WORDS AND IMAGES BILLY SEAGRAVE
Billy Seagrave made his way to Canvas for the very first time, anticipating an evening filled with unbridled, diverse musical chaos courtesy of the captivating Dream Wife. As the venue gradually filled with fans, it became a tight squeeze, but I managed to secure my spot at the front.
Ash Kenazi, both the drummer and co-vocalist of the indie rock band Happyness, is also a drag queen who mesmerizes audiences with solo performances in his alter ego persona. I had the privilege of witnessing his live performance at Manchester’s Canvas, a venue new to me but one that I’m confident will become a preferred choice for emerging artists in the future. It was a stellar show.
Ash Kenazi took the stage with grandeur, donning a ballgown and a vibrant, multi-colored wig. With a warm smile and a playful wink, he greeted the audience before diving into his inaugural song, “Pink Lemonade,” a catchy, spirited track that set the tone for the evening. The song narrated his journey of self-discovery through drag and his coming out story. Ash delivered the performance with unwavering confidence and charisma, seamlessly harmonizing with the synth-pop accompaniment. The crowd embraced the show, erupting in cheers and applause. Ash Kenazi’s willingness to be candid and vulnerable in his music was evident, and his stage presence was nothing short of delightful. If the opportunity arises to witness his live performance, it’s an experience not to be missed.
Prima Queen, a London-based duo, melds indie, folk, and pop influences into a heartfelt and infectious sound. Their debut EP, “Not ‘The Baby,'” serves as a testament to their songwriting prowess and vocal harmonies, delving into themes of identity, relationships, and mental health. Having heard positive buzz about the duo, I eagerly anticipated my first firsthand encounter.
The duo graced the stage with smiles and waves, kicking off with the spirited and infectious “Back Row,” a song exploring the feeling of being out of place and yearning for belonging. Throughout their set, Prima Queen showcased a mix of tracks from their EP and introduced some new ones in the works. They transitioned seamlessly from the tender and poignant “Invisible Hand” to the playful “Dylan,” dedicated to anyone in the audience bearing that name. Their performance was marked by fabulous harmonies and the effortless exchange of lead vocals, effortlessly drawing the audience into their world, with many fans singing along word for word. They saved their best for last with “Eclipse,” a potent anthem that had the now fully engaged crowd responding with enthusiastic vocal support. This was my inaugural Prima Queen experience, but it undoubtedly won’t be my last; they’re an act to keep a keen eye on.
Dream Wife Band, a London-based quartet, blends punk, pop, and disco influences to craft a catchy and rebellious sound. Their latest album, “Social Lubrication,” fearlessly tackles weighty subjects such as gender, sexuality, and abortion with humor, sass, and a rebellious spirit.
The band burst onto the stage with boundless energy and enthusiasm, launching into the title track of their album, “Social Lubrication,” an invitation to dance and revel cheekily. The audience responded with equal fervor, jumping and singing along to the infectious chorus. Dream Wife then delivered a dynamic mix of songs from their three albums, demonstrating their versatility and range. They seamlessly transitioned from the fierce and feminist “Somebody” to the rowdy and provocative “Sports!” and the poignant and powerful “Curious.” Surprises were in store as well, including a spirited cover of t.A.T.u’s “All the Things She Said.”
Throughout the performance, the band’s charisma and camaraderie shone brightly. Rakel Mjöll, the lead singer, proved to be a captivating frontwoman with her expressive vocals and quirky personality. She engaged with the audience frequently, cracking jokes, paying compliments, and sharing stories. Alice Go, the guitarist, dazzled with her angular riffs and solos, also providing backing vocals that added depth to the songs. Bella Podpadec, the bassist, mastered the groove with her funky lines and rhythms, commanding the stage with boundless energy. Alex Paveley, the drummer, drove the performance with tight beats and electrifying fills, infusing electronic elements to create a dynamic sonic experience.
The pinnacle of the show arrived during the encore when the band unleashed “F.U.U.” The song’s lyrics spoke volumes, and it ignited a grunge-fueled dance frenzy that had everyone moving. Mjöll delivered her lyrics with a mischievous wink and an infectious smile. As the band bid farewell, they expressed gratitude for the audience’s support and took a bow with a wave.
Dream Wife Band stands out as one of the most enthralling and captivating live acts I’ve ever had the privilege of witnessing. Their unique style and unapologetic message resonate across diverse audiences, transcending backgrounds and age groups. They fearlessly embrace authenticity and express their viewpoints, all while delivering exceptional talent and an immensely enjoyable performance. If you ever have the opportunity to see them perform live, seize it without hesitation—you won’t regret it.
SET LIST
1/ Social Lubrication
2/ Hey Heartbreaker
3/ Love You More
4/ So When You Gonna
5/ Hot (Don’t Date a Musician)
6/ Orbit
7/ Somebody
8/ I Want You
9/ Sports!
10/ Leech
11/ Curious
12/ Who Do You Wanna Be?
13/ All The Things She Said
14/ F.U.U.
FOLLOW DREAM WIFE
FOLLOW PRIMA QUEEN
FOLLOW ASH KENAZI
