Photo Credit: @Taefphotos
Welcome To Dreamhouse. Walking into The Lower Third on Denmark Street, there was a sense of excitement, anticipation and whispers about what was actually to come from tonight. On this chilly Tuesday night, it was the debut live show for Dreamhouse; Alex Stacey, Connor Ball and James McVey with drummer Will Raybould joining for the first live shows. This was the first of three sold-out shows from trio, but with no music officially released except a teaser clip or two from social media nobody was quite sure what to expect.
The intimate venue was the perfect setting, with a projector displaying a house against the wall, some strip lights and a pure focus on the music we were up close and personal with not a bad spot in the room. Walking on stage, over the ‘Dreamhouse LDN’ doormat welcoming everyone to Dreamhouse, the band took to the stage and into What The Hell We Doing Here. Led by Connor Ball, this electro infused number was an instant ear worm. Thanks to this being teased online fans were able to sing along to the catchy ‘if you want em girl, I’ll give you all my golden years’ chorus. Talk about a great way to kick off their debut show!
This might be the band’s first show, but through other musical ventures including Connor and James’ times in The Vamps they understand how to work and connect with a crowd including through some fun story telling. ‘So this next song is about a thick white substance’, joked Ball prior to Gorilla Glue, which funnily enough he confirmed he’s never used. Arms were bouncing as the melody swirled around our heads long after the song had finished. Dreamhouse are here to make an impression with tracks impossible to forget after only one listen.
What was clear from their debut setlist is that the band aren’t trying to put themselves into a single genre category, drawing influences from the music they enjoy with nothing off limits. We had emotive numbers such as lyrically powerful Best Days, where Ball and McVey come together vocally. Upbeat Never Ending Youth which wouldn’t be out of place during a sunset drive, whereas an angstier side is shown with Drugs Won’t Do It and its guitar/drum heavy instrumental. Harmony laced Dreaming Alone is one of the more laidback moments in the set with swirling guitar lines, giving us a full look into what Dreamhouse are trying to make; the warped melodies promised and the music for moments that matter is exactly what they showcased tonight.
Ensuring at least one solid singalong of the night, their pop-punk twinged cover of Paramore’s Still In To You was a fun setlist addition. Despite an air of nervousness gracing the stage with Ball stepping into a lead vocalist role perfectly and singing into his beer bottle a number of times on the night, the fun had onstage filtered into the crowd who were dancing along before the night was out. As the nerves dispersed, the excitement rose giving the band the chance to take in the positive response received from their debut.
For a Tuesday night in London where we had no clue what to expect, it’s safe to say our expectations were far exceeded with their polished tracks and fun live performance. With an audience unable to fully singalong to songs , unsure of what’s around the corner and hearing the tracks for the first time live it can feel like a risk but a risk which paid off where there was no where to hide. Musically Dreamhouse feel like the kind of band who could provide everything for a summer soundtrack. The days hanging out with your friends, making memories, looking back on past experiences and truly living life to the full, here’s hoping our wish comes true to have a Dreamhouse filled summer!
Tonight was the start of Dreamhouse’s journey, the debut live show and it felt incredibly special to be there. As we exited the venue, signing the guest book (what a fun touch, more shows should have them!) we were left thinking what’s next to come from Dreamhouse and when?
Written By: Nicola Craig
