MCD proudly presents
DARK TROPICS
plus support
MARTELLO
Whelan’s Upstairs • Sat 11th October 2025
IRISH POP NOIR DUO DARK TROPICS – RELEASE STUNNING NEW SINGLE ‘WHISPERS’
Dark Tropics are Belfast-based duo, Rio and Gerard. Their formation was a natural consequence of a shared creative vision, drawing from an eclectic selection of influences, including Radiohead, Aretha Franklin, and The Velvet Underground.
Rooted in a broad spectrum of inspiration from literary giants like William Somerset Maugham and Paul Auster, to the raw poetic stylings of John Cooper Clarke – Rio and Gerard built a partnership founded on instinct and ingenuity. Their sound, described as ‘pop-noir’, blends timeless, cinematic elegance with a modern edge, creating music that feels both haunting and exhilarating.
Dark Tropics’ soundscape is driven by analogue instruments and vintage recording techniques, giving their work an authentic, organic feel that resonates with both contemporary and classic sensibilities. Their songs explore the emotional peaks and valleys of the human experience— the burning highs of lust, the fragility of heartache, the sting of betrayal, and the glory of defiance—capturing these universal themes with a depth that is as evocative as it is relatable. The scope of Dark Tropics is limited only by how far down the rabbit hole you wish to follow.
Dark Tropics say this about their new single, ‘Whispers is about throwing caution to the wind in pursuit of the greatest nights of your life.’
Dark Tropics have been played and supported by Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music which resulted in them performing on the BBC 6 Music Introducing stage at Great Escape festival in Brighton. They’ve also been played multiple times by Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 and on the Chillest and Rock shows on BBC Radio 1. They’ve received extensive airplay on USA Radio, from Anne Litt on KCRW, as well as on Kevin Cole’s new music show on KEXP. They’ve featured and had singles debut on ‘Clash’ and ‘Billboard’ and recently opened for Belle and Sebastian on their sold out Irish Tour.
Connect
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TICKETS
€17.45 available online from Whelan’s – 50c per ticket service charge applies.
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required
AFTER THE GIG
Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the Silent Disco in the upstairs venue & the Karaoke in Little Whelan’s – Free Entry via front door until 10:30pm | Drinks Promos