This evening was another show delayed for 2 years due to lockdown restrictions. Yet with Dream Wife finally back in Portsmouth, it’s starting to feel as though the Wedgewood Rooms are catching up on the backlog.
As such, there probably wasn’t anyone more excited about being at this gig than the band themselves. Eagerly sitting in front of the barrier, ready to watch their own opening act.
LUCIA AND THE BEST BOYS
Although it was a shame that local ladies, Halliwell, had to cancel due to being struck down with Covid, it meant Lucia & the Best Boys went on a little earlier. Luckily enough people were there to witness a group, who quite frankly, were probably the best up-and-coming supports I’ve seen in quite some time.
Led by the incredible voice of Lucia, the singer commanded the stage like a seasoned pro. Live they were pretty dark and very synth-heavy, whereas since listening back to them on record they seem a lot more dreamlike. Yet either way, it really works, making Lucia and the Best Boys a band Mr Teeth will certainly be keeping an eye out for in the future.
What’s more, it’s worth noting they hadn’t long been at the venue either. Having driven all the way down from Glasgow, Scotland before arriving at Southsea’s Wedgewood Rooms.
Photo Credi: Sam Taylor (Dream Wife – Wedgewood Rooms 2018)
DREAM WIFE
If there’s ever a band that just oozes endless joy, it’s Dream Wife. They’re always unashamedly having plenty of fun. Even when bassist Bella Podpadec hit the deck early on it’s with a smile on her face. All the while performing pop bangers including “Hasta la Vista” alongside tunes with more of a punk-rock stance.
When it comes to introducing a new song “Hot” we get the best of both worlds. It starts off with the usual hooks, but soon has vocalist Rakel Mjöll more shouty than normal. In contrast, another track making its debut slowly builds from encaptivating spoken word, into boundless energy.
As a singer, Rakel’s voice has the ability to switch from sweet and innocent, to a more “f*ck you” attitude on the likes of “F.U.U”. Although no matter what, it’s always met with an ever-positive happiness and total respect when addressing the audience.
DREAM WIFE – WEDGEWOOD ROOMS
This is also true when encouraging the self-conscious to be comfortable about who they are. Whereby the wonderful “Somebody” sticks two fingers up at the more judgemental. It’s all part of a wider pro-female and non-gender specific agenda Dream Wife are (quite rightly) proud off. After all, in life, we should all be treated as equals. Yet put 3 young ladies on stage and all too often, there’s always someone out there looking to sexualise things.
Although it’s not just about the women, with everything backed up by their friend Alex Paveley. Having joined the fold once the 3-piece got signed just 4 years ago, the drummer helps ensure Dream Wife stay solid throughout the night. As a result, completing a rhythm section that allows for more creativity from the alternative noodlings of guitarist Alice Go.
Dream Wife – Wedgewood Rooms 2022
Both albums “Dream Wife” and “So When You Gonna…” are available via independent record label Lucky Number Music.
