LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: DEAF HAVANA AT KOKO, LONDON 10/10/25
In the grand, red-lit embrace of Camden’s KOKO, Deaf Havana delivered a set that walked a fine line between the familiar and the new. Balancing nostalgia with evolution, the Norfolk-born band revisited the anthems that built their reputation while confidently showcasing material from their newest record We’re Never Getting Out, proving they are still redefining what it means to grow without losing sight of where they’ve come from.
“Hello I am Favourite Daughter and these are my less fortunate siblings.” first up tonight, Lauren Hibberd isn't new to the industry, but her recent reinvention as Favourite Daughter brings a fresh twist to the music she has previously put out under her own name.
“I don't have any songs out, but that's about to change”, she informed us as she launched into ‘The Pinkest Bathwater”. We are treated to a sweet, cheeky and confident array of tracks about everything from blowjobs, to moving to London and getting your phone stolen.
Opening up with the upbeat ‘Sinner’, Deaf Havana - comprised of brothers James and Matthew Veck-Gilodi - wasted no time diving into the grit and soul of their classic material, setting the tone for an evening of pure, raw alternative rock. Next came ‘Carousel’, the single from their new record, reaffirming that they are far from a band trading solely on past glories. ‘Mildred’ gave the crowd a trip down memory lane as one of their earliest works from 2013, the guitarist’s vocals also showcased in full force.
‘‘Come on let’s have a fucking laugh’’ exclaimed frontman James Veck-Gilodi, getting the crowd excited for what’s to come. Highlights from the early set included ‘Fever’ and ‘Worship’, where Veck-Gilodi’s vocals took centre stage in all their vulnerability and rawness.
When the familiar chords of ‘Pensacola, 2013’ rang out, the crowd erupted immediately, marking the first of a few major callbacks to the band’s earlier years, a nostalgic gut-punch.
That emotional throughline continued into another acoustic track with ‘Lawn Tennis’, a tender moment that turned KOKO into a communal singalong. The pacing of the show was well considered: the intimate, confessional songs gave space and breathing room; the more anthemic ones injected urgency, urgency that came back with the fan favourite ‘Happiness’.
Between songs, James spoke candidly about the band’s journey and the connection they share with their fans:‘‘it’s incredible seeing you grow, from the depth of my being thank you honestly” after recognising familiar faces in the audience. His brother Matthew echoed the sentiment later: “I feel the love in this room, it’s incredible.” There was a real sense of connection between the band and the fans, and the love was reciprocated back by the brothers who kept thanking the crowd for being there tonight.
Their new material from We’re Never Getting Out felt at home here in the magnificent venue of the KOKO. ‘Frida, 1939’, ‘Hurts To Be Lonely’ and ‘Car Crash’ were embraced wholeheartedly by the audience. But as expected, the older, “classic” Deaf Havana numbers such as ‘Pretty Low’, ‘Sing’ or ‘22’ drew the most reactions, with cheers, hands in the air, voices cracking on familiar lines: the audience’s connection to the band’s history was more than honoured.
The final few tracks ‘Hell’ and ‘Anemophobia’ sent energy levels through the roof, with fans dancing and shouting along to every word. The band ended the main set with the powerful ‘Trigger’, a flawless closer to a night full of heart.
Deaf Havana’s return to KOKO was a celebration of endurance and connection. After years of reinvention and reflection, Deaf Havana stood tall again, reminding us why they’re still a vital force in British alternative rock.
Words: Florelle Servageon
Photos: Imogen Bird
Full setlist below:
Sinner
Carousel
Mildred
Fever
Worship
Pensacola, 2013
Lawn Tennis
Happiness
Frida, 1939
Pretty Low
Sing
Tuesday People
Hurts To Be Lonely
Kids
22
Car Crash
Tracking Lines
Hell
Anemophobia
Trigger
