LIVE: Youth Club – Cargo, Shoreditch 22.06.16

Forget the recent June Monsoons we’ve been experiencing – Summer 2016 has officially arrived – and it tastes like Estrella, and sounds like Youth Club. The Southend five-piece headlined an event hosted by MaDa Music and 1883 Magazine at Cargo in Shoreditch on Wednesday 22nd, and were warmly received  by the small but smiling crowd.

You’d have to be the seasonal equivalent of Ebenezer Scrooge to not enjoy the free beer (courtesy of Estrella) and the feel good tunes, both of which were in abundance throughout the evening.

New Portals (who’ve been featured on the Gigslutz Video Vote), kicked off proceedings with their electronic pop sounds, including their latest singles ‘Groove Boy’ and ‘Stay Here Tonight’. East-London based singer Harper followed the trio, and proved that heartache can be transformed in to happiness on tracks like ‘Blood Sweat Tears’.

After a brief interval, headliners Youth Club took to the stage and performed with their trademark enthusiasm (even when the sound levels weren’t quite up to scratch). They opened with the airy ‘Breathe’ and made their way through tracks ‘DTLA’ and ‘Pressure’, as well as the crowd-pleasing ‘People’, which set several sets of hips swaying.

As always; guitarists and brothers Danny & Joe frame the stage, whilst drummer Reese keeps things steady at the back, and vocalist Gerarrd stays up front, never missing a note. Bass player Pete (who joins the band for live performances) is energy personified; and along with the other band members, he gives a sterling effort both musically and choreographically.

The group covered Usher’s ‘Oh My God’ before closing with ‘She’s a Dancer’, one of their earliest and most popular tracks. They’ll be playing festivals both local (Village Green) and national (Boardmasters) in the next few months, so there’s plenty more opportunities to catch them live this year. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay for the beer this time (not that you’ll need it to enjoy their set!)

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate Crudgington

Kate Crudgington

Assistant Editor for Gigslutz (2015-2017) Now Co-Founder, Co-Host & Features Editor for @getinherears