Deaf Havana, The LaFontaines & Hot Milk - Saturday 30th March

Deaf Havana, The LaFontaines & Hot Milk - Saturday 30th March

I am taking a break from investigating the legal repercussions of having my mail forwarded to Limelight 2 to write this review. Feels like I’m in there often enough that I should be paying rent. Some serious talent has passed through their stage doors, and on the 30th of March, three more names were added to the list. After stomaching the steep pint prices, I squeezed through to the front of the crowd, discontent with the idea of missing a single act.

First on stage were rising Manchester group Hot Milk, making one of their first appearances on Irish soil. A competitive scene to emerge from, they have followed in the footsteps of their predecessors, peddling a pounding, addictive sound that has caught ears all over the UK. Tonight proved to continue this trend. The ‘Awful Ever After’ hitmakers played a distinctly emo flavoured pop-punk set, complete with screaming vocals, vivacious guitar and goosebump-inducing adrenaline. Gloomy and moody, they suited their venue, with dual vocalists providing a melodramatic edge that I couldn’t help but appreciate. A contemporary sound with a thundering bounce, they set the night up well.

The second act of the night, I am more than familiar with. Scottish rap-rockers The LaFontaines have performed in Ireland on multiple occasions (I was able to catch them in McHughs Basement last year and it was one of the most exhilarating shows of my life), and have managed to exceed their energy upon every return. The brimstone spit of MC Kerr Okan is amongst the best in the UK, while backing vocals from drummer Jamie Keenan help them maintain the rock pedigree. Bringing their signature natural charisma, their mix of soaring alt-rock and heavy rap bars was enough to incite an immediate sea of arms. The fuzzy bounce of ‘Release The Hounds’ and the relentless fire of ‘Under The Storm’ bookend the set and were greeted with equal abandon. Audience in the palm of his hand, Okan cracked a smile before yelling into the mic “I am SO BUZZING to be here.” I don’t think anyone doubted him.

The final act of the night came from the wings. Deaf Havana emerged onto the stage amidst a packed out venue and a wall of cheers. A chord was struck to signal the beginning of the show. First becoming aware of the group from their single ‘Smiles All Round,’ it was refreshing to see that the group had lost none of their anger, youthfulness and energy. A distortion heavy, guitar-centric set, their fierce live presence was backed up by a truly fiery sound. Varying between soft melodies and harsh shrieks, their electric, angsty groove had a heavy, irreverent bite. Powering through a track list filled with furious breakdowns, emotional shout-alongs and thundering bass lines, Deaf Havana headlines one of the more exhilarating nights of live music I have seen in a considerable while.


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