It’s a Friday night in King’s Cross, and The Water Rats - once a proving ground for a fresh-faced Oasis - brims with the raw electricity of a new generation making waves in the underground scene. Liliths Army are launching their debut album 'Doll', and they've assembled a lineup that energises the room.

Leeds trio Kath and the Kicks open the night with an intense set. Midway through, their drummer hammers the kit so relentlessly that he splits the drum skin. But nothing’s stopping this lot. Frontwoman Kath, a Salford University alum, commands the stage with natural confidence. Before launching into their grungy, riff-heavy single 'Wild Side', she turns to the crowd and delivers an unexpected proposition: “We’re making an AI-cut video - so flip your cameras, let’s see your faces!” It’s a fun, interactive moment that engages the audience, with Kath encouraging them to send in their videos to be included in the final AI-cut production.

Healthy Junkies hit the stage next, and there’s an immediate shift in weight. Their brand-new bassist, Joe Gaskill, brings a richer, more defined groove to their set, adding an extra layer to their signature blend of Punk energy and Glam-tinged theatrics. The sound is fuller, but the band’s raw, unfiltered style remains intact.

No Feelings showcase their 'Selfie' EP in full, kicking off with the hypnotic 'Underground' and running through 'Selfie', 'Top 40' and 'Miss Me'. They also throw in a cover of the Pistols’ 'No Feelings', a nod to their influences, delivered with their own distinct style. The set is tight and well-received by the crowd.

By the time Liliths Army take the stage, the room is buzzing with anticipation. Frontwoman Sylvie, a bleach-blonde firecracker with a dynamic voice, wastes no time. 'Helpless' opens the set, its sweeping cello and violin parts adding an unexpected elegance to the mix. Then, in a blink, the mood shifts - 'Eat My TV' kicks in, the tempo rockets, and Sylvie dons a pair of Graceland-era Elvis sunglasses, playfully sticking her head inside an inflatable TV frame. It’s both lighthearted and striking, reinforcing the band’s charismatic presence.

By the time they hit 'Sick of It', the room is fully engaged. The song - gritty, powerful, and charged with frustration - resonates with the moment. Then comes 'Doll', the album’s namesake, a title Sylvie reveals was a nickname given to her - though she never specifies whether it was affectionate or backhanded. The track carries emotional weight, delivered with raw honesty.

They close with 'Possessed', a high-energy finisher that sees their drummer, Sam Sherwood, delivering thunderous, Dave Grohl-esque beats. As the last note fades, the crowd lingers, absorbing the moment.

Liliths Army didn’t just play a launch show tonight - they delivered a performance that left a lasting impression.

Ivan De Mello