Live: DEAF HAVANA // Alexandra Palace Theatre, London
Deaf Havana head out on their final Rituals UK dates in partnership with PLUS1.org and War Child.
For a band that mix lyrics like “I wanna wear a suit and tie to work, and on Sundays take my kids to church” with “at times you wanted to kill me, but let me save you the trouble”, Deaf Havana emit a rather radiant positive energy through the refurbished Alexandra Palace Theatre.
Tonight’s show is in partnership with War Child, a fact that attributes to the strange setlist: Rituals in full followed by an interlude, then an older set of songs.
The band are surrounded by their usual neon lighting and smoke machines as they begin with the subdued album finisher Epiphany, before moving in backwards through the album to end the first set with Sinner. The aura of the album is cohesive with the grandeur of the venue, its magnificence reflected through the shimmering guitars and James’ dulcet vocals.
The second half, in comparison, breaks the haze that’s set over the room, treating them to old favourites like Hunstanton Pier, Boston Square and even a cover of Marilyn Manson’s The Fight Song.
Veck-Gilodi’s jagged lyrics about unhealthy coping mechanisms and losing loved ones bounce off the walls like old friends, as Deaf Havana tonight prove that their pop reincarnation is just as important as the previous work that gained them the dedicated crowd here today.
Photos: Anna Smith