In association with Clash, at London’s Concrete…The atmospheric, underground environs of Shoreditch’s Concrete provide a welcoming, womb-like environment in which to witness a series of intimate gigs. In the first of a series of live ‘Select’ Sessions in association with River Island and Clash, electrifying upcoming bands *Fatherson* and *Blaenavon* put on an incendiary show.
The most fashionable of east London’s youth turned out in impressive numbers on a damp and windy evening to see Glasgow four-piece Fatherson. Decked out in seriously sharp River Island threads, their melodic post-rock was a suitably stirring start to the evening. Bathed in Lynchian red lights, their meticulous musicianship was abundantly evident and seriously impressive.
Intense, focused and refreshingly professional, their brand of melancholic indie went down an absolute treat. Vocalist Ross Leighton’s powerful yet gentle voice soared in the small space and anyone in attendance that wasn’t a fan previously certainly was by the end of their dense, dynamic set.
An intermission hosted by DJ George Hume had the energised crowd dancing before headliners Blaenavon took to the stage. Named incongruously after a Welsh town but actually hailing from Hampshire, these guys may be young but their talent is mature and surprisingly muscular. Their charismatic frontman, wearing animal print silk trousers and what looked to be a white medical shirt, was a beguiling sight, drawing the audience effortlessly into their alternative pop world.
A diverse set ranging from the soaring and emotional to full-on trance-like noise had the audience literally enraptured, a small group of die-hard fans creating merry hell in front of the stage for the climatic rock ‘n’ roll finish.
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Photography: *Leticia López González*
River Island’s ‘Select’ Sessions at Concrete continue with:
*Jamie Isaac and Shelter Point on October 16^th*
*The Mispers and Freddie Dickson on October 23^rd*
To claim your free wristband, please email riverisland@clashmusic.com stating which upcoming event you wish to attend.
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