Deadletter

Stylus, Leeds SU

Support: Velvetine

Deadletter returned to Leeds to take on their biggest venue to date on their Hysterical Strength Tour. 

After selling out Brudenell Social Club in October 2023, all eyes were on Deadletter to see how they would handle the bigger stage and capacity of the University of Leeds SU basement venue which has hosted the likes of the Brian Johnstown Massacre, Johnny Marr, and Fontaines D.C. over the years.  

Taking to the stage first was Velvetine; an alternative rock group from London. Their gothic/shoegaze sound combined with the echoey vocals of Mia Scarlet, delivered from a moodily lit stage, provided a haunting and captivating opening to the show. Velvetine’s new single, ‘Traces’, sounded impressive live and felt like a band growing in confidence. 

Deadletter burst onto the stage opening with ‘Credit to Treason’, the opening track from their new album. It was instantly clear that they felt at home on a stage of this size and were going to command and own it. It begged the question how had they ever performed on anything smaller.  Shirtless lead singer Zac Lawrence captivated the crowd with his wittering and writhing that connected each song to the next. He was greeted by the rowdy return chorus of “Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Yorkshire” whenever the opportunity arose after reminding us that the band have Yorkshire blood running through their veins. 

Classic singles like ‘Degenerate Inanimate’ and ‘Binge’ had Stylus bouncing and dancing one minute with the rhymical storytelling of the more recent ‘Practice While You Preach’ and ‘Auntie Christ’ entering the crowd into a trance-like, head bobbing state. The latter also saw Lawrence strap on a 12-string acoustic guitar to show that even the folky ring of an additional 6 strings can find its place in a post-punk set up. The crowd itself was from all walks of life showing how great of a pull this band’s music has. 

There is no doubt that Deadletter came and conquered Stylus on their upward trajectory to significance on the post-punk scene.  

Review and photo by J. Konopinski.