Live Review: Dum Dum Girls @ Scala

by | May 3, 2014

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

One thing is sure, Dee Dee Penny of Dum Dum Girls has an attitude. She is going to sing and play her songs her way, dress how she pleases and you had better like it or else. Opening with Mine Tonight from the End of Daze it is easy to spot some of her many influences on the band. The sauntering low light back to the audience style of Jesus and Mary Chain, the brash arrogance of Siouxsie Sioux and the pure selfless pop of Blondie.

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

The set lasted for around 75 minutes, most of their songs are 3 minutes or less so I guess its hard t fill up time but for the really mixed crowd, in age and style, every second was worth it. The lighting was really atmospheric with a neon blue heart taking centre stage, flowers on the amps and mic stands and non stop blue, red and white light.

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

Sub-Pop signed the band in 2010 when Dee Dee was more or less a solo act using the name Dum Dum Girls. The shoe-gaze pop she crafted became limited in the bedroom and the band were formed for live dates and new albums. Early lines ups included the woman of many bands Frankie Rose.

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

Live they are dressed in black, Dee Dee stunning the crowd with her perfectly taped nipples in a see through top. The rest of the band Malia, Jules and Sandy don’t quite follow suit but Adidas attire and short skirts and suits are adorned perfectly.

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

The highlights go the set are the opening numbers including Bedroom Eyes, The sumptoiusly erotic Wake of You, a cuttingly sharp Rimbaud Eyes, a long time crowd favourite Are You Okay and the heart churningy brilliant Coming Down.

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

Dum Dum Girls, Dee Dee Penny, Jules, Sandy and Malia, play the Scala in London on May 1st 2014. (Simon Jay Price)

Review and Photographs: Dum Dum Girls at Scala on 1st May 2014. by Simon Jay Price

 

Domi Hawken (Press)

Domi Hawken Shares Defiant New Single ‘Break My Heart Again’

London-based artist Domi Hawken continues her ambitious run of monthly releases with the announcement of her latest single, Break My Heart Again.

Chloe Star (Kai Dickson)

Chloe Star Channels Defiance On New Single ‘Emergency Contact’

LA-based alt-pop riser Chloe Star returns with her latest single Emergency Contact, a bold and emotionally charged anthem that sees the artist transforming heartbreak into empowerment.

Damian Lewis (Steve Gullick)

Damian Lewis Announces New Album ‘Sweet Chaos’ And Shares Expansive Title Track

Award-winning actor and musician Damian Lewis has announced details of his second studio album Sweet Chaos, set for release on 5th June 2026, alongside the arrival of its powerful title track.

Angine de Poitrine (Constantin Monfilliette)

Angine de Poitrine Announce New Album ‘Vol. II’ And Sold-Out UK Debut Tour

French experimental duo Angine de Poitrine have unveiled details of their eagerly anticipated new album Vol. II, set for release on 3rd April 2026, alongside news of a completely sold-out debut UK tour this May.

Where’s Your Sense Of Adventure?! Crymwav Hit Islington

From the graffiti-ed basement of the iconic Hope and Anchor in Islington comes an irresistible Rock rumble. LA’s...
Scouting For Girls @ Latitude Festival 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Scouting For Girls Celebrate The Moment With New Album ‘These Are The Good Days’ And Huge 20th Anniversary Shows

Scouting For Girls are firmly embracing the present with the release of their new album These Are The Good Days, arriving alongside the announcement of the biggest headline shows of their career to date.

Jess Ball (Charlie Barton)

Jess Ball Breaks The Cycle With Emotionally Charged New Single ‘Roundabouts’

Melbourne alt-pop riser Jess Ball continues her ascent with the release of her latest single Roundabouts, a reflective and emotionally candid track exploring the difficult realisation that a relationship has reached its end.

The Gleeman (Press)

The Gleeman Continues Ambitious Trilogy With New Mini-Album ‘Even If You Miss’

The Gleeman has unveiled Even If You Miss, the second instalment in an ambitious trilogy of releases that is fast becoming a defining statement of intent from the songwriter also known as Dean Morris.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing