Florence Road @ Roadrunner 4/18

Photography by Deanna Petropoulos

Review by Deanna Petropoulos

Hailing from Bray, Ireland, Florence Road rocked a sold-out Roadrunner show this Saturday night as an opener for The Last Dinner Party. Over the course of their nine-song set, the band proved themselves to be a compelling rising act in the indie rock scene, balancing raw, guitar-driven instrumentation with emotional lyricism. 

Their performance moved seamlessly between explosive tracks and more intimate moments, pulling the crowd in with a confidence that felt far beyond their years and leaving a lasting impression well before the headliner took the stage. From the moment the band walked onstage, there was a noticeable shift in the room’s energy, and a sense that the audience was about to witness something more than just a warm-up act.

Florence Road formed in 2019, when four childhood friends began writing and performing together in a garden shed, quickly attracting attention. Their recognition grew after their single, “Heavy,” hit streaming platforms in March 2025 and received praise from Olivia Rodrigo ahead of touring with her on select dates of the “Guts World Tour.” Shortly after, in June 2025, they released their debut EP, “Fall Back,” featuring the single, “Figure It Out.” While still early in their career, the band already carries a distinct sound that blends nostalgic rock and indie influences with a modern emotional sharpness that resonates strongly live.

The band opened with the unreleased track, “None the Wiser,” a grungy, powerful song that echoes ’90s and early 2000s rock. As a first-time listener, it instantly grabbed my attention. The song’s distorted guitar riffs and driving energy set the tone for the night, making it clear this wouldn’t be a forgettable opening act. The sound filled the venue in a way that commanded attention even from those unfamiliar with their music.

They followed with “Miss,” a song about being away from someone you love. It begins with a slower tempo and is more dreamlike than the opening song. But it soon builds into a heavy, emotionally charged anthem that had the crowd moving, something not easy for an opener who is still introducing themselves to much of the audience.

Two standout moments came with “Storm Warnings” and “Rabbits Can Swim,” showcasing the band’s range. “Storm Warnings” felt like a storm itself. It was anthemic and urgent; its driving rhythm and layered guitars created a sense of momentum that translated powerfully live.

 In contrast, “Rabbits Can Swim” offered a moment of stillness, as it was built around a gentler and almost hypnotic sound. The band allowed the song to breathe, letting it settle over the crowd. The contrast emphasized their versatility, proving they are just as effective in restraint as in intensity.

Florence Road closed with “Goodnight,” a fitting final statement. Leaning into their indie sound while maintaining emotional intensity, the song felt less like a definitive ending and more like a “see you later.” There was a bittersweet quality to it, like there was something unresolved yet honest lingering in the room, reminiscent of the closing moments of a 2000s coming-of-age film.

The crowd’s reaction was striking. People were jumping, headbanging, and attempting to sing along throughout the set, a rare level of energy for an opening act. While the band’s stage presence remained relatively restrained, they made a clear effort to connect with the audience. At one point, when someone fell in the pit, the band immediately alerted security, creating a sense of care and trust that didn’t go unnoticed. It was the kind of moment that reinforces why live music is a communal force. 

During the set, I managed to catch a guitar pick, something I’ve never done before at a concert. It was a small but deeply personal moment that made the performance even more memorable, grounding the larger energy of the show in something tangible.

Florence Road may have taken the stage as an opener, but they didn’t perform like one. Their set felt intentional, emotionally grounded, and confident in a way that suggests they won’t be playing supporting slots for long. If this performance is any indication, they’re on the verge of something much bigger. In a lineup that already carried strong anticipation, they carved out their own space, turning casual listeners into engaged fans within a single set.