For the sixth night of the King Tuts New Year Revolution festival, bands Matt White and The Emulsions, Guevara, SlowDance & Fatale played at the infamous venue on the 9th of January.
Matt White and The Emulsions
First up we saw Matt White and The Emulsions open at 7:45pm to deliver easily one of the best sets of the night. The keyboard gave a unique feel and sound that took them from an indie band to the next level. They debuted their only single available on Spotify, ‘Lovechild’, released just this past December which I admittedly haven’t been able to get out of my head.
The lyrics are catchy, the abrupt pauses draw you in and the raspy vocals are laidback. It simultaneously works perfectly together. Just as you think the song has ended, about a minute in, they reel the audience back in with an upbeat guitar feeding into a speedy rhythm in the pre-chorus and into the main chorus; “Freedom at last, freedom at last, better off now, better off dead.” For being the first band of the night I was astounded with how great this group is, the crowd was heaving and for good reason. This band is one to look out for in the scene as we go into this new year, definitely keep an eye out to see what this band can bring to the table at their upcoming set in the Rum Shack on the 7th of February.
Guevara
Guevara took the stage at 8:30pm with a statement before a note was played. The band decked out in a coherent uniform of sunglasses and the lead singer’s hat, a visual echo of the band’s unity with a particular spotlight on the singer. The venue’s lights dimmed, casting long shadows and fog, masking the space in a moody atmosphere.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the debut of their new single ‘American Idle’. The twangy guitar riffs intertwined throughout the repeated lyrics “are you watching” after the drums, reeled the audience in and kept their attention. Lyrics repeated again with “you know nothing” with dragged pining guitar.
Slow Dance
Slow Dance arrived at 9:15pm with an intro that was a slow-burn that gradually built up into a drum-heavy rhythm. Breaking the barrier between the band and the audience, the lead singer invited those lingering at the bar to join the audience at the front which set the tone for an intimate and communal experience.
Their single ‘Stay for the Night’ showcased clear vocals and a noticeable Sam Fender influence. The raw emotion in the delivery of the lyrics was palpable, resonating with the audience on a deeper level. Single “Wasting Away” contrasted, showing a more experimental sound with focused instrumentals. Then came single ‘Lacey’ and particularly single ‘Watching the TV’, which was introduced in rather simple terms and dry humour; “This song is about watching the tv…”, further providing a familiar ground for their last set at the King Tuts Summer Nights last year. Announcing that they were going away to record some new music, the band excited audience members awaiting to see what they have next in store.
Fatale
The anticipation was high for the headline, Fatale, who performed sharply at 10pm, “When we got the headline we couldn’t believe it and now we’re here,” the lead singer announced, instantly forging a connection with the crowd. One thing was clear from the very start, Fatale just looked cool. With their matching hats, they exuded an effortless sense of style.
Not long after, the singer took his off and then head banged on and off stage. The band then launched into a cover song, putting their unique spin on a familiar tune. The highlight of the night came with the introduction of a new song. “This is a certified classic, even though it’s not out yet,” the lead singer declared with a cheeky grin.
During the song, the lead singer leaned into the crowd, hanging onto the barricade as the audience sang into the mic. It was a moment of pure rock ‘n’ roll connection. Fatale is one to look out for, as they are due to release new music soon.