Issue 7 – Live Review: Stonny The Donny @ Dingwalls 17, London

The band we all need: emotive chords, catchy riffs and picture-painting lyrics. India Langley, words.

If you’re looking for an artist with a bit of grit but with a chilled jazzy flair, then let me introduce you to ACM’s very own Stonny The Donny, and the events of their brilliant live show in Camden in January.

As soon as their performance starts, I’m immediately hooked on their music. It’s clear that there’s a lot of jazz influence with the chord choices; however, there was a hint of something else in there, too, not too dissimilar to alt/indie rock, but to call it “indie rock” doesn’t give the music justice. The emotions behind this music were made even more evident through Stanley’s vocal delivery, alongside the poetic lyrics that truly paint a picture. When listening, his vocal tone immediately reminded me of Dan Smith of Bastille.

The chord choices of this band’s music matched perfectly with the feelings behind the words, and the guitar’s tone just added even more to the overall enjoyment I got from this gig. There is tension. There are catchy riffs. There are basslines that you can feel throughout your body. 

The crowd are fully immersed in the music, swaying right in front of the band.

The gig feels intimate, with the setup being floor-level and comfortably diy. The lighting was dim, adding to the overall atmosphere of the performance. On stage, the band are clearly enjoying themselves and fully in the music. The drummer and bassist, the whole band, were well-rehearsed while keeping a natural feel.

Stonny The Donny gives a strong performance, and the sound quality is high throughout.

India Langley is studying guitar at ACM Clapham, London. She is in charge of the band and artist billings for Metropolis Blue. Contact her via thebuzz@acm.ac.uk

https://www.instagram.com/stonnythedonny