It’s hard to believe that it was only two years ago that the elusive indie-pop band – known for their numerous and varied pop culture references – played to an intimate crowd at Dublin’s Academy. But in the meantime, the band have become one of TikTok’s biggest success stories, securing a place in Spotify’s top 500 most-streamed artists – so Ireland’s largest indoor arena was a fitting setting to launch their European adventure.

The San Diego-based band, consisting of lead singer Brad Petering, Wyatt Harmon, Jason Wyman and touring guitarist Zoe Zeeman, took the stage to the cheers of an expectant, welcoming crowd – and delivered a wonderful set that began with the song “I’ll Be Faithful” from their latest album. Grapes on the vineThe diverse audience, made up of people of different ages and backgrounds, reflected the timeless appeal of “TV Girl.”

The pared-down stage design featured their signature mascot, a bobbed-haired girl sitting in the middle of the stage – and throughout the concert, this fixture and the adjacent lights changed colors to match the band’s album covers: orange and red for songs from French exitas well as pink, blue and purple tones for songs from the 2016 album Who really cares?.

The crowd sang along to every word, making it difficult to pick out the most popular songs, but the atmosphere was particularly electric during ‘Hate Yourself’, ‘Cigarettes Out The Window’, ‘Birds Don’t Sing’, ‘Not Allowed’, ‘Blue Hair’, ‘Taking What’s Not Yours’ and – most of all – ‘The Blonde’, which had us holding our torches in the air and feeling the vibe.

They ended the song with “Heaven is a Bedroom”, which they said was their “wrong last song” – other bands, please imitate this!

The crowd demanded more and TV Girl returned with “Big Black Void” and “Lovers Rock” for an encore, which had everyone standing up. We knew the 20-song set was coming to an end when their signature closing song “It Evaporates” echoed through the hall, setting off another wave of arms raised and phone lights on.

From start to finish, TV Girl’s return to Dublin was a triumph. It was a fantastic live performance and the setlist included standouts from all four of the band’s albums. Brad’s witty remarks, playful stage antics and the enthusiastic crowd made it a night to remember. For the young people in the audience who were experiencing their first ever concert, they picked something good!