Straight off the hype from playing Slam Dunk over the weekend, L.S. Dunes headed to London to play two nights of intimate shows at the New Cross Inn and it was carnage. In the best way of course…

By Josephine Best | 31 May, 2024

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The intimate setting of The New Cross Inn, provided a surprising but perfect backdrop for the band’s 2 nights of back to back shows. When I think of L.S. Dunes playing in London, this venue would not even have made the top 10 of where I’d think to put them. I’d think The Forum or even Underworld, but the 400 cap space made it a truly unforgettable experience.

Suitably packed from front to back and side to side, L.S. Dunes stormed the stage kicking off their set with ‘Bombsquad,’ immediately setting the tone with its high energy and intense instrumentation. The crowd was visibly charged, screaming and jumping feeding off the band’s palpable enthusiasm. The floor was quite literally bouncing the atmosphere was something you just don’t get at bigger venues. Lead singer Anthony Green’s powerful vocals were of course a standout, effortlessly carrying the complex melodies and raw emotion of their discography.

Next, they launched into ‘Permanent Rebellion,’ a song that highlights the band’s signature blend of post-hardcore and alternative rock. I didn’t think the crowd could go crazier but I was suitably proven wrong with everyone screaming the lyrics of the bands iconic and most streamed song in unison. The intricate guitar work and driving rhythms had the audience fully captivated in a feral trance. This only further fuelled the chemistry between the band members, coming from bands like My Chemical Romance and Circa Survive to form an emo supergroup it’s an impressive sight to see each member contributing to a seamless and cohesive sound that is new and refreshing from their other projects most know them for.

‘Grey Veins’ followed, bringing a slightly more introspective and atmospheric vibe to the set. The haunting lyrics and moody basslines created a captivating contrast to the earlier high-energy numbers. We were only three songs in at this point and the venue was so hot and steamy, all the windows covered in condensation which only added to the crazy atmosphere. 

“As the day turns into night, it feels a little bit more witchy in here every second. This is really fun for us, alright no more talking, no more talking…”

Anthony Green of L.S. Dunes

A definite highlight of the set for me had to ‘Benadryl Subreddit’, with its intricate layers and experimental soundscapes that perfectly showcases L.S. Dunes’ creative range and willingness to push genre boundaries. Aforementioned, combining so many musicians who have already had such successful careers in music into one supergroup, the bar is set high and dare I say L.S. Dunes just break the damn bar. 

After what feels like a marathon long sprint of a set for the band and crowd (the only running you will catch us do and enjoy), the set concluded with their track ‘2022’, a fitting end that encapsulated the band’s ability to blow an audience away both lyrically and musically and with their infectious stage presence that drives the room wild. The energy in the room was electric, with the crowd singing along to every word, creating a sense of community and shared experience that was truly special and refreshing to be a part of.

Overall, L.S. Dunes delivered a powerhouse performance at The New Cross Inn. Their ability to combine technical skill with raw emotional intensity made for an unforgettable night for everyone in attendance across both nights. Each song in their setlist was executed with precision and passion, leaving no doubt about the band’s talent and potential. For fans of not just the members other bands and projects but post-hardcore and alternative rock, L.S. Dunes is a must-see live act. Trust me you will not regret it…

Be sure to check out the rest of the image gallery captured throughout their set here: