Live Review

Lower Than Atlantis, Dingwalls, London

31st July 2014

Despite the runaway mainstream success of ‘Here We Go’, Lower Than Atlantis seem more at home in these sweatboxes than ever.

Words: Tom Connick
Photos: Sarah Louise Bennett
8th June 2014

As the opening crunch of recent radio hit and upcoming album teaser ‘Here We Go’ marks their arrival, Lower Than Atlantis immediately prove their eighteen months off the road has not squandered any potential. Their blinding white light-show seems fit for a venue far greater in stature than the dingy confines of Camden’s Dingwalls, and as it illuminates the grimy basement’s walls, the band themselves shine forth as the finely tuned juggernaut they always hinted at becoming, frontman Mike Duce in particular playing the archetypal rock star with aplomb as he commands sing-alongs and crowd-surfers with a wry smile.

The band’s troubles with major label meltdowns and as victims of their own punk-rock success have been covered - tonight, that’s all a distant memory. With a setlist that focuses predominantly on their scene-favourite second album ‘World Record’, Lower Than Atlantis seem more assured than ever. “I think the best fucking thing about this band, is the people that like this band,” asserts Duce to a riotous cheer, and it soon becomes clear that this back-to-basics tour has proved a successful way for the band to recoup after a tumultuous two years.

Their rediscovered confidence threads through every second, with a thunderous duo of ‘Love Someone Else’ and ‘Go On Strike’ showcasing a band at their most anthemic, clearly on top of the world. Aforementioned lead single aside, the only glimpse at new material comes in the form of ‘English Kids In America’, a shamelessly Sting-worshipping indie pop number that forms perfect vehicle for Duce’s songwriting talents. “I don’t want to sing any of this song,” he continues, oozing with a borderline Spinal Tap-esque charisma, “I sound like a cockney Kermit”. The biggest singalong of the night grants his wish, as ‘Deadliest Catch’’s lolloping swagger grants drummer Eddy Thrower a rare breather amongst his almost incessantly skittish licks.

The greatest hits set even makes way for rarities in the form of ‘Live By The Remote, Die By The Remote’. “This song was a B-side a couple of albums ago,” explains Duce prior to its airing, “I don’t expect you to know the words, we just enjoy playing it”. It’s this sense of unashamed enjoyment that becomes the marker for the whole evening. Despite the runaway mainstream success of ‘Here We Go’, Lower Than Atlantis seem more at home in these sweatboxes than ever. If there’s still any truth to Duce’s hints earlier this year that their upcoming album may be their last, the four of them can at least be sure they’re heading into their swansong from their surest footing yet.