Dream Wife / The Bodega / Nottingham
A trip into Nottingham on a damp night for a show I was not going to miss. I had been scheduled to cover Dream Wife at their largest headline show at the Electric Brixton before Christmas, but signal failure resulted in a three hour train delay and the decision to jump off at Peterborough, and head home again
So here we are the Bodega for the visit of Dream Wife on the second part of their “Social Lubrication” tour.
First up on stage were G4yb0y. I had no idea what to expect, but the duo put on a very entertaining set, one dressed in a Sylvester the Cat costume, the other in shorts, vest and balaclava. They engaged with the crowd effortlessly, and noted that being on a bill with Dream Wife and dream Nails, for one night only, they would be known as Gay Dreams ! With the music provided from a laptop they danced and delivered some brilliantly quirky lyrics, with tracks entitled All My friends are Drag Queens and the set closer Ellen DeGeneres Piss Fetish. I didn’t know she had any, let alone that one ! lol I loved it, a vey entertaining and fun start to the night.
Next up were three piece band Dream Nails, who have played the Bodega before. I really felt for Dream Nails. Having arrived just before the doors opened, I was setting up the camera when they came rushing in. Their car had broken down and they only just made it in time, just time for a quick set up.
However, it certainly didn’t put them off, as they delivered a brilliant set. A DIY band with a really strong ethos and angry militant stance, they were strong, powerful but engaging and fun too. Vocals were shared between Anya and Mimi and half way through Lucy on drums spoke to the crowd about the importance living your dream and ‘going for it’ offering up a pair of drum sticks to anyone in the crowd who dreamt of setting up a band. Hands went up and the lucky winner was loudly cheered.
Despite the travel issues they did brilliantly. I’d love to see them play again.
A final re-set of the stage, equipment removed and new gear set up and tuned, and we were ready to go. The Bodega was packed full and the crowd were eager for Dream Wife to take to the stage. Formed in Brighton back in 2016, and now London based, Dream Wife are Icelandic born Rakel Mjöll (vocals), Alice Go (guitar & vocals), Bella Podpadec (bass & vocals) with Alex Paveley on drums. 2018 saw the release of their self-titled debut album, followed by the 2020 release of “So When You Gonna…..” and their most recent album “Social Lubrication” was released late in 2023.
Hitting the stage, Rakel announed that they were proud to be spending valentines night with us in the Nottingham, the ‘city of love’ to huge cheers as they launch into the title track form their new album Social Lubrication. The energy levels are amazing, and never drop through the set, especially from Bella on bass, jumping about on the tiny stage.
So When You Gonna is a big hit with the crowd who are dancing away and joining in with the lyrics. As it draws to a close Rakel asks her bandmates in turn if they are hot, and Alice says she’s real hot and proceeds to remove her jacket, apologising to her Nanna as she stands there with strategically placed black tape, and with that the give us Hot (Don’t Date a Musician) (from Social Lubrication).
It’s followed by a fantastic version of Hasta La Vista and the hits continue with Orbit, Sports!, Somebody and the brilliant Curious Over the years Dream Wife have matured musically and the latest album produced by Alice which was delayed due to the pandemic really shows their strengths, but also their calmer side. Whilst everyone still wants to hear FUU, Hot, Somebody and Hey Heartbreaker, they also included songs like Hasta La Vista in the set.
Perhaps the highlight of the night was when Alice introduced her Nanna to the crowd, and she got up and got to the stage for a big hug and was introduced as the ‘original bad bitch’ Taking the mic, Nanna told everyone, ‘that’s right, I’m a bad bitch’! The crowd went wild and shouted and cheered as she made her way back to her seat.
As the set ended, there was no better track to end on than the brilliantly punk track F.U.U. (Fuck U Up). Everyone is up and jumping, and floor was bouncing underneath us ! There’s an incredible energy about the place. Everyone is happy and relaxed. Their message is a powerful one. We’re all individuals and important and capable of anything. As Rakel said “ I’m not some body….. I’m somebody”. There’s a unity and a sense of freedom in the air.
Dream Wife are one of the most enjoyable live bands around at the moment. Watch out for upcoming shows, you won’t be disappointed.
