This LOUD WOMEN x Crossroads of Progress collaboration special at the Hope & Anchor proved there are much better ways to spend a Saturday night than watching football. Nothing beats a good Saturday night watching amazing bands play live, particularly if you’re dodging the football hype. The bands knew they had a challenge on their hands getting people away from the match, but they managed it, and the crowd responded.
The 53
How so much great noise can come out of just a guitar and drums is a mystery. The 53 duo opened the night in impressive style. Raw and powerful, with delicate vocals that counterpointed their sound. A bit of Chris Corner’s deceptively sweet tones mixed with Jack White’s delivery. Pure punk rock.
Radiogirl
A cool and unpretentious band with very talented musicians, delivering a mighty nostalgic ’90s sound that transported you straight back to the era of stylish guitar solos. Kaisha Mitchell, the lead vocalist, delivered phrasing and a stylistic approach reminiscent of Shirley Manson.
Their tunes are incredibly catchy, with the single ‘State Lines’ standing out for its narrative storytelling. I also loved ‘Super Nova’ – it feels like a promising next single.
The Outers
A groovy electro-pop/post-punk duo with a lot of style who set the crowd on fire.
It was the second time I’d seen them live, and this time it was great to see them using a setup that gave Ade the freedom to sing, dance, perform and command the electronic rig, while the guitar carried us off to dreamy places.
The crowd refused to let them go and, after chants of “one more, one more…”, we managed to squeeze an extra song out of their set.
A great end to the night, with still enough time to catch the second half of the football match.
