The Dø at Koko

French/Finnish electropop duo The Dø almost didn’t perform last night singer Olivia Merilahti told Koko, as she had been suffering from food poisoning for the last 24 hours. She needed a few interludes but other than that you could never tell, as she managed to perform for over an hour and a half, filling the space with her high, clear voice and even donning a lizard head at one point to dance around and freak out the people in the front. The duo have released three albums, latest Shake Shook Shaken at the end of last year. Most of the songs played were from that beguiling album, with a few older ones thrown in.
 
The staging was meticulous, with specific light displays for each song, which looked striking from every part of the venue. Merilahti emerged from the jittering monochrome strobes, resplendent in a pillar-box red mechanic-style shirt and trousers and box fresh white trainers, her dark hair slickly messy. She strutted around the stage throwing angular shapes, entranced by the music. She was joined by bandmate Dan Levy, in matching red outfit and round sunglasses, looking dangerously French, as well as a drummer, guitarist and keyboardist. They gave off an insouciant continental vibe, especially in the intro to Despair, Hangover & Ecstasy where they all nonchalantly dropped their hips to the beat before giving an irresistible performance of the song.
 
They played eerie electropop breakthrough single Keep Your Lips Sealed early on in the set, the building chorus and marching beat showing off Merilahti’s high yet resonant voice. The latest album is full of memorable tunes, which they whirled through with ease, sounding record-quality. Trustful Hands, Going Through Walls, Miracles (Back in Time), and A Mess Like This did not disappoint. Anita No! was a tongue-in-cheek highlight, while Sparks and Opposite Ways shimmered through the venue. As the set wore on the songs became dancier and rangier, Merilahti writhing around to the crowd’s delight. They played older tunes like Too Insistent and On My Shoulders, breaking them down and getting the crowd to rave. The rapport between Merilahti and Levy was obvious: they were as comfortable with stripped-back numbers with just voice and guitar as with the full-on bangers.

They ended with an anthemic rendition of Lick My Wounds, leaving a breathless and exhilarated crowd. An irresistible show. If this is what Merilahti can do at 50%, imagine what The Dø is like at full blast.

Jessica Wall
Photos: Erol Birsen

Find more information about The Dø and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Despair, Hangover & Ecstasy here: