We may well all be well into the Christmas mood, as we all try to get home by shovelling snow, but I can think of no better way to start off the winter shenanigans than with a party/showcase from Young & Lost Club and Hit Club. Counter Culture was the venue, and you could be nothing if not impressed by the quality of talent playing that night (all photos by Anna Bo).

When I strode in (relatively early for once), the folkish delights of Hot Feet were playing in the first room. A lovely way to relax into the evening that got everyone cheery and foot tapping. It’s a bluesy folk sound, and played with quite the groove, and some fascinating rhythms on the drums (yes I’m a drummer so pay more attention to the man at the back than most).

Fixers (who seem always to be mentioned as the UK answer to Animal Collective) were another band that I had heard so much about, but still hadn’t seen – and they were worth the wait. The layering is beautiful, as each song is slowly built – but their next single Iron Deer Dream (released on Young & Lost the day after my birthday next year *hint*) was far and away the highlight of the set.

Fixers – Iron Deer Dream

Fixers – Amsterdam

Bruise Music was the introduction to Vincent (from Vincent, Vincent and the Villains) new band that were as he said “so new that no-one on the internet had has had a chance to write anything bad about us yet” – but after their set I still can’t see why anyone would. Vincent strutted around dressed like a matador, but the songs were all 60s swagger and his voice as engaging as ever it has been. I can’t wait for these guys to release their first single/EP/whatever else they can think of.

Entrepreneurs may just be Adam Crisp backed by his signature blend of beeps, beats and squeaks, but the tunes speak for themselves live just as they do on record. Crisp’s dishevelled, trampish appearance alone on stage hides the electronic talent that you just need to hear.

Entrepreneurs – Bubblegunk

Celine – Al Cool & The Stranger Wines (Entrepreneurs Cocktail Mix)

ExLovers were fantastic as always with the harmonies and showing off a little of their darker twee side. They’ve come a long way in the last few years, and a band that always come to mind when I think of Young & Lost.

Photobooth

Blowing Kisses

Get People closed out the night in some style. Their tropical style has been gaining quite the momentum recently, and whilst I was nervous about the pan pipes when I first heard them on record (I was once followed around Eastern Europe by a Peruvian pan pipe band), the whole soundscapes get fully realized in a live setting. You suddenly forget about the blistering cold outside as the boys blew though their set. Well worth missing that last train.

Careless by GET PEOPLE

Careless by GET PEOPLE