On Monday night, in the depths of darkest Dalston, something very special happened. Always original, in terms of line up and venue, Upset the Rhythm, failed to disappoint. Dalston Trinity Centre, more accustomed to hosting Scouts than revellers, was an apt setting for this unique soiree. The very tiny green room was, in fact, a kitchen; there was no bar (BYO permitted) and the stage was lit with two table lamps. This really only added to the DIY ethos of the evening and served as a perfect backdrop for a great night of Lo-fi garage grunge surf pop.
With deep beats, catchy base lines, and harmonious wails, Trash Kit, a London based all girl trio, were instantly reminiscent of The Raincoats in both charm and style. Immediately likable, these purveyors of twee melodies, laced with a darker, primal edge, were endearing in their vulnerability. Almost Amazonian in appearance, their war painted faces and tribal howls only added to the untamed, yet not to say musically shambolic, vibe of the night.
www.myspace.com/trashkit
The recent Sub Pop addition that is Male Bonding was next to grace the stage. Banging out chaotic, yet refined garage band melodies, this threesome seemed effortless throughout their tight, well defined set. Treating the brimming hall to renditions of Pumpkin and Years Not Long, with accomplishment and apparent ease, whilst incorporating newer material into their set, these guys are a force to be reckoned with in 2010.
www.myspace.com/malebonding
Without detracting from the great performances given by the natives, Vivian Girls’ awkward melodies and ramshackle beats left their captivated, if not a little riotous, audience utterly enamoured. With short bursts of charming vocal intermissions, overlapping skilled and elevating drums and guitars, the girls gave an engaging and enchanting performance. The material from their sophomore offering Everything Goes Wrong provided a darker, more sombre edge to the proceedings. Hazy chords, rhythmic, echoing drumsand a cacophony of sultry harmonies in songs such as Can’t Get Over You and I Have No Fun were especially affecting. The most poignant part of the night came half way through their set when the trio moved centre stage to perform an acapella version of He’s Gone by The Chantels, to a rapturous response from their onlookers; deservedly so.
http://www.myspace.com/viviangirlsnyc
N.B all photos by Sophie Achillini, excluding the 1st taken by Alwin Fernandez
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