In North London lies what some might describe as the hub of music in London: the borough of Islington. Home to some of the best music venues in the capital for up-and-coming bands, from the O2 Academy to the Lexington – all situated within a few minutes’ walk of each other; you are spoilt for choice. Tonight, we find ourselves at the aptly named ‘The Islington’, which prides itself on showcasing some of the best new talent from all over the country.
Opening the bill is brooding rockers S.G Wolfgang, showing off a wealth of new material. As announced by Sean Grant, the band’s frontman, S.G Wolfgang have been working on their debut album for most of the year and it’s their first time showcasing it. A dark blend of heavy drums, crooned vocals and meaty riffs fill the room with an almighty aura. S.G Wolfgang use synth padding to fill out their sound, but they do so in a way that it doesn’t become overbearing or obstructive to the guitar lines – which is a talent in itself.
Red Kite brings angst, wit, and most importantly noise to the quaint room. Debuting material from their upcoming album ‘Racquet’, the six piece knows how to seduce a crowd. Opening with their latest single ‘and yet you miss the sea’, Red Kite demonstrates the heights they are aiming for this time round. Fuzzy dissonance rounds out the track to a rapturous applause. A change of perception is clearly shown in the new songs, there’s a level of newfound maturity and sophistication brought on by great production and fantastic songwriting. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s any less noisy than their debut album but it’s noisy in all the right places, using it as a trademark, a nuance if you will.
‘take care of your own’ is a blistering moment that shows the full force of their capability and creativity, making a huge spectacle on stage that is not to be missed. I love just how the guitars sound from spooky and haunting, to bouncy and jiving, it’s textural and adds a different dimension to the songs that is unparalleled. Red Kite makes a mark on an audience through singalongs and wisecracks, they take us on a journey by way of vast range of emotion – from sadness and melancholia, to out and out joy.
Red Kite will release their upcoming sophomore album ‘Racquet’ on 3rd November 2017. Pre-Order’s can be made here.
Red Kite will be touring the UK throughout NOV/DEC:
November 9th – Camden Assembly, London
November 11th – Purple Turtle, Reading
December 7th – Esquires, Bedford
December 15th – Night & Day Café, Manchester
