Wednesday, 20 May 2015

BRIGHTLIGHT CITY EP RELEASE @ KINGSTON // REVIEW

Friday 15th May at The Fighting Cocks, Kingston - Brightlight City launched their newest EP 'Adventures'. It took a lot of planning to get to this gig. Kingston is too difficult to get home from post gig, therefore Lauren and I booked a Travelodge, that's how much we wanted to see this band again.

We discovered Brightlight City early February time, when the band told me that they were playing at the Barfly and put me on the cheap list, resulting in me dropping a text to Lauren asking if she fancied a gig a few days later. All very spontaneously we jumped on trains, met in London and had the night out in Camden. We sort of went because it was a gig, I'd listened to Brightlight City a little bit but only once or twice, and Lauren was just trusting me, therefore when we got there and watched them we were very very pleasantly surprised. We liked them, a lot. They have a very well developed and distinguished style. They put on a veeeerrry good live show, being clearly in their element on a stage enjoying it and taking it in their stride. So that's how we came to the instant decision when they announced this show that we were definitely going no matter what the travel and accommodation plans would have to be. And THAT'S how I ended up in the Fighting Cocks at this gig.

The venue was a good one, I'd return. All the staff working there were pleasant and friendly and a laugh, which always helps. When we arrived there was already a decent amount of people there and a friday feeling atmosphere. We were greeted with smiles, an EP and a shot of jager, showing that this is clearly a band that know how to treat the people who support their music, ta lads.

The first act I saw were Chisel Beeches, followed by Best of Enemies, then finally Brightlight City. Chisel Beeches and Best of Enemies shall get their own blog post before this one gets too long, however I will say that Chisel Beeches put on an AMAZING performance. They were loud and tuneful, something which is a skill in itself. Best of Enemies have been my friends for a while now, read about the last time I saw them here

Brightlight City took to the stage to play tracks from their new EP Adventures and to provide us with a perfect night. They ran through their tracks. They loved every minute. They engaged with the people watching. The people watching engaged back. The songs of their new EP all have a dancey feel, genuinely challenge you to go and watch this band and not dance around even if it's just a little bit. There's always a strong beat through the songs that just forces itself through your body, and hey there you are you're dancing along. This beat joined by the top guitar riffs and chords and solid, fine tuned vocals create the individual sound of Brightlight City. The powerful chords give the rock feel but there's something about the riffs that makes their sound lighter and refreshing, it's new and fun. Fun. Not really the most exciting choice of vocabulary, especially when describing music but I think it's a really important part of what draws me to this band. This night was made so good by the fact that the atmosphere in the room was one of great support. Bands all watched each other, and took part and got involved. Everyone was so happy to see each other do well, which is what's needed in the music industry with all these emerging bands. Brightlight City believe in supporting bands and enjoying the music, which is an attitude you can see radiating off them, making it so so much more enjoyable to watch them. I honestly believe that this band is so worthy of a listen to. They're honest and lovely people, who write fun and interesting music, who perform with bags of energy and have a brilliant attitude. They're always playing shows, go out like I did as a gamble and grab them at a show.


Find Brightlight City:
Twitter - @blcband




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