Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Damian Robinson enjoys a confident performance from the alt. rock band
Image: Walt Disco by Damian Robinson
Opening up tonight’s EMI North Showcase/Mercury Prize Fringe event is Leeds-based hyperpop duo Lucky Iris, who start things off with a bang. Mixing 80’s sounding synth pop with modern club textures, the duo pull together various beats and bips to form a solid 30 minute set; standout tracks include 2026 releases Fall in Love With The DJ and Lalalalala, which both provide pulsating dance floor textures and euphoric rushes. With a strong back catalogue already, and an enjoyable live performance, they’re certainly ones to keep an eye on.
A quick turnaround sees Walt Disco complete tonight’s showcase. Following a path similar to Kings of Leon, the band seem to have grown up considerably on their (recent) solid third album complete with shorter hair and more quaffed attire. Lacking none of their original New York Dolls edge, Walt Disco tonight seemed to have honed their craft and style in tight fashion – they still have the glammy, wired, live edge of their debut, but it’s now fixed tight with Bowie/Queen operatic moments, leather pants and a hard-to-fake onstage confidence.
Stand out performer Lewis Carmichael propels the show beautifully with grungy/arpeggiated guitar lines and stunning effects and reverbs, all of which provides the perfect platform for lead vocalist Jocelyn Si to dance/scream/vogue their way through a range of vocals and moods. Si’s performance is poised beyond belief tonight; their confidence growing hugely as a live performer and their vocals have a real range of depth, spanning operatic swoops to more classic pop elongations.
A guest appearance by South Shields’ Eternal Rin helps give the performance an even more exclusive feel. A new album, a new look, and a confident live show – they’re wishing on a star.
