Drax Project bring saxophone brilliance and rhythmic funk to Dublin!

When I walked into The Workman’s Club for the first time last night for Drax Project’s performance, I was immediately struck by the cosy atmosphere. The intimate setting created the perfect vibe for what turned out to be an unforgettable night. With the stage barely feet away, the excitement in the air was palpable. You could practically feel the anticipation buzzing like electricity as the crowd eagerly awaited the New Zealand sensations.  

Rather than snapping a bunch of photos, I figured I'd put together a quick snippets video to share a taste of the unique sound the lads have and what I experienced at the show.

As soon as Shaan Singh, Matt Beachen, Sam Thomson, and Ben O’Leary took the stage, the energy was infectious. They kicked off the show with “Oh My,” instantly pulling everyone into their world of funky pop beats and rich, four-part harmonies. If you’ve ever streamed their music, you know how good they sound, but trust me, seeing them live is a game changer!

The guys treated us to a well-rounded setlist filled with fan favourites like “Woke Up Late” and “Catching Feelings.” It was like a blast from the past, as they sprinkled in some original song gems along with a melody of covers that harked back to their busking days. They even tossed in two unreleased tracks, leaving us all wanting more.

One of the standout moments for me was their cover mashup of Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River” with “Higher Ground.” The energy in the room was through the roof as the crowd sang along. Drax Project's unique mix of saxophone brilliance and rhythmic funk had everyone jumping, bopping, and singing every word right back at them. It was hard not to get swept up in the moment!

There’s something special about witnessing their performances up close. Shaan’s humorous “four pints of Guinness, please!” request mid-gig was a hilarious reminder of the friendly Irish hospitality, not to mention a highlight of the night. These guys not only know how to entertain, but they also know how to connect with their audience in a way that feels genuine and relatable.

If you haven’t yet checked out their music, now is the time! Their 35x Platinum accolades are just the tip of the iceberg. Drax Project is all about passion and talent. Their sound translates beautifully to live performance, and the electricity they generate on stage is something streaming services just can’t capture. So, head over to your favourite platform, stream their hits, and maybe even buy a vinyl or two to bring their music home!

As I stood there, totally immersed in the experience, I couldn't help but manifest something special for these lads. Fingers crossed they get to grace the stage at iconic venues like Ronnie Scott’s in London, or snag a support slot at one of the fantastic Northern Irish music festivals within the next year! They deserve every chance to shine.

If you hear that Drax Project is in town, leap at the opportunity. Whether it’s in a small venue or at a larger festival, I guarantee you won’t regret catching them live. You won’t just listen to the music….you’ll feel it, and you'll take home a memory that lingers long after the last note fades away.

Be sure to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and X to stay updated on their upcoming shows and releases. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a beat with Drax Project!

Review by: Gary Campion

Photo credit: Ashlea Caygill

Video Collage Credit: Gary Campion