Dan Croll headlines The Lexington in London

Liverpool’s Dan Croll launched his latest single ‘In Out’, with a sold out debut headline show at The Lexington in London last night, topping an impressive bill of UK newcomers presented by Communion.

Following performances from Macclesfield five-piece Racing Glaciers and increasingly note-worthy Londoners Khushi, Croll proved why his fun-fuelled brand of indie-pop is attracting such deserved attention.

His show has taken on an added level of professionalism, surrounded by a tight-knit band that bring colour and life to his obvious knack for infectious, smile-inducing songwriting. ‘Compliment Your Soul’ and the aforementioned single provided the best examples of this; summery melodies, warm layers of harmony and restless rhythms dominate throughout.

The ghostly ‘Can You Hear Me’ shone a light on another direction he is capable of, alongside the folk-inspired angle that still plays its part. With its clicking drum sample and organ-filled refrain, ‘From Nowhere’ sounded every-bit the potential hit single it did when it first caught our eye this time last year, and remains a real highlight of the set.

This longer outing provided a welcome opportunity to hear new material, notably an expressive and poignant autobiographical ballad, which will feature on a forthcoming full length, due to appear in January.