Drenge

Undoubtedly one of the best live shows. Well I’ve seen them 8 times now, but that says it all really. Drenge are a grunge/rock duo from Derby who make thrashing, short and snappy, not so radio-friendly songs with rather angry titles – Face Like A Skull and People In Love Make Me Feel Yuck, to name just two. Among the places I have seen Drenge play live are Camden Roundhouse, where they supported Arctic Monkeys on their leg of last year’s iTunes festival, Latitude festival and various smaller venues around Nottingham. Upon leaving at the end of each show, I just can’t wait to see them again, and there aren’t that many bands which have had the same effect on me.
They’ve gone from strength to strength and manage to get either a tiny room of 50 fans starting a mosh-pit from the first song, as they did at Nottingham’s Chameleon Café to opening for Arctic Monkeys and seeing the same result. But instead of 50, it was more like 5000 people head-banging and getting fully involved.
Their Latitude festival set saw them play at midday to a hipster, mainly young crowd. Not exactly the ideal time slot, but nonetheless … it’s as intense as it gets. The Loveless brothers, Rory and Eoin rattle through fast paced 2 minute punk rock track ‘I Wanna Break You In Half’ and by the third song ‘Going Crazy’, the teen crowd have formed a mosh pit center stage.
And this is all before the duo have played any of their recent singles. ‘Bloodsports’, is urgent and angst-y, before ‘Dogmeat’ and recent single ‘Backwaters’ see a little kid crowd-surfing; and I mean little – probably 8 years old. Eoin pauses to makes sure he’s okay before continuing …
‘Let’s Pretend’, is slower with swirling guitars and heavy drumming while Eoin growls into the mic. It seems Drenge are the sound to represent an angry generation of teens who are well and truly pissed off. Eoin thanks the audience before finishing with ‘Face Like A Skull’ and dives into the crowd.
As Alex Turner said at The Brit awards, Rock and Roll certainly will never die, and its bands like Drenge who are undoubtedly justifying that bold statement!

Derbyshire lads done well Eoin and Rory Loveless could not have imagined the critical praise their grunge rock outfit Dredge would have amassed in a short time. Through the support of a number of esteemed British publications, the duo have played huge sets at some of the UK's most impressive platforms including Reading & Leeds and Glastonbury's John Peel Stage. Creating a huge amount of noise for just two musicians, they have drawn the bystanders into their raucous tents across the UK during festival season and the majority have stayed on as dedicated fans.

The debut showed promise whilst the 2015 follow up 'Undertow' offered real purpose. It was an incredible selection of post-grunge, alt rock anthems which truly come to life in a live setting. You cannot quite contain the growling tones of 'Running Wild' on a record so when played out all the angst and strife escapes and is fuelled by the equally expecting crowds. They say sincere thank yous throughout and you do get the feeling that neither could have imagined this scenario from their idyllic countryside beginnings. Fortunately through great support from the likes of BBC Introducing and NME the world is aware of this great band.

Fantastic gig!! Second time I’ve seen them and the boys were amazing. High light for me was Let’s prentend, which seemed to get louder and louder. 10/10 and 2 thumbs up.

Drove from Montreal to Boston to see these lads live, it was worth the drive. Love their sound and raw talent. Listen to Drenge. Catch them live if you can.