|
Fairly
empty at 8pm, rammed with a rapt crowd an hour later as local favourites
The Boyfriends take to the stage.
| "Developing
a like-minded community of live music fans is a tall order but
the gig has since been discussed on various blogging websites..." |
Welcome
to Club:Hedonistic at the Archway Tavern, a short lurch across the
road from the north London tube station, and the latest gig night
in the capital's live music scene.
The
venue is a cosy pub with ambient lighting, comfortable seats and
a fireplace.
The
music comes from a small stage at the far end of the room, but even
if you hunker down by the entrance there are video screens to provide
close-up footage. One in the eye for stadium rock!
Satisfyingly,
a freewheeling but democratic purpose underlies all the endeavour.
black
badges
Entrance
is free, the bands are newly-signed or soon-to-be-signed, and organisers
Hedon - a London-based five-piece - are determined to create a community-like
atmosphere and prove that great venues can exist outside Camden.
One
reason, no doubt, why those black badges bearing the logo 'Hedonistic'
are being handed out to all and sundry.
Back on stage and The Boyfriends (pictured above), who seem somewhat
reminiscent of The Smiths, are going down a storm. The band have
just released a split single on Angular Records with The Long Blondes,
and their brand of laid-back indie seems well suited here.
 |
|
Interesting
and charismatic: Aleesha Rome
|
They're
followed by Aleesha Rome, an interesting, charismatic vocalist and
songwriter, whose band wraps a range of influences around her from
Coldplay to Jeff Buckley and Blondie.
Three-piece
Ultraviolet Pilots are next, playing guitar-heavy rock with a grungey
feel to it. The band all live in London and are finishing tracks
for their first ep to be released shortly.
layered
soundscapes
Scene-makers
Hedon, meanwhile, specialise in layered soundscapes and tightly
woven rhythms, inviting comparisons with The Verve in their early
days and delighting tonight's punters, many of whom appear to have
come straight from work or college, bringing fellow-students or
colleagues with them.
Developing
a like-minded community of live music fans is a tall order - this
was only the second night of Club:Hedonistic - but the gig has since
been a topic of discussion on various blogging websites.
Interesting
to note how opinions about tonight's bands differ among their respective
fans: my own favourites were Hedon and Aleesha Rome while devotees
of The Boyfriends appear to be less than enthusiastic about the
latter!
But
staging a night showcasing a variety of musical styles is part of
what makes Club:Hedonistic so interesting.
In
time-honoured fashion, there's bound to be something for everyone.
And there's more next month: details of future club nights can be
found on their website in the left-hand column.
|
Listen live
Click
through amazing shots of London from high up in a helicopter!