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Late of the Pier Play 'Secret' GigEast London's Coolest Venue Hosts the Electro Rockers
Newly trendy band Late of the Pier are joined by Radio 1 DJ and a trio of techno acts for a late-night Shoreditch party.
On Friday 6 June, Late of the Pier, Annie Mac, Midnight Mike, Zongamin and Spam Chop made up a long night of rocking live music in Shoreditch hosted by electro promoters Bugged Out. The Venue - Hearn Street The location for Bugged Out’s latest line-up was given out as a ‘secret Shoreditch location’ for an added edge of ‘cool’ and to attract teen ravers inspired by TV shows such as Skins. Everyone who parties regularly in East London, however, knows this refers to the old car park on Hearn Street. It’s a typical trendy young haunt – dirty enough to indulge the kids’ obsession with the illegal side of the scene but with security, bars and chemical toilets to make the experience credibly safe. Like Manchester’s Warehouse Project, the small size of Hearn Street and its edgy vibe gives it the intimacy of a pub gig. Despite the massive drink prices, it does not have the mentality or crush of the large London dance clubs that usually host such stars. Annie MacAnnie Mac warmed up the expectant crowd around half 11 with her mainstream electro beats. One of Radio 1’s popular resident DJs, she proved her credentials with an experienced, if light-hearted, set that got everyone dancing no matter who they’d come to see. Looking cool and chic in checked skinny trousers, it would have been difficult to spot her if she’d joined the crowd later. A few people even asked who she was while she was on stage, testament to her slightly nondescript music choices but also perhaps an inevitable result of radio stardom. Late of the Pier’s Style and SupportNottingham band Late of the Pier took to the stage next and, despite the relatively early start time, seemed to be the headlining act as far as the crowd were concerned. Towards the end of Annie Mac’s set, a majority of people began filing towards the edge of the club where the instruments were set up and pressing up against the barriers in anticipation. The band formed in 2005 but have come to the forefront in live electro music and the London club scene thanks to their publicised associations with top techno DJ Erol Alkan. His popularity invariably inspires the cult following to listen to any protégées but the production work Alkan has done with the band has improved the quality enough as to create an independent (and deserved) fan base. Their fun and funky style endears them to nu-rave teenagers but also any dance music fans and clubbers looking for an exciting performance and something a little different. They’ve been compared recently to groups like the Klaxons – rather unfairly considering the fresh sounds that Late of the Pier manage to produce both on the album and in live performance. Late of the Pier live in ShoreditchLate of the Pier may hail from the midlands but their kitsch metallic-neon dress code made them look comfortably at home here in the American Apparel-sporting capital of Europe and the enthusiastic reception to their performance showed just how well they fit into this scene. Favourites like 2007 release Bathroom Gurgle were interspersed with some new songs, albeit all bearing the distinctive techno and syth sounds of Alkan’s handprint. Although the lyrics often sound like similar outfit Metronomy – who also make good money on the East London gig rounds – their Brian Eno/Frank Zappa-esque style marks them out from other contemporary electronic bands. Finishing with The Bears Are Coming as a nod to fans in the audience, the intelligence and strangeness which characterises this song - and the album in general - translated well into live performance, proving why they have been named ‘most exciting band on the planet’ by Alkan. End of the NightFollowing up by a techno-dominated trio of Midnight Mike, Zongamin and Spam Chop, Hearn Street entertained revelers until 6am. However, the speed with which many made their exit after Late of the Pier despite the very decent quality of the final DJs proved just how popular the dance band have become.
The copyright of the article Late of the Pier Play 'Secret' Gig in Electronica (Music) is owned by Alice Woolliams. Permission to republish Late of the Pier Play 'Secret' Gig in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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