The Struts LIVE @ The Zephyr Lounge, Leamington Spa 28.05.14

Glam rockers The Struts are known for their high energy live performances and outrageously individual wardrobes. However, now gaining a larger fan base across the UK – as well as a very well established following in France – is the hype really the truth?

The Zephyr Lounge is directly next to a fantastic record shop in Leamington Spa; its walls are plastered in posters of previous gig, festivals and album releases including a very oddly placed Spice Girls advertisement near the bar. Its small stage and high ceiling are perfect for a willing audience.

First on the bill were The Friday Club. In addition to their slightly unoriginal name, the band seemed unmatched to the music they played. Apart from a very skilled bass player, the majority of their songs were run of the mill indie tunes you would hear coming out of a garage.

The Struts soon took to the stage just after 9.00 and were, of course, were dressed for the occasion. Lead singer Luke Spiller was elaborate, as always, with glitter covering his face. Drummer Gethin Davies sported a top with the words “Who the Fuck is Luke Spiller” across the front of it. Quite fitting, as we were definitely about to find out.

The Struts burst into their opening number ‘Everybody Wants’ which also happens to be the title track of their new album. Almost instantly, Spiller began to dance, providing a new level to the already infectious energy. Feet tapping along, the audience joined in on the catchy vocals of current single ‘Kiss This’ – a tune with a strong Britpop, summer vibe. Spiller’s vocals were incredibly controlled and perfectly in tune considering the raucous screams that were in almost every song. This, and the musicality from the rest of the band, really made the audience listen up.

As the band introduced themselves, you couldn’t help but see that the audience was very diverse in ages. Nearing the front – the younger generation, to those propping up the bar on the opposite side of the room, who had seen many gigs over the years. The Struts pace didn’t slow and powered through song after song, including their cover of Royals by Lorde. Many versions of this song have been wailed out in badly strung-together acoustic disasters, but not this one. The Struts took a new approach to this widely played track, completely making it sound their own with a very distinctive guitar part.

The Struts have just been confirmed as a support band for The Rolling Stones when they play in France in the coming weeks. They also have multiple festival appearances booked over the summer, so there is no excuse not to see them live.