Musicians Against Homelessness @ The Monarch
It's a Tuesday, it's a school night, we're at the Monarch in Camden and everything is in position. There's some gentle Motown in the background, the atmosphere is set for an great evening of philanthropy, joy and fun!
Up first is Trent Miller. A rebel with confidence, who has a very strong following which isn't a surprise when you listen to his music. The beautiful blend of his vocals, guitars and a gentle harmonica putting the additional texture complimenting his voice. 'All These Violent Years' is a powerful song talking about how serious and dark experiences can alter things, but doesn't mean it has to shape our future. With lines like 'fallen angels with broken wings',and 'gifts that the darkness bring' one can feel that you don't have to stay in the darkness and the unknown, but instead use it as a tool to guide your way forward; see it as a time of experience rather than a time to ruminate over in the hope you can change it. 'Lupine Dream On' gives you a feeling of dreamy melancholy yet still having a lust for life. With the fact, it is in C Sharp minor with a catchy common time beat through the guitar riff, gives it the needed depth to hit you right where you soul needs it. In the song, Trent is singing how important it is to not look back with regret,but instead learn to live in the moment and appreciate what has been and it will allow you to honour what will soon be.
Oliver Shaw is another who has a big following, which was made apparent as soon as he got on stage. He exudes confidence and an absolute control of harmonising his voice and guitar together like it's second nature. The stage is clearly his home. 'Silent Movie' is a brilliant example of the old and the new coalescing. You hear
it, and at first you feel you're having a skip back into the early 1900s with the piano chords,but his voice and guitar give it the modern feel, flowing between the relative major and minor. It's an addictive time warp for the ears and mind. A definite crowd favourite,is his infamous 'In My Wildest Heart' that is passionate, heartfelt with pensiveness that is heard right till the end. If you needed a cathartic song, to help when you want to hold on to hope no matter what happens,then this is the song for you. His new single 'Tiger' out October 28th .
A legend is also in the house tonight and he's go by the name of Bruno Aleph Wizard of The Homosexuals. This man and his band, had a huge cult following (and by the reaction of the crowd, still does frankly!) throughout the 70s. A man who was and still isn't interested in a record deal, but instead presenting the industry with something pragmatic, energetic and a chance to open up your mind about what the requirements are when you perform on stage. Never mind how old he may or may not be,if you can get people on their feet, have them laughing and moving to your music,you have a serious amount of magic that you're never going to lose. Not only were we graced with jokes and humour like 'Don’t Touch My Fucking Hair'. The song does exactly what it says on the tin with groovy riffs with bouncy rhyming in the lyrics. Lots of people are moving in time and realising you simply can't get the gist of the song, one must understand the song fully. Something which will only come with dancing along to the songs, rather than standing still. Bruno is telling a story and also creating a new one simultaneously with all his music. If you haven't see him live before, you really don't know what you're missing... Don't think it'll be like any performance you've seen before, because it isn't and that's what gets you hooked; right up till the last song 'You're Not Moving The Way (You're Supposed To)';. The song is a real "up yours!" to those who are fearful of expressing their true self, but are keen to suppress yours and this song is saying "Pull the other one mate, nice try." If I'm quite honest, I think everyone definitely wanted more songs and I am pretty sure Bruno knew he had done a job well done with the crowd reaction. Even better, he has got the whole crowd pumped, amped and primed for our headliners....485C.
I first saw 485C when they were supporting The Blinders at the Good Karma Club in Islington and I have been totally hooked since then. This 5 man group are so humble and lovely to speak to and on stage they have a have presence that is so confident, you're gripped with what are they're going to bring next. They are a band you HAVE to see live. There's not a lot of their stuff online and actually that is a very good strategy; give the fans and potential fans a little taste of what to expect and then be blown away by their live performances. 'In Her Cell' screams rock and roll, you have to let your hair down and move to this song or you're simply not tuned in. The guitar solos are faultless, precise right down to the quavers and the minor key, that gets the hairs on the back of your neck stand up,a sign that you are listening to very good music. Then we have their latest single 'Oh Rhianna' track recently played on BBC Radio London, when they were the featured artists that week. This song that brilliantly demonstrates the need and importance to build texture within music. Starts with a very simple and ominous bass line, then come in the drums,then the guitars and finally the vocals. All 5 lads on stage are very consistent at every single performance. 100% is always given and they are very tight,not one instrument or beat out of place. Can't recommend them enough,and they dominated the headline slot and ended the night with an absolute bang. Neither can I wait for their anticipated debut album. In fact people didn't want the night to be over,and I have already been asked frequently,when will I hosting another event. Some were enjoying themselves so much,that they donated twice because they were enamoured by the quality of music the entire evening.
Thank you to everyone who came and to all the musicians as your energy and enthusiasm made the night go very smoothly. I am also very pleased to say that we managed to raise a round and juicy figure of £105, all of which went straight to Crisis charity which is why we organise the gigs and collect donations.
Learn more about Musicians about homelessness and how you can help them raise money on their website here.
(All photographs by Lisa Perry.)
Instagram: @periperiphotos