COOL AND COLLECTED: DOPE LEMON DELIVER CHILL INDIE-FOLK AT INTIMATE LONDON PERFORMANCE

The London rain had set in, but there was no way it was going to dampen the mood. With beers and albums clutched in hands, chatter fills the air, but is soon extinguished by the telltale signs of a band about to come on.

Angus Stone strolls on stage followed by his band, including Delta Riggs Frontman, Elliott Hammond. With the low lights and buzz of instruments the room takes on a dreamy state. The first banjo strums of Stonecutters almost breaks the spell, before being saved by its echoey guitars and steady beat. People cheer, but most of the crowd settles into an easy sway.

The band runs smoothly through a couple of other songs, including Hey You from their latest album. The announcement of Home Soon is met by instantaneous cheers and shouts. An all-round fun and upbeat tune. The bongos and pan flute make it impossible to not groove along to.

Stone is mostly known as one part of the sibling duo Angus and Julia Stone (circa, 2006) but has also put out solo work. However, it is with his side project, Dope Lemon, where he seems most at home.

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Thanking the crowd they transition into Uptown Folks, the last song of the night. Coming off of Home Soon the crowd is more energetic, bopping around and singing along a bit louder.

At all times they play as if strumming in a mate’s backyard, creating an atmosphere as though they’re playing just for you. Stones crooning and slight husky sound furthers the intimate setting. They are one of those band you have to see live.

Highlight: Hearing the story behind Home Soon. A sample of the Chakacha’s song Stories, which Stone first heard in a video game.

Lowlight: They only performed one song from the new album

Crowd Favorite: Home Soon

Check out Dope Lemon’s new album Smooth Big Cat, out now