I can remember the first time I saw Deja Vega, they were on the bill at 2017 Skeleton Coast Festival and though surrounded by a number of notable psychedelic luminaries their class shone through even then. over the years I’ve gone out of my way to catch them, supporting Mugstar at Night and Day, at Night People for Astral Elevators psych fest anreven Liverpools own 81 Renshaw Street (when it used to put gigs on…). So there’s my opinions, up front. I rather like this band.
They played the Hangman’s Pub for the Smithdown Festival, deservedly the headliner at that venue and it was as ever a fantastic show. Deja Vega can take all the psych mannerisms the so many bands use and turn dirge like with and simply turn it upside down. Never slow, constantly shifting whilst appearing not to change, motorik drums with much more of a rock band kick expertly struck, basslines that can hold one note for what seems like hours driving the tension up to almost unbearable levels and then an insanely good guitar sonic assault layered on top. Add some psych keyboards and occasion distant sounding vocals and there you have the band. Explaining them (attempting too anyway) is not the same as standing in front of them live and feeling their bone crushing attack.
Deja Vega, ace band, see them, it’ll be more than good.
Words and Photos: Richie Yates
Links:
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