On Thursday December 15, five independent bands takeover one of the city’s premiere venues. It’s a bold move and one that has been welcomed by gig-goers. It’s an alternative Christmas party to help see out a year that is universally acknowledged to have been an annus horribilis.

Zaska has just successfully completed a crowdfunding campaign to record his debut album. He channels complex and unconventional composition techniques through a feel good blend of soul and funk.

BARQ are a high energy four-piece, mixing rock with agrosoul.  Their latest single ‘Bear’ was written by singer Jess Kav after the death of her mother. BARQ have played at Longitude, Indiependence, Body + Soul, Groove, Canalaphonic, Electric Picnic and Hard Working Class Heroes festivals this year.

Æ MAK fuse alternative pop with musical theatre to create an exhilarating, otherworldly sound. They have just released their debut EP ‘I Can Feel It In My Bones’, and you can see the video for the lead single here.

Harbouring Oceans  formed in December 2015. The band incorporate elements from alt-pop, soul, jazz, and electronica into their rock foundations. In July they played the Longitude Festival in Marlay Park and they have supported Wyvern Lingo and Maverick Sabre.

Rocstrong is a singer-songwriter from Dublin. His unique sound covers multi genres ranging from rock/funk, to indie/rock and alternative electro pop. He cites Prince, James Brown, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson as main influences. His first single ‘Go Head’ received lots of praises at home and abroad and was featured on the soundtrack for the Coen Brothers' Hail Caesar.

Tickets are €10 and are available from Ticketmaster

Waterford dance act King Kong Company return to Dublin in April. Renowned as one of the most entertaining live acts in the country, the six-piece won the Pure M Best Live Act 2016 and were regarded by many as the highlight of this year’s Electric Picnic.

A week later they signed a European record deal with Caroline International, a subsidiary of Universal Music and played a sold out gig at the Dublin Academy.

KKC originally formed in college in the late ‘90s playing with Underworld, Orbital and Paul Oakenfold. They reformed in 2011 and re-established themselves as a live force. Their debut album came out in September and they have promised some new material for their first major show of 2017.

“The band will be premiering some raucous and raw tunes, bringing the stage antics up a notch or two and inviting a couple of guests along to swing through the rafters with them. This will be a gig not to be missed.”

Tickets on sale Friday November 18 from Ticketmaster

Doors 7.00pm| Over 18s | ID Required