Domina’s Debut Single Launch

On a drizzly July evening, through the walls of De Beauvoir Town’s artist oasis - that is, the Young Space - dreamlike music seeped out. Inside: a glass roof funnelling in natural light, held up by clinically white walls. The combination evoked the feeling of German exhibitionism or a futuristic zoo, rather than the usual dark and septic walls of London’s gig venues (still love you, Shacklewell). Even the smoking area was somewhat of a spectacle, raindrops caressed the solid glass doors, encased by vibrant trees, Doc Martens and pineapple ice Lost Mary’s

Weaving through this mix-matched (and extremely well lit) crowd were the phantasmagorical notes of London-based trio Domina. From their grounded yet stylistic performance, one would never guess this was the release party for their very first single, Apathy - an electro-pop song tinged with the charming familiarity of a childhood dream, unrequited love, and the melancholic heaviness of afternoon air. In fact, their entire set was a sojourn into the realm that we leave when imagination fades. Domina’s synth-infused music led everyone in that room back into the nebulous land of prepubescent memories - bittersweet and technicolour

In dirty Converse and with an easy grace, bassist Liv Mair Allen filled the room with the sweet ringing of heart shaped bells and a gentle voice, often bouncing back and forth with Anders Waller (synth and drum machine), who, in his red cartoon shirt, held a boyish shyness - endearing and intriguing. Sharing the vocals with Allen and Waller was Jude Dulake, who, adorned in a striking Beetlejuice–Bowie-esque striped blazer, towered over his keyboard, sending out electronic waves reminiscent of a wonky organ

This enigmatic three-piece held the attention of us all. Their performance was both playful and moving, similar to a teenage party. Throughout their set, we arrived, danced, kissed a stranger, and walked home in the fading morning light - truly impressive for a band at the very beginning of their journey

Despite the song’s title, I, for one, am anything but apathetic for the future of Domina

Words by Abi Turner