The opening night of Abbie McCarthy's showcase 'Future Karma' took to North London's Camden Assembly, for a stacked line-up of some of 2023's hottest prospects. Headlining were Dead Pony, a band who have been ripping up the punk rock scene in the past year with the release of a fiery EP War Boys.
It's a baffling stat that this was only their second headline show in London. They carry the energy of a mature, effortless live act who have been honing their trade for years.
Much more at home in the compact Camden Assembly setting than the squeaky clean Lower Third they played last September, the band showcased material from War Boys including the title track and the groovy, off-beat riff of 'I Don't Need A Lot.'
We were treated to some new material, with a Wargasm-esque sample showcasing a more jagged side to the band's future sound. Guitar-slash-producer extraordinaire Blair Crichton is a force to be reckoned with, knowing perfectly how to balance a unique riff with the appropriate level of descent into heaviness.
Vocalist Anna Shields spent much of the final number '23, Never Me' in the crowd, yet from the first minute it was an absolute takeover set from Dead Pony. Their stony Nelly Furtado cover of 'Maneater' topped off a live set that needs no refining. They might just be the leaders of the pack in the wave of Scottish rock that is dominating the UK scene at the moment.
Best Riff: Bullet Farm
You can listen to War Boys below:
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