Gig Review: The Belair Lip Bombs at Scala, London

A momentous headline show for Melbourne's indie risers.

Fresh off the release of their second full length album ‘Again’, The Belair Lip Bombs returned to London's Scala for their biggest headline show to date. It’s not often you see an international band play their biggest headline show overseas, but with a brand new repertoire of songs and the support from Jack White's renowned label ‘Third Man Records’, it’s easy to see why.

In sync with their new album, they opened with ‘Again and Again’, a fun fueled track that sets an energetic tone from the jump. It was an odd sight watching lead guitarist Mike Bradvica sat in a chair nursing a broken foot but in no way did it affect his playing. The crowd matched the song's energy as they sang along to the new tune released just a few weeks prior. Vocalist Maisie Everett didn’t hide her elation as she traded smiles with the audience.

Despite the show being centered on the band's new album, fan favourites from their debut ‘Lush Life’ were very well received. ‘Gimmie Gimmie’ was met with an overwhelming response, as Everett chewed on her words before she spat them out with a sort of smugness, effortlessly cool. This was followed by arguably the biggest song in the band's repertoire, ‘Look The Part’, one of the lead singles from their much loved debut record. Jimmy Droughton flaunted his bass ability with a solo which may have been even better received than the song's introduction.

Halfway through the set, Everett took position behind her keyboard as the band went into their soft and vulnerable number ‘Burning Up’. The room was still yet enthralled, an insight into the depth and versatility of the band's song writing. Everett then announced that for the second time ever the band would be performing a cover as they went into a groovy, piano-led rendition of The Clash’s ‘Train in Vain (Stand by Me)’.  A fun take on a much loved London classic that had everyone dancing. Drummer Daniel Devlin joked about the irony of playing a cover of The Clash in London. I speak for the entire audience when I say it was a good move.

As the show hit its end, The Belair Lip Bombs introduced their final track ‘Don't Let Them Tell You (It’s Fair)’, another crowd favourite from the new album. The growth of this band over the last year has been incredible and they’re showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. Keep your eyes on The Belair Lip Bombs.