Camden siblings pull out the stops for home coming show
The Electric Ballroom was full. The crowd was as mixed as you’d expect for a Kitty Daisy and Lewis gig. There were retroists, indie boys with their indie Cindys, punks, after work giggers and general Camden heads. Despite the spitting rain and cold temperatures the crowds spirits were high and everyone was up for what was looking to be a great night of music.
First up were the Dash. This energetic London quartet showcased their ability to successfully mix the spirit of punk, with indie pop hooks. At first they sounded like asinine Green Day B-Sides from 1996, shouty verses with catchy choruses, but not much substance. As their set progressed however the punk element was toned down and a more melodic indie side emerged. Sounding like Razorlight and Johnny Cooke’s Dogs. Weirdly both use the lyric “a month of Mondays” in their songs. As soon as the set had calmed down a bit, Dash ramped things up again for their final track, Fell in Love (With the Back of My Hand). Basically an ode to onanism. The Dash are a great live band and their music is fun, but at times it feels slightly dated punk by numbers, but great to watch while having a couple of beers.
After a brief interval, the in house DJ played some great ska, calypso and rock steady, Kitty Daisy and Lewis took to the stage. As this was a home coming gig, of sorts, they were clearly up for it. From the opening bars of Whenever You See Me Kitty Daisy and Lewis had the crowd captivated. As well as being joined by their Mum on bass, there was a string section. This gave the tracks a more grandiose feel. When they launched into Baby Bye Bye, the crowd hollered and joined in with the chorus. For Feeling of Wonder they were joined on stage by Mick Jones. He was meant to be a surprise, but he walked on before they could introduce him. As on the album his inclusion really brought the track together and he delivered a flawless solo, which the crowd lapped up.
Whiskey was another crowd favourite. Again the live string section really helped add the emotion to the piece.
The majority of the set was from their latest album The Third, infact the only track not on the album was the penultimate track Going Up the Country. The crowd lapped this up and went bat-shit crazy for it. Developer’s Disease was the most poignant track of the set. It’s main theme is about how London is being sold to property developers and it’s slow losing its charm. This hit home for Camden residents as the Bull and Gate was closed down in 2013, and Kitty Daisy and Lewis played one of the last ever shows there. This is clearly an issue that is strong with the siblings Durham. After the set had been play, and after a brief break, Kitty Daisy and Lewis returned and played What Quid as an encore. During the track they introduced the different members of the band and each Durham played an extended instrumental section. It was a fitting way to close an excellent gig.
What last night showed is that on their day Kitty Daisy and Lewis are one of the best bands currently on the circuit. This is the third time I have seen them and I know it won’t be the last. I implore you to go and see them if, and when, they play in your town!
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