Kitty, Daisy and & Lewis, the multi-instrumentalist sibling trio from London, have always been on my radar however I never really managed to fully click with their music. Recorded it has a precision and deliberate retro feel which never quite connected with me. I’ve always appreciated the talent and attention to detail of their records, however sometimes it felt a little cold on my ears.

Seeing them perform live changed this. I now feel like I understand their music more and it’s a good place to be because performed live it has a convivial and infectious spirit.

The way they switch instruments each song adds a carefree feel to the performance; taking it in turns to do drumming, guitar, piano or singing duties. Kitty, Daisy and Lewis’ music feels as if it was never designed to be heard recorded, sitting at home with the headphones on. It is music to dance to, music  to be experience and share with others. It was this communal feeling, one of everyone sharing in an evening together and having a laugh with some music.

The Britishness in their stage banter made me feel at home. Tales about getting drunk at the Speakeasy the last time they were in San Francisco and other stories again solidified the notion of music which was to shared.

On the way home, I put there music on again and it sounded a little different. The knowledge of their live show added a warmth to familiar songs. Sharing an experience with a few hundred strangers can do that to you. Kitty, Daisy & Lewis are well worth the entrance fee if they come to a town near you. Their collective spirit adds a warmth and presence to their music. It’s a special aura and one their recorded music (or any one’s for that matter) would find hard to replicate.

Rob