Hackney Wonderland - Review
Another Saturday in London town and today I'm away from my home area and in East London. When you have venues like The Old Blue Last and Sebright Arms, it's inevitable that a day festival would occur in the area. On the same day there was also music and magick being made in Camden at the Electric Ballroom, and also at Nambucca in Holloway so I thought I'd catch a few down here before taking off again. Speaking of magick - the Sebright Arms definitely has that feeling; following down a narrow alleyway, you're then surprised with a lovely outdoor setting and a large pub with an underground venue. Not quite Diagon Alley, but certainly close!
When it comes to opening any show whether it be a festival or a single night, there is a lot of pressures in being the first on, as you set the tone and the precedent for all the bands and artists playing after you. Just as well Sisteray kicked things off, a sure sign that the day will end on an extremely high note. What a way to kick off their Autumn tour around the UK, they even treat the listeners to some new tracks (due to be released very soon.) They do of course met the demands of the fans by including some well known favourites off their EP "15 minutes" in the set. All four of the lads bring something unique to this band and it's heard loud and clear. Their stage presence is commanding and the messages they convey through their songs are striking. They finished off with one of their better known singles (also due to an awesome remixed version) with 'White Knuckle Joyride' with an extremely impressive solo, especially from the drummer. In fact, the last time I heard a drum solo that powerful,was by Ron Vanucci in The Killers at Hyde Park. Impressive artistry.
As talent would have it ,the next band BLESS step things up a gear and bring a new layer of party and ambiguity to the Wonderland festival. A five man band, they blend the ska and punk sound in a superlative manner. Their track ''Halloween" definitely got everyone in the room moving and feeling the mystery that, always hangs over the month of October. It's punchy with a rhythm constantly changing keeping the crowd and the band on their toes. We've definitely not seen or heard the last of these guys, an extremely pleasant surprise and contrast to the other music on offer. Even their energy on stage is disparate yet harmonising all at the same time. The vocalist channeling the personality of Iggy Pop. Definitely check out"Loser" and "Karaoke King" as well. Lots of humour and music to animate you.
Before dashing off back to North London ,I managed to catch Faers at the same venue I saw them last strangely enough. Clearly it wasn't just me anticipating their return to the East End as the room is very much packed out with eager and enthusiastic listeners. Again,this group is very consistent and they didn't disappoint at all. The added synth in their sound allows them to create beautiful phrases and end their songs on different cadences, which creates suspense throughout their sound that makes you curious about what else they can bring out of the bag, what other tricks they may have up their sleeve. They end on an extremely high note with their very sought after single "Last Of Our Kind". I certainly saw many people around the room blissfully singling
along to the chorus. Again, this is a band that have begun making an impact this year,but will absolutely makes strikes, leaps and bounds next year during the next festival season. The room loved them and Faers certainly loved the reception they received.
So yes, no need to ask Alice on this one. This festival is here to stay. 'Till next time....
All photos by Lisa Perry, Instagram: @periperiphotos.