was clear the song was built for a live setting - a steady, immersive instrumental paired with Kelly’s distinctive, slightly haunting vocal delivery. It sits comfortably alongside crowd favourites Springfield Glen and their self-titled Merricat, both of which were met with strong reactions from the audience.
With a debut EP expected in the coming months, Merricat feel cohesive and self-assured, with plenty more still to explore.
KIPPAX
Lift Off 2.0 marked our first introduction to Kippax, and they made it count. From the moment they stepped on stage, their presence was commanding without feeling forced - a natural chemistry that translated easily into the room.
Their set struck a thoughtful balance between originals and well-chosen covers, keeping the energy consistent while giving the crowd space to connect. As the dance floor began to fill, it was clear they had the audience with them.
Kippax left a strong first impression, and they’re firmly on our radar as a band we’re keen to follow more closely. We would love to see some more of their tracks released.
SMO
As we’ve said before at Near The Noise, we rarely miss a SMO show - and this performance was another reminder why. Potentially our favourite show from the Dublin based singer yet. His sets are layered with feel-good energy, and the crowd reflects this every time.
Lost My Way once again proved to be a standout moment, elevated this time by a seamless mash-up that added something fresh without losing what makes the track land so well live. Backed by a tight, magnetic band, the performance felt polished but still loose enough to stay exciting.
With new material now woven confidently into the set, anticipation for upcoming releases continues to build. Having heard the new tracks a few times live, we already find ourselves singing along to the lyrics - always a good sign that they’re connecting well beyond the stage.
Overall, Lift Off 2.0 felt like a thoughtfully assembled snapshot of the strength and diversity within the Irish music scene right now. Each act brought something distinct to the stage while still fitting cohesively within the night as a whole - a testament to careful curation and genuine belief in emerging talent. If this is the standard Sky Rocket Promotions are setting for their showcases, we’re excited to see where Lift Off heads next.