Dum Dum Girls, The Lexington, London

This is a matter of ignorance versus the unexpected. From the overplayed demos of yore, it can only be assumed that Dum Dum Girls should carry a look not all dissimilar to that of the Vivian Girls, but then who should be the judge of looks here? We’re talking sounds.

Bathed in light, past a sea of, let’s just say it, baldness, Dum Dum Girls stand tall (literally), clad in black dresses and quirky tights. Three dark haired, one ginger… ring any bells? However the emanating sound is not nearly the same as IF; live, DDG sound, well, altogether 60s. The steady and rarely changing drum beat bats for the Shangri-Las and Ronettes of today. Wall of Sound-esque guitars, leaving us expectant of a Spector spotting, drown front woman and founder of the band, Dee Dee’s vocals. There’s a hunch that it may not be down to the strings though: is the mic turned on? Such a shame, she sings so sweet.

Upset aside, the set is tight and pleasant. Dee Dee and her lead guitarist bop about merrily, overshadowing the bassist’s sulky demeanour. The songs keep everyone’s toes tapping, and tracks such as ‘Yours Alone’ and ‘Catholicked’ are veritable floor fillers, hips swinging and arms flailing. The crowded room is a happy one and it’s hard to begrudge the girls’ lack of charisma. They smile, sure, but apart from a couple sheepish “Thank you”’s, the banter is scarce. It weakens the effect of the music. How to separate one track from the next; they’re falling over each other. Slipping into one another. A little verbal punctuation wouldn’t go amiss. Are they scared of us? We sure as hell won’t bite. But it seems that neither will they.