Fenech-Soler at Oslo Hackney

Taking to the stage upstairs at Oslo, Hackney, brothers Ross and Ben Duffy kicked off the show in a flurry of purple and blue flashing lights, launching straight into a high-energy performance that never lost momentum.

Northamptonshire-based band Fenech-Soler have just released a new EP, Kaleidoscope, on So Recordings, two years after their previous EP Glow. The energy in the room seemed to suggest that fans were as keen for new material as they were to hear their older hits.

It didn’t take long for the crowd to warm to the latest tracks, and they were soon dancing along to familiar-sounding electro-pop songs with simple and catchy lyrics. Front man Ben Duffy’s energy was infectious, and the genuine excitement of the band to be debuting new music to these London concertgoers meant that the energy never lulled for a moment, and was carried largely by the punchy vocals. Although older hits provoked more dancing, the fans were just as happy listening along to the highlights from the newest EP, such as the titular Kaleidoscope, a fresh, upbeat and instantly memorable number.

The group acknowledged their focus on showcasing their most recent songs, thanking the audience for being so receptive, and rewarding their patience with a couple of fun covers: Robin S’s You’ve Got to Show Me Love and Janet Jackson’s Control, both of which they made their own and were clearly hits with the majority of spectators, who sang along without any hesitation.

The band put a lot of effort into egging on the crowd, with plenty of interaction and encouragement to sing along with the familiar tracks, and to dance along to the new ones. But it was hardly necessary: those gathered had come ready to dance to shiny, floor-filling, synth-heavy electro-pop, and were given plenty of opportunities to do so.  

Joanna Blyth
Photos: Silvia Sternardi

For further information about Fenech Soler and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Kaleidoscope here: