Satan’s Hollow, Manchester

As DSF assemble on stage, vocalist/bassist ‘Grog’ immediately draws all the attention. Dressed to kill in a figure hugging black cat-suit, her beguiling looks and sultry demeanor are bewitching! Launching straight into “Bitterness by Discipline”, the power trio immediately hit the sweet spot, with kick-ass down-tuned metal guitar, grunge-laden bass lines and an obvious band chemistry that fits like the proverbial glove! Next up, “Spawn of Dysfunction” delivers yet more, with its catchy composition and a chorus section which simply rocks you into the rafters!

In parallel with their existing material from “Spawn of Dysfunction (2004)”, and “Not Everybody Gets A Happy Ending (2008)”, three tracks off the forthcoming third album serve to further tantalise in the form of “Mercury”, “Raven” and “How Vampires Kiss”.

As their music clearly attests, there is nothing superficial about DSF. Grog’s bass chops are no less impressive than her deportment is commanding. Vocally, she delivers with precision, and from soft fills to punched-out power vocals she executes her craft with absolute mastery.

On lead guitar is the quite staid, yet no less interesting Drew Richards, who is surely a candidate for Mr. Cool? The combination of his chord work and the quality of his sound far out weigh the sum of their parts, and his lead work is equally impressive.  Al Fletcher is the third magical ingredient here, as solid as they come, he tirelessly fills in every available space with percussive bursts of energy.

DSF impress to a high order, and the emotional energy they impart makes you stand up and pay attention. Perhaps the most poignant and moving song is delivered in the encore. “Not Everybody Gets a Happy Ending” simply captivates in every possible way, and leaves you desperate for more. From tonight’s performance it’s surely a foregone conlcusion that the new album will please!

Set List: Bitterness by Discipline, Spawn of Dysfunction, Halloween, Mercury, Existential Baby, Raven, Pigsy, How Vampires Kiss, Vorvolaka, Kiss the Floor, Gang of 1, Not Everybody Gets a Happy Ending.

SB.