Ray and Dave Davies in The Kinks, The Beach Boys, Angus and Malcolm, Liam and Noel. When there are brothers in bands, sparks can fly.
Norfolk alt-rockers Deaf Havana are another family affair. James and Matty Veck-Gilodi are back on the road playing 10 dates across the UK to promote their new album, The Present Is A Foreign Land.
Like many people, the band have had a tough time in recent years and had decided to call it a day at the end of 2019 after losing enthusiasm for what they were doing.
But it was vocalist and guitarist James Veck-Gilodi channelling his own mental health issues that brought a renewed creativity. The result being the brothers writing a new set of songs that led to Deaf Havana rising again.
Deaf Havana brought new and old material to the Lemon Tree
This is a band that have changed style on every album, from post-hardcore to folk, indie-rock, and electro-pop.
As we heard at a sold out Lemon Tree in Aberdeen last night, their new material combines many of these elements, making the new record sound like a greatest hits compilation.
Opening with the anthemic Boston Square, with its Won’t Get Fooled Again riffing, it was clear that the band were glad to be back.
It was only the second night of the tour and there were a few technical issues onstage and a sound mix out front that was distinctly muddy. James Veck-Gilodo was also hindered by having sprained his ankle in a bizarre tour bus accident. He soldiered on, supported by the new rhythm section, with the excellent Luke Campbell impressing on drums.
Sonic nods from Deaf Havana at Aberdeen’s Lemon Tree
And it is a big noise that Deaf Havana make. They may be from East Anglia, but the sonic nods to the likes of Scotland’s own Biffy Clyro and Twin Atlantic played well to the Aberdeen audience.
There was a light and shade too. New single Nevermind (like so many great songs, written in 10 minutes) was acoustic, On The Wire had a poptastic James Bay vibe and the classy Worship brought to mind another Matty, with its The 1975 style arrangement.
Earlier Brighton-based rockers Sick Joy were also a long way from home. Their low-key performance might have suggested they were a little homesick, but their grungey riffs shook the bar optics.
Packed Lemon Tree showed love for loud guitars of Deaf Havana
There is talk in some circles that rock is dead, but glancing around the packed venue last night it seems that there is still plenty of love for loud guitars from younger music fans.
The Lemon Tree has had many big names on its small stage over the years. Last night felt like seeing a band back on the rise. A busy festival season awaits Deaf Havana this summer, which will help to shake off the ring rust.
Welcome back.
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