DEAF HAVANA | LIVE REVIEW
Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Tue 15 Apr
Deaf Havana are one of those bands whose songs have the power to reach right inside you and pull at your heartstrings. Their latest album, last year’s Old Souls, was an excellent example of this. Established enough to warrant playing Cardiff University’s Great Hall (sadly, one of the only large music venues left in Cardiff), the venue filled up fast, and the buzz of the expectant audience was infectious. Support came in the form of American rockers The Maine, who did a great job of warming up the crowd for the night ahead.
By the time Deaf Havana reached the stage, the noise of the crowd was almost deafening. Clearly not a band that has lost any appeal, despite lineup changes and a complete shift in sound, there was a palpable sense of loyalty from fans who have stuck with them from the beginning. From their debut hardcore punk sound to the more melodic stylings of their latest release, the band’s live performances remain consistent, and are always amazing to see. This despite the fact that the band has evolved, to the point that if someone who knew only their older material were to listen to Old Souls, they wouldn’t have any idea that it was the same band.
Crowd favourites came from Boston Square, a huge rock number with a hook filled chorus that had everyone singing along; new single 22, which was impossible not to dance to; and the heartwarming Caro Padre. Although the vocals from lead singer James Veck-Gilodi weren’t the strongest, credit has to go to him for taking on the lead role and really developing the sound to make it his own. The real strength of the band’s performance lay in their ability to combine harmonies with guitars, electric and acoustic, to brilliant effect. Definitely one of my live music highlights so far in 2014.
words HELEN LOCK
