Qulture Magazine

Photos & Words: Laura M Ross

Arriving at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh on what seemed like the coldest night of the year so far, I already knew the night was going to be good when I saw a snake-like queue of eager fans lined up outside for what seemed like miles. Every one of them was in good spirits and had dressed up for the occasion, to match TLDP’s aesthetic. Once inside I made my way to the front and was met with a pit full of lovely female photographers (rare to have so many of us together) and we were all excited for this one.

First up was their wonderful support act ‘Imogen and the Knife’. I had never heard of this Newcastle formed outfit, fronted by Imogen Williams before, but their vibe was giving as soon as they came on stage. Imogen was wearing a black velvet peplum blazer that almost looked Victorian, with white lace tights and a puffball style red tartan mini skirt (fitting for the Scottish venue and crowd). The lighting was kept simple but the songs were not. I can’t pinpoint her sound, but it’s an eclectic mix of rock and grunge elements with pop and instrumental/classical as a base, I was a hundred percent digging it. The song ‘Mother of God’ hits hard with gentle spoken then melodic vocals from Imogen and a super catchy repetitive riff from the electric guitar, going off into a mix of neat bass, drums and trumpet. It’s one of those songs you could easily listen to on repeat as its non-offensive, but prominent enough to make you remember it, and it sounded amazing live. The set was full of beauty due to Imogen’s ability to blend her smooth, light vocals with melancholic piano playing. The room and crowd almost in complete silence at times, while people took it in. It will be interesting to see what’s next for Imogen in the new year, once this run of shows with TLDP ends.

There was a short break, and the crowd was getting excited, I could see groups hugging each other, and honestly, it just felt like a big family of misfits, in the best way (myself included). Being ‘normal’ is overrated and TLDP seem to have found the key to inclusivity with their fanbase. It felt very much the same as a Chappell Roan concert in terms of everyone being and feeling welcome to be themselves. Everyone was just there for a night of no drama, no politics, fun.

I made it back into the pit for TLDP coming to the stage and I regretted not having my earplugs in, as the screams from behind me when they walked on stage were deafening. Of course, their stage set was amazing, white theatrical curtains draped along the whole back wall which were lit up, red, pink and orange throughout. The bands wardrobe also did not disappoint. Lead Singer Abigail was wearing an eye-catching period style dress with off the shoulder straps, in a black and white stripe pattern, guitarist and vocalist Lizzie wearing a pinstripe navy suit, almost 70’s in style, bassist Georgia matching the 70s theme in a long ivory lace dress that created a whimsical and nostalgic Woodstock vibe. They all looked fantastic, and I really appreciate when a band puts just as much effort into the whole experience of their show, not just the music. This was well thought out and it showed.

Opening with Agnus Dei, they kicked off their set in style. If you haven’t heard TLDP before, a) Where have you been? And b) Their sound will take you right back to the height of the seventies and early eighties, even if you never experienced that era the first-time round. The Kate Bush influence is very apparent, but they also have an air of Florence and The Machine about them. Don’t get me wrong though, their sound is still very much their own and Abigail’s vocals along with her stage presence take you on a journey through every song. She twirled around the stage, using every part as her prop, and at one-point, during their song ‘The Feminine Urge’ she climbed up on the platform at the back, almost sinking into her dress as she fell to her knees to sing, just adding to the theatrical drama of it all. From a photographer’s point of view, we were absolutely lapping up the silhouettes and poses that were being thrown our way. They were all a dream to photograph.

After the first three songs, we were able to join the crowd again and just take in the rest of the show. I do however love that they opened their set with some of their heavy hitters and didn’t keep them all to the end like some bands. This seemed to get the audience going and helped set the tempo of the night. One of the highlights for me was when they performed ‘Second Best’, which showcases the multiple talents of each member. It opened with them all singing in almost operatic tones, like a choir and when it kicked into the chorus it was clear the crowd couldn’t get enough, the smiles on everyone’s faces were unified, it was amazing to hear this song live. Mid-set Abigail read out a sign that someone was holding up eagerly in the crowd that said ‘will you draw my first tattoo’. She then hopped off the stage, went right up to them and had some funny back and forth banter with them while she drew a ‘lamb’ of all things, which another member of the band joked, resembled ‘something else’ from up on the stage.

To finish off this beautiful night, they ended on my favourite song ‘Nothing Matters’. If you haven’t heard this song, then you need to open a streaming a platform right now and get it listened to, the venue was just electric with everyone singing along. TLDP then had a small encore where they Played the morbidly titled, but strangely upbeat number ‘This is the Killer Speaking’ which had everyone dancing, and finished on a repeat of Agnus Dei.

All in all, I had a great time at the show, and I think this band will be around for quite some time because they have the talent and work ethic to back it up. 

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