Vanderlye launched their debut EP at Nice N Sleazy on Friday 23rd May, supported by Ryan Harley and his band. The EP was introduced with the release of the single Reckoning on Spotify a week prior, and the song has been stuck in my head ever since — it’s still echoing in my thoughts as I write this review.

The night opened with the energy of Ryan Harley, whose rough, powerful voice filled the venue. His standout moment was an electrifying cover of …Baby One More Time, which instantly lit up the room and perfectly set the stage for the main event.

When Vanderlye took to the stage, they made a quiet but unmistakable political statement by draping a Palestinian flag across the front of the keyboard. They opened with Guilty Lovers and Heartbreak Serenade, easing the crowd into their world of poetic melancholia and stirring melodies.

Tracks from the debut EP followed, including The Plastic Ego — currently my personal favourite — and Terrible Comfort, another song that refuses to leave my mind. One of the most poignant moments of the night came during Romantic Anarchy, as frontman Sean delivered a moving performance on keys, the flag still visible, reinforcing the band’s emotional and political expression.

Later in the set, they played Understand and Reckoning, with Becky’s vocals soaring beautifully through the venue. Her voice — both sweet and powerful — filled a room already singing along with these instant classics. The atmosphere was electric, intimate, and genuinely heartfelt.

Vanderlye remind me of other bands, though I can’t quite connect the dots. They brought me back to the days when I was an avid listener of The Killers and Editors, though any similarities seem to fade before becoming concrete. In truth, Vanderlye might just be one of a kind.

The set concluded with a full-throttle finale: There Must Be a Way Out and Blackout Sky had the crowd jumping, sweating, and fully immersed in the moment.

I sincerely hope this EP brings Vanderlye the success they deserve. They’re a solid band with a clear identity and a distinctive sound — capable of great things in the near future.

Article: Marco Cornelli