Once more into the breach we go, as live music gigs return to some of their pre-pandemic glory. For how long we have yet to see. It seems advisable to enjoy them while we can, but to do the sensible thing and take the appropriate precautions: get vaccinated, take a test and/or wear a mask, which some venues still require, so that everything doesn’t get shut down again. And you just know that live music will be the first to go.
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While everyone was definitely looking post-lockdown demob happy for, well, Demob Happy, the Scala wasn’t imposing any Covid requirements, just the usual frisking, before entering into its dark bowels.
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Shortly after the doors opened VANT hit, or rather sauntered onto, the stage. The last time I saw VANT was way back in 2016 at Leefest, when it was transitioning into Neverland, and back then VANT was a them, an excitable rock group that closed the festival for me, which is what I was expecting. Tonight, it was a much more subdued affair with Matty Vant doing an acoustic solo set of slightly melancholy songs from his forthcoming album.
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The pace picked up with London indie-pop five-piece moa moa, on the eve of the vinyl release of their single 'Coltan Candy' on cult label Speedy Wunderground. Although classified as indie-pop their sound embraces many genres, including psych, that left plenty of room for energetic solos from singer/guitarist James Ratcliffe, and sax interludes from singer Sophie Parkes.
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Of course, nearly everyone was there for headliners, Brighton-based trio Demob Happy, who were winding down their two-week UK tour, promoting their latest single 'Sympathy Boy', with this London gig ahead of the two-night hometown finale. From the outset they were the very definition of a power trio and they didn’t let up for 75-minute set, playing new songs and crowd-pleasing favourites from their previous releases.
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All words and images and by the amazing Chris Patmore (buy his book)
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