Deaf Havana at the Roundhouse

Deaf Havana at the Roundhouse | Live review

29^th October 2013

Gemma Whitfield

Shot by Erol Birsen

Gemma Whitfield Shot by Erol Birsen

29 October 2013

Formed in 2005 at King’s Lynn Campus in Norfolk, alternative rockers Deaf Havana have come a long way since their college days. Eight years and three studio albums later, the group have supported the likes of Muse and Bruce Springsteen. Earlier this year they announced their biggest ever headline tour of the UK, ending here tonight in the heart of Camden with support from Big Sixes and Charlie Simpson of Fightstar (and Busted – we haven’t forgotten).

The band is greeted with raucous applause and screams as the set kicks off with the crowd-pleasing Boston Square, the first track from their new album Old Souls Little White Lies (an old favourite from the second album Fools and Worthless Liars). Boston Square raises the roof of the Roundhouse, with the predominantly teenage crowd jumping, moshing and singing along. The band performs an interesting rock cover of The Cure’s Friday I’m in Love, which has everybody dancing and shouting along: “It’s Friday, I’m in love!!”

The absence of Ryan Mellor (screamed vocals), who left the band in 2010, is definitely noticeable as no material from their 2009 debut Meet Me Halfway at Least is played. This leaves long-time fans who wanted to hear old hits like Friends Like These and Nicotine and Alcohol Saved My Life slightly disappointed. Nevertheless, the majority of the material is taken from the second album, which keeps the crowd more than entertained. The band responds to demand for an encore with popular tracks Fifty Four and Mildred.

Overall, Deaf Havana put on an enchanting and energising performance tonight, just as they always do. But nostalgic fans may be left feeling disheartened if they expect to hear the hits from their early days again.

Gemma Whitfield
Photos: Erol Birsen

For further information and future events visit Deaf Havana’s website here.