Clean Bandit is first up and as they take the stage there seems a strange mix of what might be clashing instruments, most surprising of all was the violin, however when they start up everything seemed to gel.
Yes, there is an eclectic mix of musical styles or genres but it works well, strong soul/gospel vocals are mixed with the classical influence from the violin and a strong club beat.
A good range of songs gets the crowd going while the only down side (and many performers have done it) is that the band still thought they were in Manchester.
However the crowd’s derision was good-natured and the performance more than makes up for the pressure of life on the road.
Everything is set up nicely for the main act, Disclosure and after a short wait the headline act takes the stage with the room packed.
Despite playing a relatively small venue Disclosure adapt well pumping out well-crafted tunes, sometimes crowds have to be lifted and worked but not this one, the anticipation that was present in the bar area is well founded.
There are some well-travelled fans in the crowd indicating Disclosure’s popularity and they don’t seem to have to work too hard to keep the crowd going but in saying that they are well practiced and know exactly what they were doing.
You’ll be hearing a lot more from these two acts in the future.
Words/Photos: Neil Donaldson
