The London based five-piece Daytona Lights perform a stripped down set to a delighted audience of MPs and UK Music supporters on the back of the excellent news that the live music bill has been all but passed today. This bill paves the way for an increase in opportunities for musicians to play and perform live in more places and under less complicated circumstances so will no doubt be a welcome addition to the statute book unless you live next door to a pub of course.
The band are a jolly bunch with strong tunes if you like your pop bouncy and full of spirited vocal harmonies, which I do.
The second track “Kings” is a stand out and rather apt given the grand surroundings of the parliamentary annex room and the presence of lords and ladies. Clean, melody rich guitar parts and ‘sharp as a scepter’ bass lines add a delight of layers to the well-crafted songs.
Front man Dan Laurence is convincing & confident, his lyrics jump out immediately and are clearly the product of an observant and canny individual. His confidence is further reinforced by his band mates forthright delivery, there’s a sense of space and musicality that references early 80’s guitar bands like Aztec Camera and in particular the vocal parts are so well executed its almost too good, Beach Boys standard (I kid you not).
The presence of the legendary Steve Levine as producer of their recently released debut long player “This Modern Landscape” has clearly helped DL hone their obvious potential and seeing Mr Levine lugging gear with them as head off to another show in Tooting says it all; much belief and determination.
It’s a short set and semi- acoustic so we should save any further analysis for another day, the aforementioned album is a real grower and well worth investing in.
Oh and a great venue too..
Words by Jason Bick
