It is unquestionably clear that there has been a large amount of hype around Dexters throughout 2014, and as their 2014 UK tour nears its close, the anticipation from the people inside the Wardrobe is as promising as the buzz surrounding the band.

As Dexters walk onstage, the crowd’s excitement becomes undeniably visible, and then the strumming begins to the opening track of the evening, ‘Cloudfest’, a beautifully refreshing number that draws the crowd in closer, leaving nobody flat-footed in the room. Following the opener comes ‘They’re Blind’, which begins peaceful warmth before the astounding voice of frontman Tom bellows throughout the room on its choruses.

New-ish songs ‘Stay Strange’ and the brilliant ‘Nature Of The Beast’ accompany the tracks from the widely successful and well received debut album Shimmer Gold, evidently leaving the crowd more than eager for the second album. As the show hits full flow, tracks such as the fast-paced and exuberant ‘Recover’, ‘ The Hard Way’ and ‘Start To Run’ reinforce the good vibes and all-round electric atmosphere in the Wardrobe, with the whole band constantly unified as one, providing the people of Leeds with rhythm and beats which simply can’t be ignored.

The set is then instilled with a sense of calm and reflection, as the title track from Shimmer Gold fills the room with warmth, leaving the crowd in admiration of a truly special track. ‘Can’t Sleep’ follows, keeping the all ages crowd in high spirits before the encore of ‘Oceans’, which brings an undeniably enjoyable show to a close. As the last few notes are drowned out by well-deserved cheers from the crowd, the band wear large grins as they exit the stage. The smiles continued long after the gig as the boys came out to greet the many fans who had waited behind to continue the applause and congratulate the band on what was a truly spectacular show.

After a relentless amount of touring throughout the year, which has seen the boys play festivals and tour throughout Germany before heading back to the UK, it’s admirable how they simply keep going, never mind perform with such intensity. Expect to see a lot more from Dexters over the coming years, and if you notice the band are playing a show near you, I urge you to go along and see them.

James Cummins

@CummyBear