What: This Feeling Clubnight
With a Charlatan behind the decks and a Britpop/British Invasion heavy playlist, one could be forgiven for believing that This Feeling is nothing more than a nostalgic wet dream for Mad Fer It mop tops. Delve a little deeper however, and you soon realise that it’s more than just a trip down memory lane.
The Midlands quintet soon have The Queen’s basement in the palm of their hands. Front man and synth maestro Dylan Williams hollers and howls while his body bounds with the energy of Ian Curtis. Lead guitarist Michael Darby towers to his right, supplying a “where did that come from?” drone that’s as ominous as Williams’ is hyperactive. The set races along at breakneck speed, with the group’s pulsating post punk attitude offset by some colossally deep rumbling electro. The only relent in the energy is for Williams to, almost Oliver Twist like, ask ever so politely for a bit more volume on the bass and drums.
Culminating with single ‘Sand’, The Carpels give headline act Deadbeat Echoes some act to follow, while making it easy to forget there’s actually a club night to enjoy just up the stairs.
It must also be said that the venue lends itself perfectly to the night. Shoreditch’s The Queen of Hoxton, while sadly reduced to two floors for the evening (it’s stunning rooftop bar/terrace/cinema is unfortunately out of bounds tonight), caters both subterranean concert and dance floor filling club night with ease. Thankfully devoid of airs and graces, the comfy seating and table football on offer add a subtle humbleness to proceedings that allows one to impersonate Bez after several too many Negra Modelo’s and feel completely comfortable with the fact that no one’s chosen to join you to ‘Step On’.
In an age where every warehouse and disused car park are being transformed into the ‘next big thing’ in club land, it’s refreshing for a simple night to be done so well, with an eye cocked to the future at the same time.
Keep on Keepin’ On,
Baia
X
Where: Queen Of Hoxton, Shoreditch, London
When: 9th July, 2011
With a Charlatan behind the decks and a Britpop/British Invasion heavy playlist, one could be forgiven for believing that This Feeling is nothing more than a nostalgic wet dream for Mad Fer It mop tops. Delve a little deeper however, and you soon realise that it’s more than just a trip down memory lane.Granted, being greeted by Kula Shaker and Ocean Colour Scene is hardly the most convincing way to dispel these beliefs, yet a trip into the Queen of Hoxton’s basement is enough to turn any pre - conceptions on their head.
For tonight isn’t just Jon Brookes showcasing his record collection, but rather showcasing the finest talent from his burgeoning One Beat record label. Following Tantrums’ Brummie blend of Punk Dub Step, their Birmingham counterparts, The Carpels, quickly take to the stage, originally peaking interest due to the fact their combined age looks to be roughly 14. Their relentless set however, belies their fresh faced innocence.
The Midlands quintet soon have The Queen’s basement in the palm of their hands. Front man and synth maestro Dylan Williams hollers and howls while his body bounds with the energy of Ian Curtis. Lead guitarist Michael Darby towers to his right, supplying a “where did that come from?” drone that’s as ominous as Williams’ is hyperactive. The set races along at breakneck speed, with the group’s pulsating post punk attitude offset by some colossally deep rumbling electro. The only relent in the energy is for Williams to, almost Oliver Twist like, ask ever so politely for a bit more volume on the bass and drums.
Culminating with single ‘Sand’, The Carpels give headline act Deadbeat Echoes some act to follow, while making it easy to forget there’s actually a club night to enjoy just up the stairs.
Back above ground, Primal Scream’s Screamadelica classic ‘Loaded’ gives way to ‘Brown Sugar’ by the Stones which in turn leads into Oasis’ ‘Acquiese’. It’s part Madchester, part Swingin’ London and all without a shred of the Gallagher wannabe posturing or 60’s muso pretention that can so often hinder this type of night.
It must also be said that the venue lends itself perfectly to the night. Shoreditch’s The Queen of Hoxton, while sadly reduced to two floors for the evening (it’s stunning rooftop bar/terrace/cinema is unfortunately out of bounds tonight), caters both subterranean concert and dance floor filling club night with ease. Thankfully devoid of airs and graces, the comfy seating and table football on offer add a subtle humbleness to proceedings that allows one to impersonate Bez after several too many Negra Modelo’s and feel completely comfortable with the fact that no one’s chosen to join you to ‘Step On’.
In an age where every warehouse and disused car park are being transformed into the ‘next big thing’ in club land, it’s refreshing for a simple night to be done so well, with an eye cocked to the future at the same time.
Keep on Keepin’ On,
Baia
X
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