Adult DVD
Shacklewell Arms, London
February 11th 2026
Tom Parry sees that the hype around Adult DVD is founded on real talent at the first of three sold-out nights in London.
Adult DVD are a band with a lot of gear. Wires everywhere. On the small stage at the Shacklewell Arms, there’s not much space for manoeuvre. But on an otherwise miserable Wednesday night, they fill the breathless, sweaty room at the back of this always lively venue with a crackling energy which is much more than the sum of its parts.
This is a band on the cusp of elevation to the next level, and based on this performance, they merit the hype.
What distinguishes Adult DVD from their spiky peers is the synthesis of pulsating synth energy, danceable grooves and forceful attitude. They are reminiscent of many other acts that bring together similar elements, but are really distinctive. Shades of Hot Chip’s multi-tasking groove, a bit of The Rapture’s rhythmic drive, and elements of more recent bands easily pigeonholed as dance punk, whatever that is. But this group is sufficiently unique to forge its own path.
Though the cramped room seemed to be full of people in the know, you got the sense that they could easily whip up a much more challenging and less easily susceptible audience.
The set was relatively short, only 11 songs, indicative of a fledgling band still not quite fully formed, but there was more than enough there.
Harry Hanson is a vigorous, confrontational frontman. In this space, he was in everyone’s face. Co-founder Greg Lonsdale and the other band members are completely immersed, locked in, moving constantly, all playing a part.
Sometimes the combination of guitar, bass, and drums, with knob-twiddling and the less perceptible movements of electronic music, can seem like a slight con trick. You can’t quite work out what everyone is contributing. This wasn’t like that. It all worked together, even when the contributions couldn’t all be pinned down in the endearing chaos of a spirited gig.
Check out the band on Facebook | Instagram
~
Words by Tom Parry, you can find his author’s archive here, plus on Twitter and his website
Photos by Robyn Skinner, see her Instagram
A Plea From Louder Than War
Louder Than War is run by a small but dedicated independent team, and we rely on the small amount of money we generate to keep the site running smoothly. Any money we do get is not lining the pockets of oligarchs or mad-cap billionaires dictating what our journalists are allowed to think and write, or hungry shareholders. We know times are tough, and we want to continue bringing you news on the most interesting releases, the latest gigs and anything else that tickles our fancy. We are not driven by profit, just pure enthusiasm for a scene that each and every one of us is passionate about.
To us, music and culture are eveything, without them, our very souls shrivel and die. We do not charge artists for the exposure we give them and to many, what we do is absolutely vital. Subscribing to one of our paid tiers takes just a minute, and each sign-up makes a huge impact, helping to keep the flame of independent music burning! Please click the button below to help.
John Robb – Editor in Chief
