Live Review | CLUNK Magazine Presents LION @ Dead Famous, Newquay

Words by Kieran Webber | Photography by Kieran Webber & Em Marcovecchio

Well after months of planning, 100’s of emails and a lot of stress and tears we finally put on our biggest show to date. It was supposed to be an unofficial warm up part to Boardmasters but due to bad weather the festival canceled. This left a void of live music that we filled for the revellers to enjoy.

There was plenty of music on offer that spanned a variety if genres. We kicked things off with local slacker-indie band Flowers Of Palo, fronted by the illustrious Emma Chamberlain. Their care-free and natural cool blazes through their music creating a chilled atmosphere. This may have been one of the last chances to see them in Cornwall as they go off to conquer London, and we are sure they will.

Following on from this was the the psychedelic newcomers Stanley Duke & The Kindred Spirits, fronted by ex Lost Dawn of the same name (Stanley Duke). Stanley has long been a known figure throughout Falmouth and Cornwall, he’s a wonderful chap oozing in talent. This latest project may just be his most exciting yet, the barrage of rock n roll goodness backed by the nonchalant psychedelic vibes of the sixties makes it a real hit. The taste of what’s to come we got at Dead Famous has us very excited for the bands future. The journey has just begun and their future is already looking very bright.

Taking things to a more mellow mood was another Falmouth band Ronnie Cook & Friends, who formed at Falmouth University. Their music is filled to the brim with all that soul, imagine if Loyle Carner and Tom Misch entwined and had a baby. Their set was a groove riddled performance that was upsettingly beautiful. Each member was a professional in their field, particularly the drummer and vocalist Ronnie Cook. That voice could melt butter in an instance.

Closing the event off was the delightful, wonderful and brazingly brilliant LION. Her brashful rock n roll spread wide across the eager audience at Dead Famous. Tickling us with its fiery goodness. It’s powerful music that is driven forward by her gravely vocals. It has similarities to the The White Stripes and Janis Joplin but dripping in attitude. It was fantastic to watch an artist of such rising magnitude, knowing full well she is destined for mainstage success.