Polica at CAMP

Almost three weeks ago I went to see Polica at CAMP.

The night started with dinner at Meter upstairs - dam good pizza sold by the half meter, nom nom nom +18.

In a slight rush, we went downstairs to the basement and were pleased to be able to get a good spot near the front +6. There weren't too many tall people around either +8 however, there was a potential 'Shoreditch dickhead' sporting specs on a chain in front of us - could she be problematic we wondered? -1

Polica came onto stage and immediately impressed with strong vocals and instrument, the two drummers not overpowering but adding to the intensity. I am a sucker for two drummers anyway but this was very very good +6. 

Channy Leaneagh (the lead singer) started chatting to the crowd and I was worried she might be a bit lame but she was actually pretty endearing, making a little joke about the Queen's jubilee 'I don't know what the Jubilee is about but I know it's not her birthday' and how she liked London, which always goes down well +2.

Back to the music and most of the Give You The Ghost album was played, including the immense Lay Your Cards Out and latest single (I think?) Amongster. It was the sort of performance you could close your eyes to (if you thought noone was looking and thought you were a dweeb) and really appreciate.

It got sweatier in there and the hipster in front starting shaking some questionable moves interwoven with attempting arty photos but this didn't even annoy me much so I knew I was having a great time +1. At the end I was even tempted to buy a tshirt however in the end not even Channy could persuade me!    

I was semi pissed off prior to the gig as I had bought tickets to the first date announced thinking I'd be well ahead of the times and then another date was announced the night before -5.5. However, it's water under the bridge now CAMP, what a bloody good venue - intimate, nice lighting and good sound all adding to the ambience and buzz of the night +11.

Apparently Jay Z is a fan and I don't blame the guy. Bloomin' good band and nice lead singer too. Go see Polica at Heaven in November, if you don't like them I'll maybe give you your money back*

A





















*Terms and Conditions apply.

Michael Kiwanuka at Shepherd's Bush Empire

I've been a terrible gig reviewer of late, not posting write ups for Grouplove (they were a bit annoying and I felt too cool to be at the gig), The Do (nowt special) or Of Montreal (pretty fun with lots of random stage invasions from costumed creatures), so let's get this Michael Kiwanuka at Shepherd's Bush Empire review started, yeah!

The evening started with an erm delightful quick Pret a Manger dinner and unfortunately missing Jake Bugg open the show who sounds very promising and has been getting some good hype after his performance on Later with Jools Holland -3.

After an expensive lager purchase we made our way towards the front so as to hopefully avoid as much whinging from me as possible that I couldn't see. We managed to get a half decent spot and Mikey came one stage +2.

His voice carried well in the venue and the performance was earnest and charismatic +6. The main problemos were the material itself and the venue - with one album there was a limited range of songs to choose from and some of the slower, more low key tracks got lost in the crowd who rudely chatted over the top -3. Some of the tracks probably would've been more suited to a smaller, more intimate venue (or a more polite crowd - I'm talking about a couple of talle douchebags in particular who wouldn't stop chatting - I think one had stupid hair as well) -1.5.

Other gripes were too many snogging, PDA couples -6 get a room please, and it getting really really hot there as usual - my fringe was not in good shape -12.

The band seemed to be really gelled (not jel) and the more upbeat, 'funky' tracks were more successful such as "I'll Get Along" and obviously the big one "Home Again". Other highlights from the album were probably "Bones" and "Always Waiting". The acoustic songs were also lovely and showcased Kiwanuka's talent to the max.

Overall I thought Mike was a really good performer, his vocal was breathtaking at times +7 and I enjoyed his anecdote about Secret Garden Party and other chit chat - he seems like a genuine guy +6.6666666.

B

ps some nice photos here

The Do at The Garage

Last Wednesday I went to see The Do at The Garage.

After nearly missing the start due to some misestimation on how long it takes to cook Louisiana chicken (-2 me) we arrived and the place was pretty heaving.

We had to settle quite near the back and as usual I was on my tiptoes -1. This would have been semi-ok if I didn't have to avoid to the over excited swinging ponytail of the girl in front of me channeling Willow Smith 'whip my hair' -3. It did get quite funny though when she started stripping (ok trying to remove a layer).

The band were pretty good and I knew more tunes than I thought +4. Most memorable track was 'Gonna be sick'.

There was a bit of a lull though and people started nattering quite loudly, rude! -3

They pulled it back together and started banging some drums. It was pretty dope +2 but didn't seem to fit with their usual stuff. Confused?

Overall the gig was good but I was tired and it was a bit forgetful.

B-

Lauryn Hill - The Comeback?

I've long been a fan of Lauryn Hill, Miseducation is easily one of my Top 5 albums of all time, but I was sceptical about Lauryn's comeback gig at Indigo due to reports over the years of disappointing gigs and erratic behaviour and decided not to get tickets.

Now I'm feeling like a right jerk as apparently she was amazing and some of the videos I've seen indicate she is back to form (with bad dress sense admittedly) and actually performed most of Miseducation.

Here are a couple of good uns:





I'm a douchebag, hopefully she will be back soon.

Little Dragon at The Forum

Back in Feb I went to see Little Dragon at The Forum.

This review is embarrassingly late and won't be a full one but this is no reflection of the band's performance by any means!

Little Dragon exceeded expectations with an amazingly energetic and flawless performance, heavier than anticipated with the percussion adding another dimension to it. The beats reminded me of the drum-off every year at the end of Soulwaxmas ie awesome.

Lead singer Yukimi Nagano is now on equal hero level with Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard.

I danced the night away and was knackered but very happy at the end. The venue was very good too.

Looking ahead, Little Dragon are playing the Saturday at Lovebox so go buy your ticket NOW!

A

Tennis at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen

The Monday before last I went to see Tennis at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen.

The night started well with a tasty if overpriced meal at Cay Tre on Old Street. We even tried a suspicious jasmine flower dish, a risky yet rewarding move, and felt suitably fed and ready for the gig +2.

We popped around the corner to the venue and were fairly prompt so managed to get a seat along the side which was pleasing +3. It was a Monday night after all and Mondays are not the new Tuesdays.

The support act Filthy Boy came on stage and were a very pleasant surprise +4 and not very dirty at all -1. We were impolite and didn't get up from our seats but this was laziness rather than lack of enjoyment. They are playing at Cargo tomorrow night with Zulu Winter and Oberhofer so you should go check 'em out.

Filthy Boy left and after a while Tennis came on stage. They were very pleasant and also easy on the eye, especially the drummer +5, but I didn't like the lead singer's dress and the guitarist/keyboards guy looked a bit like Francis off Made in Chelsea -1. There was also quite a hot guy next to us in the crowd, so I tried to decide if he was with his girlfriend or not. They didn't seem to be talking much so it probably was -2. Anyway, Tennis are luckier in love, with two of the married members +1.75.

The band ran through a good mix of tracks, from newly released album Young and Old and their previous album Cape Dory +3. Marathon was a predictable highlight +2.5.

It was getting very hot in the venue -6 and an annoying tall girl with a dodgy ponytail arrived in front of me taking loads of videos -5 so it was a bit of relief to be honest when the band exited the stage and came back for a totally surprise encore (nah was really obvious!).

They asked the crowd what track they wanted (nice move), and "Long Boat Pass" was chosen +4. It was a good end to the show and I left with the song stuck in my head.

Overall the whole show was most agreeable, especially the good looking drummer and I do like the venue but it just got too hot. Also some of the songs do sound the same.

B

Alabama Shakes at The Boston Arms

Tonight I went to see Alabama Shakes at The Boston Arms.

It was without a doubt the best gig I have seen for a long long time and is arguably going to be one of the gigs of the year, which is quite a statement considering it's only February!

Lead singer Brittany Howard is my new hero, with a voice unique and powerful, awe-inspiring stage presence and a sincerity that made your heart melt (wow that sounds cheesy but I loved her!)

"I Found You" and "Hold On" were predictably highlights, but some of the album tracks are sounding really exciting and their cover of "20th Century Boy" went down a treat.

Although we were somehow front/second row behind superfan dancing guy and photogaphers, my photos are a bit fuzzy (dam iphone) but managed to get a couple of vids too. They aren't full songs as I wanted to rock out but I hope you enjoy.

On the way out we saw Jarvis Cocker, I'm not sure if it's a good sign but he looked like he had a great time too!

In summary, the whole thing was EPIC! 

A

February is not just about Valentine's Day

I'm getting a bit bored of everyone's "Best of 2011" lists so I thought I would look ahead to 2012 as there are some exciting gigs coming up, particularly in February.

Here's my pick of the bunch:

21st January - SBTRKT with Sampha + Thundercat + Michael Kiwanuka @ Koko (sold out)

6th February - Howler + Man Made @ The Lexington

8th February - Lianne La Haves + The Staves + Rae Morris @ Borderline

9th February - Slow Club @ Heaven

9th-11th February - The Black Keys @ Alexandra Palace

22nd-24th February - Alabama Shakes @ Boston Arms

23rd February - Baxter Dury @ XOYO

24th February - Little Dragon @ Forum

If you think I've missed any or would like to join me at any of the above, holler at me.

Neon Indian at Heaven

On a Thursday some weeks ago now I went to see Neon Indian at Heaven.

It was two nights of gigs in a row with Nate and Brad but luckily I wasn't bored of them yet +2.

To warm up for the gig we went for some yummy pizza at Soho Joe's +3 followed by a perhaps misguided Garlic Beer at Garlic & Shots -4.

We arrived at Heaven and were greeted by a poster of Olly Murs and the promise of every X Factor loser performing there on a Saturday night. I was bummed that we had missed out on seeing Olly (just joshing) but looking forward to Neon Indian.

Support from Theme Park was surprisingly good as I hadn't heard of them before and they looked about 15 years old +6. They are definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.

We were upbeat and ready for Neon Indian. I'd listened to Era Extraña a few times and enjoyed it but wasn't confident I'd recognise all of the tracks so was looking forward to a mixture of new and old (Psychic Chasms).

Well, Mr Indian aka Alan Palomo, came on stage and had heaps of energy. Moving around the stage, using various bits of equipment, whilst singing and dancing showed a great deal of musical prowess and was pretty admirable +7. However, as impressive as it was, the atmosphere wasn't totally there and think it would've helped to have a bit more chat and not just rubbish chat about the Texas embassy in London -6.

The bald guy next to me was starting to bug me a bit as he had a big bag bashing me a little and kept taking notes every second like he was really important or something -3. I tried to breathe my garlic beer breath in his direction to repel him like a vampire but it only semi-worked when he went to the bar after 20 minutes +2. Overall though I couldn't complain much about the view of the stage or the crowd +4.

Anyway, I was itching for more Psychic Chasms and Alan finally delivered with a brilliant rendition of Deadbeat Summer - just a shame it wasn't longer +7.

There was a predictable fake stage departure and encore but Neon Indian didn't go off stage with a bang - I was more concerned about dashing for the cloakroom queue and getting home to brush my teeth -3.

Overall it was a good gig, but despite the energy of Alan and his obvious talent, something was missing.

B

Cults at XOYO

Last Wednesday I went to see Cults at XOYO

I've seen quite a mix of acts at XOYO from Mos Def to CSS and thought it would be a good size venue for Cults.

As we arrived, we were given a loveheart stamp on our hands, which I liked +1.

We got a drink and found a good spot to watch the support act Bos Angeles, however we were disturbed by the smell of someone's windypops. After some detective work and double checking it wasn't Nate or Brad, my suspicions were directed to an innocent looking young lady with her back to us -6.

However, before I could confirm the culprit, Bos Angeles came on stage. They were rubbish, especially the lead singer -5. I couldn't wait for them to finish.

They finally departed, but just before Cults came on stage there were some other nuisances to deal with. What sort of people pretend they're walking past you, acknowledge that you're letting them through and then just stand in the middle of you and your pals who are clearly mid conversation? Geez! #gigrage -8

Anyway, it was time for Cults and they introduced themselves "Hey we're Cults". First song "Abducted" was great and all commenced well +4.

There wasn't too much chat from the band to start with but they started getting a bit more talkative, for example telling us, "this is a good song to make out to" and "London is like a slice of home". Not great chat, but you could see they were trying with a slightly unresponsive crowd. Well, apart from the guy in front of me who seemed obsessed with the frontwoman and took videos and photos for 88% of the gig -1.

Anyway, the gig moved on and for every good track, especially where the frontwoman was able to rock out, +6 there were unfortunately a few duds or tracks where we thought "haven't we already heard this one?" -3

About three quarters of the way through, the band played "Go Outside", yunno the one from the advert. It wasn't as strong as I expected and the vocal seemed a little high in parts. Good crowd atomsphere though +1.

Then we were told that England was better than America and there was a bit of a nothingy song for an encore. The band probably should've finished with "Rave On" which was a bit more catchy, though maybe they got carried away as they are part of the electronic rave movement don't you know? -2.

Overall it was a decent gig and there were certainly enjoyable parts but I wasn't overwhelmed. I developed a bit of a girl crush on the lead singer but not as much as the guy in front of me.

B

For some far better photos than mine check out
The Line of Best Fit

The Naked and Famous at the Roundhouse

Last Thursday I went to see The Naked and Famous at the Roundhouse

The Roundhouse is most probably my favourite venue in London and I hadn't been there for a little while so I was fairly excited +5.

The last time I had been to The Roundhouse with my chum Toish was for a Kate Nash concert as part of the iTunes Festival - probably shouldn't have admitted that but it was free ok and I was being a good friend! Things got a bit messy that night and predictably a similar occurrence happened last Thursday. Hence my reluctance to write this one up for a while perhaps! -5

Anyway, to focus on the gig... It started well with a couple of the hits in the first few songs. Punching in a Dream and All of This went down a storm and Bells was really good too! +6

We were on the left hand side of the venue towards the back and felt a bit out of the atmosphere. One lady shouted "Come on!" loudly and danced a lot but apart from that we felt surrounded by over-affectionate couples and decided to move -7.

We moved across to the other side and our view and experience improved, with the atmosphere proving to be much better +2. Someone even recognised that we were quite short and pointed out a space further forward that we could move to +5.

There were a few tracks that felt like filler (bit like the album to be fair) but, the gig ended on a massive high with Young Blood . I remember thinking to myself, 'wow this song alone is probably worth coming to the whole gig for' - it was that good. +10

The Naked and Famous explained that they did their first gig in London this time a year earlier and it will be interesting to see them do a gig in a year's time. Are they the sort of band that will last the distance or will they be a one album wonder?

I personally think they can do it and look forward to the next album.

Overall a good gig with decent performances and atmosphere. They just need a couple more Young Bloods.

B