Die Twice have the wow factor. Last weekend they performed a debut gig at a new band showcase at Exeter Phoenix, put on by Joe Duddell the composer and producer who has worked with the likes of Elbow, Richard Hawley, and New Order. For a debut, you would've been forgiven if you assumed Die Twice were seasoned pros. The lineup for the evening consisted of three young bands, all there to show what they have to a sold-out audience. First on - there was Beach Café – who were good and proved to play well starting the evening off with some great tunes, including The Yardbirds number Heart Full of Soul. Then came on Die Twice who really ramped it up and blew the roof off the venue, and lastly the most experienced of the three bands Idol Giants – who for a three-piece produced a great sound and were as you would expect from the most experienced of the three bands to be on that night. The only possible criticism would be that they didn’t play as many of their own songs as Die Twice did. Who in fact only performed one cover – in their eight-song set - not that anyone would really have known it was a cover - as it was actually rearranged with a reggae style, a rhythmic and very danceable version that was in complete contrast to the French-styled original of Koop’s Koop Island Blues. The song was so successful – anyone listening would have thought it was another one of their own perfectly crafted songs.

Yes. Die Twice really did shine out of the three bands that were on that night. They seemed to be in a league of their own and were a refreshing surprise.

This promising young band consist of-

Olly Bayton – lead vocals, guitar
Sam Harris – lead guitar,
Zak Zaffiro – rhythm/lead guitar, vocals,
Finn Lloyd – Bass guitar
Jake Coles – drums.

Each member of the band is only 17. They have only been together for a year – yes that’s right – only a year- and yet they sound like they have been honing their craft for many many years.

Olly the frontman is a natural. He works the crowd like he has been performing all his life. He doesn’t standstill. You can see those at the front are captivated and are hanging onto his every word. His voice has a fantastic tone when he sings the more harmonious parts, and yet he can scream and project his voice like many of the best frontmen out there - can’t help but imagine the likes of a young Alex Turner of The Arctic Monkeys not doing any better. Olly is definitely the perfect man for the role. Sam on lead guitar is a truly talented musician. His guitar playing is superb, he is a multi-instrumentalist and can play the piano beautifully – although as yet with the band we have only seen him play the guitar so far. Zak mainly plays rhythm guitar, but can equally play lead. He also provides extra vocals and harmonies, adding well to the dynamic. Then we have Finn – who looks younger than his 17 years. His bass playing is very accomplished. Originally used to playing the guitar, he was instructed to try the Bass only recently, and he has taken to it straight away. The bass guitar sounds quite prominent in the band's sound – but in no way does it seem like it shouldn’t be. If anything it drives things along perfectly. Lastly Jake on drums is again a skillful drummer, and like all drummers has a sense of humour. Sat behind the band he looked comfortable and assured. It’s quite clear there is confidence within the band. But it is assured confidence. They aren’t arrogant. They are tight and have a work ethic that shows true potential. This showcase is their chance to say look we are here to wake you up and have a good time.

Before this debut gig they have been working really hard they have ambition and a drive that is great to see. They recently recorded a 4 song EP with the Two-Tone legendary Grammy awarded, Coventry-based producer Roger Lomas. Which in itself shows they are already creating a buzz. A buzz that is bound to get louder as they continue taking the right opportunities that come their way.

They have released their first single - Pumpkin Spiced Latte – which is available to stream and download now on Spotify and Apple Music. They also have a second single Lady which will be released this weekend.

For a debut performance, I don’t think it could have gone any better - the atmosphere in the room was electric, and that was thanks to the vibe Die Twice created. Majority of the crowd on the evening were students from Exeter, and they clearly liked the band, and I expect their new fan base will grow quite considerably on the back of that performance and their new release.

They seem ready for the exciting road ahead, and a career that is wholly deserved should they stick with it. I for one look forward to seeing them get properly signed and seeing them take off and be successful. The self-penned songs and their musicality will take them far if they want it enough.

They have released their first single - Pumpkin Spiced Latte – which is available to stream and download now on Spotify and Apple Music. They also have a second single Lady which will be released this weekend.

For a debut performance, I don’t think it could have gone any better - the atmosphere in the room was electric, and that was thanks to the vibe Die Twice created. Majority of the crowd on the evening were students from Exeter, and they clearly liked the band, and I expect their new fan base will grow quite considerably on the back of that performance and their new release.

They seem ready for the exciting road ahead, and a career that is wholly deserved should they stick with it. I for one look forward to seeing them get properly signed and seeing them take off and be successful. The self-penned songs and their musicality will take them far if they want it enough.

You can follow Die Twice on Instagram @dietwice