Live Review

Dreadzone – Scala, London

• 11th Dec 2010

Dreadzone are a rare glitch on today’s music scene: wholeheartedly and unwaveringly dedicated to their roots no matter what the current consensus may be on what’s hot and what’s not. But with their winning formula of charisma and soul combined to make a rhythmic, gritty yet warming musical extravaganza, why would they even give a thought to change? Of course, that’s not to say that they are a stagnant band; Dreadzone are always evolving and this, their ‘Eye on the Horizon’ tour, is testament to the band’s ever-lasting ability to please their increasingly dedicated fan base.

The Scala is the perfect setting for this intimate band: not too large, not too small and sufficiently un-pristine and well loved. The room goes from being almost empty to jam-packed within what seems like seconds as ‘The Wednesday Night Crew’ (so dubbed by the wonderfully entertaining and charming front man MC Spee) burst into frenzied and completely uninhibited dance from the word go. Half way through the set, Spee calls to the crowd, asking “do you get the feeling that Wednesday night turned into Saturday night about half an hour ago?” and I think the cheering and applause from the crowd is answer enough.

I have never been even remotely disappointed by anything Dreadzone have produced, and Wednesday’s show was no exception. One really can’t help but enjoy this band, if not because of a love of their music but because of the unique atmosphere created by a Dreadzone crowd; with no other band I have ever experienced do you find sixty-somethings furiously jiving alongside trendy young girls wearing fairy wings to celebrate a birthday. Dreadzone are all inclusive with their retro blend of beats (and I use the word ‘retro’ very literally, the band doesn’t seem to have left the ‘90s!) which bring a sense of nostalgia even with a brand new song. Listening to Dreadzone is like slipping into your old favourite (but still far from threadbare) jumper.

Songs played from the new album go down a treat, even the more unexpected tracks like ‘Changes’ (based on the song by Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne) and ‘Gangster’ but the best reactions certainly come from new and not so new classics alike, such as ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’ and ‘Iron Shirts’ which has never failed to initiate audience participation.

The band is as tight as they have ever been and the flawlessness of their playing really helps both the band and the audience relax into their music. But the star of the show is most certainly MC Spee himself, the only front man I can think of who can single-handedly raise the roof of a live show without ever leaving his chair. Crutch or no crutch, half the story of Dreadzone’s music is told through his movement alone and in fact rather than being a hindrance, his crutch only advantages his ability to reach out to the audience (literally). A front man as popular as Spee has only helped himself with the addition of an extendable arm!

Dreadzone are a welcome constant on the gig circuit with an ability to charm young, old and somewhere in between alike into freeing their inhibitions and getting into the ‘zone’… although without any dread, I would think. I am only sad their show was over so quickly, but I guess it’s always for the best to leave your audience wanting more.