Having just released their debut album Shimmer Gold, London’s Dexters, are keen to make a splash. With a headline show at London’s Garage on Saturday (5 April) as part of their UK tour, the band have been giving particular thought to the after gig “anthems” they end the night with – whether it’s on the bus or crashing the local indie club or student night. “Everyone’s got a different perception of what an anthem actually is,” writes frontman Tom Rowlett from the road. “When we think about anthems we look to such bands as Kasabian and Oasis, the latter of which forced their way into this exact same dressing room we are sitting in now some 20 odd years. There will always be a place for a good anthem, if done right there is nothing better. For us an anthem is a song that stands the test of time, draws people together and in some cases defines a whole movement or genre. We feel that we have some anthemic songs in our repertoire, and hopefully we’ll have a few more under our belts in the future.” Here’s his Playlist of songs that will keep the vibe going…
The Stone Roses – I Am The Resurrection
“In a pub we frequent a bit to much (the Bricklayers Arms, Hoxton) the song was on the juke box as number 27/11. I would always shout to anyone who was next to it to play 27/11, and if they didn’t we always did…”
Oasis – Live Forever
“This song made me learn the guitar, write songs and want to form a band – I can’t give it a higher compliment.”
Kasabian – Fire
“We listen to this one all the time in the tour bus, keeping the vibe big after gigs. I remember blasting it out when driving through Leicester with the windows down… which went down a storm obviously!”
The Replacements – Unsatisfied
“A bit of a sad anthem but great to play when your bummed out. Whatever’s happening you know your probably not as depressed as Paul Westerberg was when he wrote it.”
The Strokes – Someday
“Proper indie club anthem! We’ll always have it to The Strokes at some indie club and you can bet the dancefloor will be packed when it’s on!”
The La’s – There She Goes
“Not only a anthem but it’s the perfect pop song. We always used to learn and play La’s songs in rehearsals when we were starting out.”
The Who – Baba O’Riley
“What a great song the perfect way to start one of the best albums ever. If you were a fly on our dressing room wall, you’ll have caught us playing air guitar, bass, drums and violin on this one many a time!”
The Small Faces – After Glow
“Love this band they have a shed loads of anthems, so I just picked this one because we was listening to Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake the other day in the van – such a class album.”
The Clash – Train In Vain
“Last track on London’s Calling, one of the best albums ever so good to play while drunk in the back of the bus.”
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Redemption Song
“Proper classic! I love playing this one on the acoustic. I heard that one time a friend of a friend was walking back from a band rehearsal and some guys threatened to mug him unless he played them Redemption Song. The would be muggers were impressed so he was allowed to keep his belongings!”
Paul Simon – You Can Call Me Al
“It’s not all indie clubs after our gigs, sometimes the venue turns into a 80s night or student night. This song came on recently. It’s so cheesy but so good I can’t help myself but dance like a fool!”
For more head to Dextersband.co.uk.
