Gig: iDKHOW @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
iDKHOW by Liam Daysh-Holmes
For the first time in three years, iDKHOW electrified London with a memorable performance at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Kicking off the night was Balancing Act, whose high-energy set left the audience craving more. Lead singer Kai Roberts captivated with his stunning vocals, supported by the raw talent of Jackson Couzens, George Le Page, and David Carpenter. The night truly took off with iDKHOW's opener ‘SPKOTHDVL’, setting the stage for a thrilling 90-minute set filled with fan favourites and dynamic crowd interactions. Frontman Dallon Weekes' charisma and powerful vocals, coupled with the band's engaging performance and stellar production, created an intimate yet exhilarating atmosphere. This gig was especially memorable for our photographer, Liam, who celebrated his birthday amidst the vibrant energy of an unforgettable night, down in the pit!
Balancing Act
First up was Balancing Act, who really got the crowd going and we were gutted to only be allowed to experience them for the first three songs as they set the venue alight with their unwavering energy.
Lead singer, Kai Roberts not only has glorious hair we found out that night, but a stunning voice and was very much one of many highlights of the night.
But to be honest this smaller band needs a huge shoutout, every member has true, raw talent and made for a perfect opening act to prepare the audicne for iDKHOW. Defenitely keep an eye out for Balancing Act… With Jackson Couzens on guitar, George Le Page on drums and David Carpe
iDKHOW
iDKHOW who opened their night up with ‘SPKOTHDVL’. The song set the tone for an unforgettable evening, igniting the crowd's excitement and energy.
The atmosphere at Shepherd’s Bush Empire was almost static like! With energy buzzing through every floor of the empire and reverberating through the packed-out crowd. The audience's enthusiasm was made clear, with cheers filling the venue as the opening song ended and rolled seamlessly into ‘Do It All The Time’ and ‘Clusterhug’. These songs were met with an outpouring of approval, creating a thrilling environment even before frontman Dallon Weekes spoke a word.
Weekes held the audience with such might and determination, controlling the crowd’s energy. His vocal performance was nothing short of outstanding, effortlessly shifting through different ranges and maintaining power throughout the 90-minute power house set. This was particularly impressive during the first encore, ‘Nobody Likes The Opening Band’, where he showcased his range with a descending scale and a lingering final note.
Between songs, Weekes entertained the crowd with his quirky banter and charm, touching on the band's recent challenges, like the bus fire and account hacks during the Gloomtown tour. Recent additions to the band - Anthony Purpura, Isaac Paul, and Ronnie Strauss only enhanced the performance and allowed the band to produce an epic live show, moving beyond the pre-recorded tracks of earlier shows.
The lighting, staging and floor package added a classy touch and feel, creating a warm and inviting vibe amidst the crowd's energy. This allowed for an intimate and inclusive feeling that iDKHOW’s shows are known for, reminding everyone of the joy of live music.
Audience participation and interactions was a key part of the evening, with fans eagerly joining in call-and-response exercises and forming a harmonizing choir for ‘A Letter’.
Spontaneous acapella renditions of familiar bass lines further strengthened the sense of community among the diverse audience.
These interactive moments are a hallmark of iDKHOW’s shows, including Weekes’ walk through the crowd during ‘Visitation of the Ghost’. We love to see bands continue to do this as it reassures fans that the band's essence remains unchanged despite their growth. There’s just a consistent humility and approachability in their shows, regardless of the venue size.
