LIVE: Dilly Dally w/ Weaves @ The Scala, London, 22.09.16

At the end of a busy week, there is nothing quite like a night of fantastic live music to ease the pain. And, with not just one – but two – of my favourite new bands playing together in the same place, I was in no doubt that I should head to The Scala to catch the incredibly awesome Weaves and Dilly Dally this Thursday night.

Kicking off the night of fantastic live music are Brighton’s Abattoir Blues. Blasting out their angst-driven rock, the band’s impassioned offerings evoke waves of nostalgia as I’m reminded of my early noughties teenage years yelling along to the likes of Screamo bands such as Finch or Thursday. Whilst oozing shades of the past, however, Abattoir Blues’ sound is refreshing in its honest, riotous intensity and raw power.

I’ve been a fan of Toronto-based Weaves for a while now; since first hearing their uptempo, surf-rock riffs, I’ve been keen to witness their unique brand of ‘bent pop’ live. But, despite being a fan, and having enjoyed their latest eponymous album, being in the presence of this band exceeds all expectations.

As front-woman Jasmyn Burke takes to the stage, she radiates a contagious joy and charisma, instantly captivating the crowd and drawing them into Weaves’ wonkily wonderful creations. Opening with ‘Birds & Bees’, the band’s jangly melodies and off-kilter beats, alongside Burke’s raw, distinctive vocals, make for a sheer sonic delight.

As Burke continues to engage the crowd with cheeky winks and points, poking her tongue out with friendly glances, the wonderfully exuberant Morgan Waters delivers screeching riffs with both his fingers and teeth, and Weaves’ alluring charm and endearing obscurity ooze from the stage without hesitation.

Fusing together an incredible range of eclectic sounds, Weaves treat us to tracks such as ‘Shit Hole’, the cheekily catchy ‘Coo Coo’ and the racing energy of ‘One More’, and we willingly oblige this luminous front-woman’s invitation to dance as the band’s frantic, uptempo vibes fill the room.

And, as one of the most thoroughly entertaining sets I’ve witnessed for a long time comes to a close, I’m left utterly blown away and hungry for more. There isn’t another band I can think of who have been so incredibly interactive; Weaves’ kooky charm and infectious joy is unrivalled, and a complete pleasure to be a part of. I can’t wait to see them headlining venues very soon.

Headlining tonight, though, are the very awesome Dilly Dally. Friends of Weaves from Toronto, the band’s debut album Sore has been one of my musical highlights of the last couple of years and quickly pushed the band to widespread popularity, and deservedly so.

As Katie Monks leads the band, clad in a Britney Spears tee, our attention is instantly grabbed as her husky screams rage alongside Liz Ball’s sparkling guitar melodies. Blasting out their riotous, grunge-inspired offerings, Dilly Dally’s sprawling power is greeted by sea of enthused, bobbing heads and buoyant, moshing bodies.

In between her screeching, aggressive wails, however, Monks reveals her softer side, as she appears to get pretty emotional sharing with us how grateful she is for our support – as she wipes a tear from her eye, she even seems pretty chuffed to spot an “old skool Dilly tee” amongst the crowd. Help is at hand however, as Jasmyn from Weaves joins her on stage to spread some of her joy, and we’re treated to a rather special moment as the two women’s friendship and admiration for each other is clear for all to see.

The set continues, totally drenched in an overwhelming raw emotion and impassioned power, and Dilly Dally have proved themselves worthy of the highest praise with their unstoppable ferocity and scuzzy alt-rock.

I can only hope I’m lucky enough to experience another evening of such incredible music and unified joy sometime soon.

Mari Lane
@marimindles