Photo Credit: Frazer McGoldrick

There is something uniquely exciting about catching a band on the verge of blowing up, and Bleech 9:3 feel dangerously close to that moment. Their headline show at Hare & Hounds was chaotic, emotional and completely gripping from start to finish, further cementing them as one of the most exciting names emerging from Ireland’s current thriving alternative scene. 

Despite only forming in 2024 and having released just four singles so far, ‘Jacky’, ‘Ceiling’, ‘Cannonball’ and newest release ‘Underrated’, Bleech 9:3 already command the kind of cult following many bands spend years building. Ahead of their self-titled debut EP, due for release on May 15th, the packed Birmingham crowd were prepared to witness the early stages of something much bigger. 

Support came from fellow Irish band THEATRE, whose shoegaze infused grunge sound proved the perfect opener for the evening. The Limerick five-piece may only have one release out so far, ‘The Fall’, but their performance carried the exact formula of a far more established act. Frontwoman Maeve O’Shea was mesmerising throughout, effortlessly moving between softer, atmospheric moments and huge vocal peaks that completely silenced the room. Their sound was reminiscent of Wolf Alice in places, particularly in the contrast between heaviness and melody, but THEATRE still felt entirely their own. Having already supported Gurriers, English Teacher and Shame, they are undoubtedly one to watch. 

The atmosphere inside Hare & Hounds shifted instantly once Bleech 9:3 appeared from the side door. Before every member had fully stepped onstage, the crowd had already split apart in preparation for the first mosh pit. Opening with ‘Jacky’ immediately sent the room into chaos, with crushing guitars and manic energy turning the venue into a sea of bodies within seconds. It was easily the heaviest track of the night and the perfect introduction to the band’s intense live sound that has become so widely spoken about. 

‘Cannonball’ followed with equally explosive energy, its shifting dynamics translating brilliantly live as moments of aggression gave way to brief flashes of vulnerability before crashing back. Even the unreleased tracks received deafening reactions. ‘Lowboy’ slowly built from a slower opening into one of the set’s biggest moments, while ‘Mysystem’ saw fans screaming back lyrics despite the song not yet being officially released. 

Throughout the set, towering guitars and huge crescendos gave every track a sense of momentum, while frontman Barry ‘Baz’ Quinlan remained completely captivating. Throwing himself across the stage, crouching to the floor and leaning directly into the crowd, his performance felt raw and completely instinctive. 

A slower moment arrived with ‘Best Day’, briefly allowing the crowd to catch their breath before Baz acknowledged the room’s energy, telling the audience: “You don’t get many of those [Best Day’s] but that was one.” Closing with ‘Ceiling’, Bleech 9:3 ended the night with the same mix of vulnerability and intensity that is defining their sound.

With appearances at Dot To Dot Festival and Rock N Roll Circus later this year, alongside a newly announced UK and EU tour, it is hard to imagine Bleech 9:3 staying in venues the size of Hare & Hounds for much longer. If anything, this performance proved they are destined for far bigger stages.