Headrow House might have room to spare, but tonight's gathered Dilly Dally fans make plenty of noise to welcome the Toronto four-piece back to Leeds. And it's a return that's been against the odds as the band struggled with the rigours of touring life and personal issues post 2015's debut album release 'Sore'.
Singer and guitarist Katie Monks with her bleached bob hair and full length, laced, white dress appears at ease. That delicate whisper of a voice turning into a scorched rasp of a scream in an instant during opener 'I Feel Free'.
The majority of 'Sore' has disappeared from the set as sophomore record 'Heaven' takes priority. Only 'Snake Head' and the debut's opening track 'Desire' are let out to play long after dark on this cold cold night in Leeds. The band instead opt for Heaven's doomy, slower-paced numbers. Not that this is a bad thing. The process of writing and recording the follow up to Sore wasn't the easiest ride in Monks' music career to date. Getting her band back on track has certainly paid off. The rythmn connection between their lively bass player and drummer is strong. Monks' guitar work solidified by that of her fellow axe picker Liz.
Heaven's title track encore closer is typical of the album. These dark and lurching songs appear to tell of hopelessness, depression and struggles in this fucked up world of ours. But lurking underneath all of them lies positivity, hope and four rejuvenated individuals enjoyjng playing live again.
Words - Pete Jackson