DENA – Birthdays, London 15/04/14

In a wonderful multi-cultural display that would put UKIP rightfully out of business, the small bunker in London’s trendiest neighbourhood was a melting pot of fans from across the EU. Languages mixed as freely as the drinks in anticipation for a lady who has been causing a wave through music and fashion alike with her laid-back, preppy approach to her art.

Young, hip and entirely likeable, DENA seems to be on the cusp of bigger things. She’s been busy earning touring stripes with the likes of Das Racist, Icona Pop and The Whitest Boy Alive, but with critically acclaimed debut album Flash released last month, she’s proved she’s more than ready for the limelight.

Bouncing lightly onto the stage - and staying on European theme by flying some Breton stripes in her outfit choice - she wasted no time in getting down to business with opener “Games”. A few bass-heavy issues were encountered as her sparse electro echoed a bit too heavy in the confined space, but by the time “Thin Rope” came around, everything had tightened to perfection.

With a simple no-frills piano introduction to “Jetlag”, DENA was keen to show everyone how she puts her songs together in her bedroom, revealing the most basic form of her songwriting before launching into a fully produced version of the tune.

Dancing erupted with at the opening beats of sassier house number “Boyfriend”, with DENA herself unafraid to set an example with her straight from the dancehall moves. More attitude-filled than purposely sexy, her enviable body popping was mimicked throughout the venue as only the deaf stood still. “Total Ignore” later elicited a similar response as ‘talk to the hand’ gestures were collectively thrown up.

After all the movement, a more sensitive side was shown in “Bad Timing”, in which a slower pace minced over lost love due to international date lines. Her trademark bass lines were ever present though, pushing things away from morose and into simply reflective.

It was 2010 single “Cash Diamond Rings Swimming Pools” that caused the biggest ruckus, with its repetitive hooks that bore straight into the rhythmic part of your brain. With every sashay, beat and display of strong femininity, DENA showed she’s definitely more than just a flash in the pan.

Setlist:

Games
Thin Rope
Jetlag
Boyfriend
Flashed
Bad Timing
Total Ignore
Dice
You Wish
Cash, Diamond Rings, Swimming Pools