The first time I saw Déjà Vega live it was in Gorilla. I had little idea what to expect and was completely blown away, almost physically. So returning tonight, with a new album under their belts. It’s fair to say expectations are pretty high. This could be dangerous, but Déjà Vega do not disappoint. Full disclosure I’m here late. I’ve a good excuse though, watching Thank nearly destroy Gullivers across town as part of Fair Play Fest. I’ve not missed much though I’m pleased to hear and instantly I’m up to speed. You can’t not be with Déjà Vega, they pull you in. I’m enthralled by Mike’s bass, he’s so good. All three are though, that’s what makes them one of the best live bands around. Guitars shred and the pit erupts. Gorilla isn’t the biggest room, but it’s pretty full on. Things get a bit sexy on ‘Slow and Steady’. We may be in a venue under a railway, but close your eyes and we’re out in the desert at dusk. The tempo is up again for the quite spectacular ‘Harmonia’ from the second album, with Jack teasing glorious sounds from his guitar, as Tom’s drums smash away underneath. It’s so good. The new songs sounding just as great as those from the debut. They're also bloody good to run to if you're into that sort of thing. Sequencer blips introduce ‘Catharsis’ before it unleashes its indie banger identity. The pace is crazy and the pit struggles to keep up. In fact most of the set is full on. ‘Mr Powder’ is insane. Cranking faster and louder, as Jack grits his teeth and goads the crowd “We’re gonna burn this fucking place down”, bit much but we get the point. ‘Who Are We’ is a juggernaut as middle age men hold on to their glasses and bounce with all their might. Before things go ballistic as they finish with ‘The Test’. It’s like an entire set in one song, thrashing and twisting over near 15 minutes. The tension building for what can only be described as an apocalyptic finale. “All step closer to me” Jack beckons. He wants a ride, surfing out into the crowd, first with the mic, then a few times with his guitar, still playing as he watches the ceiling pass by. Everyone looks knackered and rightly so. It’s a helluva set. I’m not done though. Back to Fair Play Fest I go, but with a smug satisfaction that I made the right call to get to Gorilla and witness true brilliance.
