Brussels, Live Shows, Music

Just Mustard’s sell out show at Le Botanique, BXL

January 31, 2023
By LC

Just Mustard hit the Belgian capital for a sold out show in the Le Botanique. From Dundalk, Ireland, Just Mustard have been active for 4 years with numerous releases to their name. Recently signing with Partisan Records, Just Mustard have earned their place alongside fellow Irish Band Fontaines D.C.

With the release of their newest album Heart Under in May 2022, Just Mustard had plenty of new material to unleash on Botanique audiences.

The show being sold out was a legacy from a previous Covid-19 postponement, so getting a ticket itself was a graft. Our tickets were bought on the night itself, with the final ticket needed being secured just 20 minutes before doors opened.

The show opened to a solitary shout of “Tiocfaidh Ar La” from an audience member. Clear from the offset that the Irish Expats had infiltrated the city to show their support to the emerging band.

Housed in the Witfloof Bar at Botanique, the band opened with the lead off track to their newest release Heart Under, 23.

Reminiscent of the infamous Cavern Club, archways in this cellar styled basement venue create an intimate space. Sound bounces from wall to wall. Given the all encompassing sound of shoegaze, notes, textures and effects don’t carry but concentrate, creating an echo chamber of noise.

A standout song from Just Mustard’s performance came from their lead single, “I Am You”. Katie’s vocals filled the venue as the band filled the gaps. As the most popular track from the album, we can expect this song to feature prominently across their set lists for the future. Shane Maguire’s drumming rattled the Botanique’s Wifloof bar especially during “Still”, “In Shade” and their closing track “Seed”.

Despite waiting 3 years to see the band, there was little reference to their cancelled original date in the Belgian capital. Nor to the fact that they were proud to be playing Belgium at all. For such a stellar gig, the only negative that can be taken from Just Mustard’s performance at Le Botanique in Brussels was the lack of outreach to the audience itself.

It can be understood as part of the self reflective and often dark side of their output. A concentrated and coordinated focus on the music itself above all else. However, to the chirpy Belgians in attendance, this lack of gratitude only came across as dismissive and standoffish. Even more so to the diaspora in good spirits.

The band may just have been too tired to engage at the end of a long tour, however their sound will carry relevance for years to come. Noise rock isn’t new to the world by any means, but Ireland now has representatives placing a unique spin on this genre. A privilege only befitting to so few groups. In short, bands with a sound far beyond a generic and insincere hello from centre stage.

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