I remember being at the first ever L.A. Witch UK show. It was at the Shacklewell Arms in 2016 and there were definitely more of us in the room than there should have been. It was packed, it was sweaty, and it was one of the best shows to have ever been played at that venue. It was one of those gigs that just stay with you. It came from YEARS of waiting for that moment. I wrote about them in 2011/2012, and it’s been an obsession ever since. They are a joy to see live, and they have this sound that is just so cool. When we went to see them last night, I’m pretty sure I kept turning to my girlfriend to tell her how cool they are. I was just in awe. I just bloody love them.

One of the best things about an L.A. Witch show is that it’ll leave you wishing you could start a band, and that’s pretty much a common theme for when I go to a gig. In a past life, I probably was in a band. Or maybe when I die and come back again- I’ll be in a band. I’ve loved seeing how the band have grown and developed their sound over the years (if I count how long I’ve been a fan, I’ll start to feel old again and panic!) They just have this dreamy sound and beautiful stage presence that has you entirely hooked. They rip through their set (with an encore!) and tear the Brude apart!

The songs from their new record, DOGGOD were clearly meant to be heard live. The record is a work of art, and to see the songs live take it elsewhere. I’m pretty sure I spent the whole set with my eyes closed and swaying. I was just really happy- and L.A. Witch will make you do that. Their music will cast a spell on you, and you’re hooked. You’re completely all in. They are easily one of the best bands to see live, and the way they play together is just a delight to see. The only thing that’s offputting is that the front row is full of old men. I’ve noticed this every single time I’ve seen them (and other female fronted bands), and they are evidently not taking videos of the band playing. They are zooming in on their faces and legs. It’s absolutely vile and it makes you want to take the phones out of their hands and smash it up. Maybe we should start doing that. I can only imagine how uncomfortable it makes bands feel when they do this, because it’s bloody uncomfortable to see. Just stop it. They’re old enough to be your kids. Imagine if some creep was doing this to your kid.

The band rip through a solid mix of old and new songs, and it just makes you really treasure this band more than you already did. For me, hearing Baby In Blue Jeans live will ALWAYS do something to my soul. At one point I nearly did cry and it’s fully down to how gentle Sade’s voice is on this song. She has such a distinctive and soulful voice, and this song really really shows it. 777 live is like a religious experience, and the balance of old and new songs just really shows how solid and influential their sound is. It’s so distinctive and just comforting but also pushes you into the unknown. You don’t know what you’ll get, and that’s what makes them such an exciting band. You simply could never ever get bored of L.A. Witch.

There are so many highlights during the set, and I Wanna Lose is easily one of them- especially when they all just rip the place apart. The way the set flows is just divine, and given how strong each song they have is- how on earth would you expect them to craft such a tight setlist? Are songs missing that you want to hear? Absolutely. But does it matter? Not at all! Every song is just a delight to witness. Someone called out for Motorcycle Boy to be played, and sure that would have been a treat for the ears- but we got Starred which is truly something else live. Like, if I wanted to tell you which song summed up just how great L.A. Witch are live- this would have been it. The way Sade just annihilates the guitar and at times I felt like I had found The Cramps for the first time watching her, Irita is THE coolest bass player you’ll ever see, and makes it look so effortless. Ellie is probably the most underrated drummer around and makes it look SO easy, and the addition of Clamart on this tour is next level. All 4 of them are just phenomenal musicians, and put that altogether? Well, you’ve got the best band around.

When L.A. Witch tour over here it’s always really special because it’s so rare. There were a few years in between this tour and last, and I hope the wait isn’t so long for the next one. They’re one of those bands that I could happily watch every night and not get bored. They’re just such an exciting band and they just really, really make you love music. I hope that in the crowd there was a young kid listening and thinking, “I need to do this!” And left inspired wanting to create a band because let’s be honest- L.A. Witch are the kind of band who will have and will be inspiring kids to pick up an instrument and make their own noise. If I was 20 years younger, I’d have done the same.

It was some show, and seeing Sade afterwards was a personal highlight. She’s truly the coolest and kindest souls out there. There’s still a few UK dates left, so get yourself a ticket and go see the best around! Honestly, L.A. Witch just make you really dig music. There’s something about their dark and eerie sound that feels like home, and it makes everything alright- y’know? That’s such a rare thing, and when you find it, it just means the world and beyond. I just really love this band and I think I get that across with everything I write about them. I just adore them so much.

As I often do, I thought of my friend Raz whilst at the show. When we walked in, I saw someone at the front and from behind he looked exactly like him. I cried because part of me wanted to believe he hadn’t left us 2 months ago but also the realisation of him not being here. He would have loved the show last night, even if it was in “dirty Leeds.” So again, this one is for you Raz. You’d have loved it.