Chez Ali @ by:Larm 2019

Chez Ali was definitely one of the most accomplished acts on stage at by:Larm this year.

Chez Ali performed at John Dee on Friday night as part of the festival by:Larm 2019. The frontman and creator of the project, Elias Mahfoud, is originally from Stockholm, Sweden but the musical project came to life while he was living in London. The man himself has also been part of the project Steve Buscemi’s Dreamy Eyes.  

Cool and relaxed

Chez Ali offers a very solid show in front of a semi-full venue, which is understandable as it takes place quite late in the evening.  Shaped as a traditional four member band and nested in the indie pop-rock genre, Chez Ali takes to the stage with a very cool and relaxed attitude. It is easy to tell that they have experience in front of a live audience.  

The performance is both fun and strong, with a steady music quality through the night, although without many surprises. Elias jumps and dances from left to right of the stage, sings well and delivers his lyrics with the feeling of the now nostalgic indie rock from the beginning of the 2000s.

Worthy of attention

They are often compared to King Krule, but in my mind their sound is more joyful and reminds me of bands such as Vampire Weekend and Whitest Boy Alive mixed with Destroyer. Chez Ali has catchy songs and rhythms that grab the attention of their audience. As the concert goes by the band goes through most of their songs from their debut EP “Buenas Noches Club”, performing singles such as Adore You, Shake Shack and Blue Cheese.

In general I really enjoyed both the concert and the band’s music. The drumming is really good and the the band plays bits of jazz and soul here and there. Chez Ali was definitely one of the most accomplished acts I caught on stage this Friday, and without a doubt a band worth paying attention in the future.  

Chez Ali @ by:Larm 2019: 8/10