CLT DRP - Live Review

CLT DRP / FIREBUG, LEICESTER / 28.01.22

CLT DRP are a force. I can’t really think of any other way to describe them. They definitely slide into that small category of bands that I would describe as “indefinable”. A mix of genres easily fused together; spewing out unapologetic feminist poetry mixed with an often wild and unpredictable guitar sound that often takes you by surprise by its ability to generate so much power and noise, all topped off by a powerful and often brutal drum sound - the clear backbone of the band. 

The Firebug Leicester is tonight’s venue, a small but cool joint and somewhere we haven’t ventured to before. The crowd is a wonderfully eclectic mix, it’s beautiful to see so much gender diversity and inclusion, this is a band that promote these things and it’s clear their gigs are safe spaces for everyone. It’s a more intimate venue than we’re used to but that adds to our excitement, so intimate in fact that lead singer Annie comes over to us to have a chat before hitting the stage. 

When CLT DRP do hit the stage, it’s almost by accident, no pomp or ceremony - just a band standing on stage being given the thumbs up. As soon as the first note hits it’s clear for all to see that CLT DRP are a special act, the 3 of them command the stage with an authority rarely seen by a band still touring and promoting their first album. Drummer Daphne is a force of nature, oozing passion with every strike. Annie’s vocal range has to be witnessed live to be fully appreciated; from that sweet singing voice, to the punk infused screams then to almost spoken word poetic style. Guitarist Scott looks like he is having a blast on stage, clearly not only a talented guitarist but also a technical wizard, looping as he goes, making one guitar sound fuller than some 5 piece bands I’ve seen. 

Hits of the show were definitely “Speak to My” and “Ownership” but the band chose to play some never-heard-before tracks, and they went down with as warm a welcome as any of the favourites, CLT DRP can do no wrong by us, or by the crowd there with us last night. The word “EPIC” is thrown around too casually nowadays, but this show was that, Epic. 

We’ve had a great night in Leicester, we can’t wait to head to the Venue in Derby on Wednesday night to do it all again. If you’re local to Derby then we can only suggest you head to watch Clt Drp. Its been a tough couple of years for independent bands (and venues) they need your support and there’s no better way to start 2022 than watching Clt Drp.