Dananananaykroyd@Academy 3 29/10/09

Glaswegians Dananananaykroyd not only have one of the contenders for best band name of All Time Best Band Names but they are rapidly confirming their status as one of the must-see live acts currently wowing audiences up and down the country. Their mix of scream-core math rock and poppy melodic sing-a-longs is an infectious blend that’s virtually impossible to refuse. Tonights Academy gig is an All Ages affair which means by the time the lights start to dim down the front half of the venue sounds like a school assembly gone berserk. A large group of teenagers have wedged themselves against the stage barriers and are singing the ‘Dananananak-ROYD!’ mantra and pumping their fists in the air.

The band amble on stage all skinny jeans, baggy T-shirts and floppy fringes and take a few seconds to high five the front row before launching into early single “Totally Bone”. The band are well rehearsed, uber tight and manage to all jerk their skinny bodies around in unison. The mosh pit at the front instantly explodes into a see of arms and legs and the occasional thrown shoe.



After a quick shout-out to local favourites Dutch Uncles they fly into the stellar single Pink Sabbath. Danan’s trademark quick flurries of melodious guitar chords mixed with abrasive riffage and smart tongue in cheek lyrics is easily whipping the crowd, and not just the young ones, into a frenzy. Halfway through the set they divide the crowd and attempt what they call the “Wall of Cuddles”; One side of the room runs directly at the other and vice versa. They are careful to explain to the overeager audience that the idea is to cuddle as many people as possible and stress that “moshing is for losers” thankfully what could be potentially an ugly incident ends as a peaceful hug fest and the band blast into the fantastic ‘The Greater Than Symbol and The Hash’ from their Sissy Hits E.P.

The bouncers leer hungrily from the wings taking obvious glee in dragging off over energetic youngsters attempting to stage dive. Finally the band finish their set with the epic ‘1993’, encouraging the crowd to sing along as second singer and part time drummer Calum Gunn runs around the venue dishing out hugs to all and sundry. The girl stood in front of me wraps two sweaty arms around him and I’m not sure she’s prepared to ever let go.

Dananananaykroyd obviously have a strong connection with people, and not just the young. As they wave goodbye to the crowd they make a point of thanking the oldies (over 18s) stood towards the rear of the venue. There aren’t many bands who could have you bouncing off the walls one minute and then charm your pants off the next.

Easily one of the most exciting and vibrant bands around at the moment, their fearsome live reputation is well earned. It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with these cheeky Glaswegians. They certainly brightened my day.