Gig Review: Dry Cleaning At O2 Academy Brixton

Dry Cleaning return home to South London as they conquer one of London's biggest stages.

Since forming in 2017, Dry Cleaning have been a staple London band for some time now, rising up through important independent music venues we all know and love like The Windmill and the Shacklewell Arms. Fresh off the release of their third full length album ‘Secret Love’ – Dry Cleaning return to South London, this time to O2 Academy Brixton for their biggest headline show to date. Since hitting their stride in 2021 with their debut record ‘New Long Leg’, Dry Cleaning have played a list of memorable shows and stages – from festival headlines, to support slots with the likes of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. Even so, a headline performance at O2 Academy Brixton feels like a defining and memorable moment in the band's history.

After a very warm welcome from a faithful London crowd, vocalist Florence Shaw introduces ‘Sliced by a Fingernail’, the band's newest single released just weeks earlier. Shaw stands tall in the middle of the stage as the rest of the outfit creates a wall of sound behind her. Shimmery guitars help form Dry Cleaning's signature atmospheric instrumentals whilst the crowd stays captivated by Shaw's cadence and lyrics. Although the room stands so still, it's amazing to see how spellbound the entire audience is. Fan favourite ‘Her Hippo’ is met with a massive cheer, encouraging some crowd movement, Tom Dowse’s guitar echoes through the venue backed by Lewis Maynard's bass. ‘Scratchcard Lanyard’ similarly showcases the continued mutual love of the bands debut record, starting a little moshpit in the middle of the crowd. O2 Academy Brixton really suits such a big instrumental band like Dry Cleaning, the quintet sounded absolutely enormous. 

‘Joy’, arguably the bands strongest track from the new record, shines, showcasing elements of their early sound – wobbly leads driven by bouncy bass whilst drummer Nick Buxton keeps everything tight and together. Shaw’s vocals hit as hard as ever as she waves a tambourine towards the audience – the crowd absolutely loves her.

As they’re encouraged to return for an encore, ‘Hit My Head All Day’ is chosen as the closing track to the bands monumental 20 song set – once again Dowse’s guitar slices through the rhythm section, pairing with Shaw's monotone yet perfectly suited singing voice. You can sense the joy Dry Cleaning is feeling as they say their goodbyes, it’s refreshing being involved in a show where both the crowd and band can share such a reciprocal feeling of appreciation for one another.

Seeing such an important band in the grassroots music scene play on such a big stage like this continues to show how crucial independent live music venues are for bands and creatives alike. Gigs like this need to be celebrated for what they are, showcasing such an inspiring band who have helped form the London music scene into what it is today.

Dry Cleaning continue their mammoth tour run, heading to North America before venturing across the pond to Australia and New Zealand.

Photography By: Molly Boniface