By Chris Patmore, Rock At Night London Correspondent
VENUE: The Finsbury, London – Moses on 30 June 2016
To say that the London live music scene is saturated (which has nothing to do with the interminable rain that has been falling for what feels like 40 days and 40 nights) is far from an understatement. Every night of the week we are spoiled with great unsigned bands competing for audiences, with even the free gigs struggling to attract punters. We are simply spoiled for choice. Having not perfected the skill of being in two places at once, Thursday night I was torn between seeing favourites Saint Agnes supporting Deadcuts – both of whom I’d recently seen/photographed – at a venue with terrible lighting, or heading into unknown territory at a venue that knows how to light a stage. I went for the second option, and glad I did.
There were three bands on for zero (rapidly depreciating) pounds, and they were all excellent. Openers Dance a la Plage (very much English despite the French name) and headliners Indigo Child, both played sets of would could be disparagingly described as AOR: melodic, finely crafted songs with touches of R&B, dance and maybe a hint of California pysch. Perfect sounds for a balmy summer evening, except it was cold and wet outside.
However, the revelation of the evening was Moses (not the one of bullrushes, stone tablets and sea-parting fame). In the time I’ve been shooting gigs I’ve been fortunate enough to see many bands on the cusp of fame performing in small venues to equally small audiences. This list includes Savages, Fat White Family, Slaves and PVRIS as well as others whose moment is about to come, such as Saint Agnes, Broken Witt Rebels and Mystified. I would say that Moses are in that position now. They are a band that you know are destined for big things.
It’s only rock and roll, but with great hooks that stay with you, even after one listen, but, more importantly, they have incredible stage presence, and for an indie rock band it is such a refreshing change to see a charismatic frontman not tethered to a guitar. Singer Victor was all over the stage in leaps and bounds, as was guitarist Juno, both enticing the audience with their abundance of energy. This is what live music is all about, and Moses need to be witnessed, now.
Members: Victor (vocals), Scott (bass), Juno (guitar) and Matt (drums)
PHOTO GALLERY
Moses
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Facebook: @MosesOfficialPage
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I do lots of things, some better than others, and one of them is taking photos of bands. Contrary to popular belief, I will work for money.
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That was one feck of a great gig. Totally agree. LOVE this band. This was our (music loving friends and myself) post Brexit battery charger show!