King Charles, The Haunt, Brighton - 17 April 2013 on Flickr.
King Charles live at The Haunt was a joyous experience. The gig was sold out, and the crowd were supportive and up for a good time. He played the majority of his splendid debut album ‘LoveBlood’ and a smattering of new tunes. A great show and a great night.
Future Islands @ The Haunt, Brighton on 9th March 2012 on Flickr.
I only became aware of Future Islands at the end of 2011 having seen them play at the ATP, Nightmare Before Xmas event in December. They’re a trio of a brilliant an understated bassist, a Chris Lowe-esque synth player, and crooning frontman Samuel T. Herring. Samuel T. Herring makes me think of Jaz Coleman’s younger, smaller, funkier brother. Same intensity, same passion, similar appearance - but Samuel is much more nimble on his feet. He’s a brilliant front man. Constantly moving. Very expressive and displaying an extraordinary range of emotions, with dramatic hand gestures, occasionally grinning like a madman, even slapping himself across the face now and then. There’s no half measures with Samuel T. Herring - he gives every line of every song everything he’s got. He’s also one of the best dancers I’ve ever seen. That alone would make Future Islands a compelling live experience however there’s more. Future Islands trade in a wonderful brand of splendid synthpop that’s chockablock with hooks and swelling melodies that generally seem to involve love, loss, yearning etc. It’s a heady brew.
Eddie Argos @ The Haunt, Brighton - 11 Oct 2011 on Flickr.
Look at them. They formed a band.
Eddie Argos and his band of Artrockers returned to Brighton on 11 October 2011. Yet more contagious riffs, comic book humour and wonderful showmanship, Art Brut proved, once again, that rock n roll is great. Definitely one of my favourite ever live bands.
Here’s Summer Job from the gig. That’s me dancing on the left in the check shirt.
