After a stellar debut in 2024, Borderline Festival returns for its second edition on February 21st and 22nd at The Workman’s Club in Dublin, Ireland. Quickly establishing itself as one of the city's most exciting showcases of underground and alternative music, Borderline curates a lineup that blurs genres and pushes sonic boundaries. With overwhelming demand, the festival has already sold out, proving its status as a must-attend event for fans of cutting-edge music.
With such an incredible selection of artists, narrowing down our must-sees was no easy task. The entire lineup is stacked with talent, making every set a potential highlight of the festival. That said, here are the acts we absolutely can’t miss.
And to make sure every unforgettable moment is captured, Federico Ciamberlini will be documenting the festival for us—so expect stunning visuals that bring the energy of Borderline to life for everyone who couldn't attend!
OUR MUST-SEES
Adore
A fresh force in the alt-rock scene, Adore blend brooding atmospheres with emotionally charged lyrics. Their sound is intimate yet powerful, drawing you into their world with each performance.
CLT DRP
Explosive, chaotic, and fiercely original, Brighton’s CLT DRP push the boundaries of punk, electronic, and noise music. Their high-energy performances are a thrilling ride through distorted beats, razor-sharp guitars, and unapologetic lyricism.
Dog Race
Dog Race deliver a raw and restless take on post-punk, with sharp guitars and brooding vocals that create an atmosphere of dark intensity. Their ability to balance tension and release makes for a gripping live experience.
Freak Slug
Blending lo-fi indie, dream pop, and woozy beats, Freak Slug creates music that feels both hypnotic and deeply personal. Her unique sonic world is equal parts laid-back and emotionally charged.
Grove
A true genre disruptor, Grove fuses punk energy with bass-heavy club beats and politically charged lyrics. Their live shows are electrifying, filled with pulsating rhythms and an unstoppable presence.
Honeyglaze
Known for their delicate yet emotionally weighty indie rock, Honeyglaze craft songs that feel intimate and poetic. Their music floats effortlessly between melancholy and warmth, making for a beautifully immersive set.
I Am Roze
A rising voice in alternative music, I Am Roze blends soulful vocals with experimental soundscapes, creating music that feels deeply introspective and refreshingly innovative.
Makeshift Art Bar
Blurring the lines between indie, electronic, and ambient sounds, Makeshift Art Bar create music that feels like stepping into a dream. Their performances are immersive, offering a sonic journey unlike any other.
Mount Palomar
Bringing cinematic electronic textures to the festival, Mount Palomar weaves intricate beats with pulsating synths to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Expect a set that’s both danceable and deeply atmospheric.
Opus Kink
Brash, theatrical, and wildly unpredictable, Opus Kink fuse punk, jazz, and dark, twisted storytelling into something truly unique. Their shows are a whirlwind of brass, swagger, and raw energy.
PVA
One of the most exciting bands in the UK’s electronic-post-punk scene, PVA blend industrial beats with soaring melodies and pulsating synths. Their live sets are sweaty, euphoric, and impossible to resist.
Shelf Lives
A thrilling mix of electro-punk and razor-sharp social commentary, Shelf Lives create short, punchy tracks packed with attitude. Their live performances are an explosion of energy and raw charisma.
Theatre
Limerick’s Theatre craft ethereal rock that merges ‘90s post-punk guitar melodies with a folk-inspired lyrical sensibility. Their sound is understated yet powerful, creating an immersive and deeply emotive experience.
Yard
Yard’s intense, industrial-leaning post-punk is both hypnotic and brutal, blending relentless rhythms with dystopian soundscapes. If you’re looking for something dark and visceral, they’re an essential watch.