This is only the third date into Brody Dalle’s UK tour, and a distinct type of excitement pervades the Electric Ballroom tonight. Followers of The Distillers and Spinnerette have been allowed the privilege of witnessing renditions of songs they never thought they’d see live again.
Mercifully there doesn’t seem to be an irritating “who’s the biggest fan” competition which sometimes accompanies such tours; instead, a mutual understanding is apparent. But it’s obvious that her distinctive voice and attitude have been very much missed.
Dalle opens with Rat Race, followed by Don’t Mess With Me, establishing her new sound. If there was any doubt that her voice lacked that uniquely recognisable rough edge on recent debut solo album Diploid Love, this performance reassures that the rasp is alive and well. The two songs – catchy, fun, heavy – set the tone for the rest of the night, as everybody present is clearly in awe of the woman.
She ploughs into I’m a Revenant, a surprisingly emotional experience. A roar emanates from the audience; to the untrained ear, this might sound like a typical punk song, but all around faces are overwhelmed with emotion and joy. Lips mouth every single word, grins are wide, there’s even the odd happy tear. A sense of togetherness – not readily available elsewhere in life – empowers us.
Brody Dalle plays eight Distillers songs, including Dismantle Me, and of course Coral Fang and Sick of It All, always with an intense energy. Her movements on stage are simple, her now-blonde hair standing out against a room dominated with black. She also treats the audience to a cover of Hybrid Moments by Misfits and the Spinnerette song Ghetto Love.
To finish? Distillers classic The Blackest Years, before a new song, Underworld. She is honest and announces that “this is my encore”, without leaving the stage; there’s no bullshit or waiting around.
Brody Dalle may have grown up, had kids, formed a family, but she’s still the queen of punk rock.
