The Clapham Grand is exactly that: grand. High ceilings and a theatre-esque feel, it’s no wonder Deaf Havana chose this venue to culminate their UK tour in.
Tonight is the first time in a long while where we have seen unprecedented smiles: the band look out on the crowd in genuine awe. Maybe they’ve forgotten how far they’ve come since the release of ‘Old Souls’. The band seem to have found their space in the musical world and where ever they play they pull out all the stops. Tonight is no exception: a string quartet the London Youth Gospel choir join the band onstage alongside huge lights spelling out their name. Like anyone could forget Deaf Havana! There aren’t many other bands who can bring out a string quartet and still sound rock ’n’ roll.
After the rolling spectacle of the opening quartet of songs ‘Lights’, ‘Everyone’s Dancing And I Want To Die’, ‘Smiles All Round’ and ’22’ we think okay here’s time to rest our voices, have a breather: but there’s no chance for that as they launch into another smashing track. The entire set is a sing-a-long delight, like a wonderful rock karaoke night including the honorary drunk who likes to think they know the words (but sadly don’t!)
We had always thought of Deaf Havana as a good band, a standard festival favourite and a band we’d always try to see where possibly but tonight they step out on their own and shine like the stars that they have become. For every band there’s that show that would convert any dis-believers or neutral fans: tonight is that for the lads.
After fifteen tracks ending on ‘Mildred’ we wonder what’s left for tonights encore. Three slow tracks showcasing the bands mature side reverberate through the venue like a rumbling stampede. Finishing off with ‘Caro Padre’ we’re sure we can spy a few audience members with tears in their eyes (we promise it wasn’t us sobbing away!)
There’s something about this show- be it the venue, be it the choice of songs or merely the bands mind set fulled with some bottles of spirits on stage with them- tonight is special. James hits the nail on the head when he say’s it’s the atmosphere here tonight.
