Live Review: Dum Dum Girls @ Scala

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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