Photo + Words: Philippa Revitt
KELSY KARTER & THE HEROINES delivered a masterclass in fearless, heart-on-sleeve rock ‘n’ roll at Leeds’ Key Club, a night packed with electric energy, raw emotion, and unforgettable moments. From the second they hit the stage, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just another gig; it was a spectacle only KELSY KARTER & THE HEROINES could command.
Derby indie-rockers THE PUBLIC EYE kicked off the night with infectious energy, clearly thrilled to be wrapping up their run supporting Kelsy Karter. Despite battling what frontman jokingly called “sabotage” — multiple guitar strap mishaps — they powered through with charm and humour, promising to find the culprit. Their set was tight and full of heart, culminating in a rousing singalong to “Julia” that had the crowd fully warmed up. A brilliant, feel-good start to the evening.
The merch stand itself set the tone: alongside the usual tees and vinyls were satin branded underwear. Cheeky, bold, and completely on brand. Just like their merch, KARTER’s performance was a perfect balance of grit and glamour. Small but mighty, KARTER ’s relentless power filled every inch of the venue, leaving no one untouched.
A standout part of the night was her poetic monologues, weaving heartfelt introspection before launching into thunderous songs. It created a beautiful dynamic, a reminder that, like their newest album, you can be both hard and delicate, a walking contradiction, and still whole.
KARTER doesn’t just perform; she commands. Taking a jab at anyone standing stiff-armed at the back (“don’t be a cunt”), she made sure every soul was as alive as she was. One jaw-dropping moment saw her start a song from the very back of the room, surprising the crowd and instantly blurring the line between artist and audience. Later, she hopped into the pit to sing among her fans, captivating, sensational, and utterly unbothered when she struggled to climb back on stage, laughing it off with her signature defiance.
The setlist blended old favourites like ‘God Knows I’ve Tried‘ with tracks from the new album — a project born from her greatest love. Sharing vulnerable moments about battling imposter syndrome and sticking it to a producer who once told her to “get rid of her stomach” to succeed, KARTER stood tall (and still the same size), a testament to her uncompromising spirit.
An acoustic, stripped-back rendition of ‘Wild‘ was breathtaking, and the night closed beautifully with ‘Liquor Store on Mars‘. Though KARTER battled a fading voice, you’d never have guessed. Her vocals remained sensational throughout, powered by sheer adrenaline, a glass of wine, and a rotating tray of drinks (including a much-needed cup of tea).
THE HEROINES themselves — drummer Sebastian Boyse, guitarist Matt Peach, and bassist Tommy Gent — were as much a part of the show as KARTER, their playful banter making the night feel less like a concert and more like being welcomed into their inner circle. In a hilarious finale, KARTER challenged them to recite the pre-song poem — and despite years of touring, not one of them nailed it.
KELSY KARTER & THE HEROINES are a rare breed: authentic, theatrical, and bursting with soul. If you weren’t already a fan, by the end of the night, you were one — sweaty, smiling, and absolutely smitten.
Taped Magazine 