London band Alexis Kings were playing their first ever Dublin show last night.This was a show I couldn’t miss. The blustery weather, traffic nor an old woman slowly crossing the street could stop me from getting to The Workmans Club ( I did wait patiently for her to cross though ). Walking through the venue I could hear the blistering melodic sound of the end of Galway band D – Day’s set. These guys are spectacular live. I only caught the last two songs but Darragh Whyte’s vocals are pretty impressive and this stylish four piece sure can write and perform some slick tunes.
Alexis Kings take to the stage. They waste no time in getting straight into their sweet tunes. Brendan Aherne has become quite the frontman. Mesmerising to watch he struts about the stage spinning the mic around his waist and into the air. ‘The Enemy’ starts their set. Once the drum kicks in and the track begins the entire atmosphere blossoms into a mellow balmy haze of delight. These guys are professional on stage and their love for performing radiates profusely. Sam Privett’s honey dripped guitar lines are even more delicious within the live setting. While drummer Fabio Bocca and bassist Kalyan Rogers allow their groove infested sound, pound through your body coaxing and enticing you to dance. There is power behind these tracks as Alexis Kings weave their bewitching enticing tunes into our very souls.
Live, the tunes take on a heavier sound giving a meatier grit to their nectarous sun kissed tunes. ‘Addict’ in particular translates superbly live with the rumble on drums and weaving guitar echoing through a darkly coated atmosphere. The shrilling psychedelic guitar is mesmerising. We get an exciting glimpse of some new tunes ‘Johnny True Love’ has a reggae feel to it as a sultry groove rebounds and slaps off the steamy guitar whines while ‘Spaceships’ brings that exhilarating rush of indie, injecting youthful adrenaline into your veins. Aherne’s vocals are filled with passion which smoothly caress the velvety melodies with hints of soulful tenderness.
‘Squire’ was received by tremendous applause. A melodic luscious rendition of this beautiful track has the crowd swaying bopping and singing along as Aherne reaches out as close to them as he can. Who can resist the divine guitar melody in ‘Squire’ it’s as close to God as most of us will ever get. I for one was eagerly awaiting ‘Velvet’ and boy it didn’t disappoint. The London boys play this track with a particular air of class and chicness as Aherne flaunts about the stage while the crowd sing along to the infectious chorus. It’s the perfect show closer. The crowd had other ideas though, they demanded ‘Brothers’ as they shouted the lyrics “get in your taxi”. It was quickly apparent the band would not get away without whacking out the fiery track. So, in true rock and roll manner the band belt out this boisterous track with slick precision and swagger-drenched attitude as the audience bellowed the lyrics back joyously.
It was a fantastic night of live music. If you haven’t seen Alexis Kings perform live I highly recommend it. They radiate an effortless aura of relaxed charisma while executing slick, polished and absolutely thrilling tunes.
‘
