The Verse’s Lennon Craig reviews Deap Vally at their Concorde 2 show on 22nd September.
The air is thick with sweat from early doors at the Concorde 2 as summer takes one final stand against the inevitable British winter. Even an hour before Deap Vally are due to take to the stage the venue is thronging with revellers, though, being freshers’ week, it’s difficult to tell whether they’re at their intended destination or not.
Any early scepticism appears unfounded however, once the Californian duo’s blistering bass-laden rock crackles into life to a rapturous reception. While the band tightly weave vitriolic anthems from both of their studio albums with boundless energy and enthusiasm, the near-capacity crowd provides a muted headnodding response, even if they sound their appreciation when required.
It takes recent single Smile More to generate some movement in the masses, with bodies and beer starting to fly around joyously. Fan favourite End of the World keeps the party going with its persistently antagonising rhythm and soulful vocals.
Riffs and hits are soon flying around the Concorde, as the duo push the noise and tempo further still with the huge one-two of Julian and Lies, which features a lurching, extended breakdown that inspires a huge reaction from the crowd.
The energy is never allowed to lull, with the introduction of two backing singers providing the depth of sound as lead vocalist Lindsey Troy dives into the crowd, enjoying the rapturous reception of a crowd that has turned like Royal Jelly in their hands.
After a euphoric, bone-rattling encore, the duo disappear backstage, leaving the crowd to drag their sweaty selves away from stage and into the late summer’s evening on the seafront. Their visit might be fleeting, but from the riotous noise that the duo brings to proceedings, their acerbic impact is sure to be felt long until the ringing ears and warm evenings are nothing but distant memories.
