LIVE: Vangoffey – The Social, London 14.03.16

If ‘The Trials of a Modern Man’ are as numerous as Vangoffey‘s single suggests, frontman Danny Goffey seemed unfazed by them on Monday night as he played to a packed crowd at London’s trendy venue, The Social. The former Supergrass drummer and songwriter introduced his new outfit as the “very under rehearsed” Vangoffey, before launching in to seamless renditions of ‘Trials…’ and their latest single, ‘Sucker’.

The band consists of Goffey, Drew McConnell (Babyshambles), Louis Eliot (Rialto), and Marley Mackey (son of Pulp bassist, Steve Mackey). Whilst the talent on this line up may sound intimidating, the guys played with an ease and enthusiasm which matched the accessible wit and charisma of their equally talented frontman. They tore through tracks on their debut album – Take Your Jacket Off & Get Into It – with precision and playfulness. The gig’s purpose (apart from providing stellar entertainment) was to promote latest single ‘Sucker’, the video for which features model and presenter Daisy Lowe, who was also in the audience lending her support.

The smoky, stuffy, but welcoming space of The Social catered perfectly for album tracks ‘Spilt Milk’, ‘Alfie Loves The Birds’ & ‘Race Of Life’ – a track that instructed fans to “take your jacket off and get into it”. Whilst the first part of that instruction wasn’t vehemently followed, listeners needed no encouragement to “get into it”. Goffey’s talent for writing Britpop anthems is still prevalent (lest we forget he penned the Supergrass hits ‘Alright’, ‘Caught by the Fuzz’ and ‘Late in the Day’) and fans of all ages were transfixed by him as he sang his charming, chipper lyrics.

In what felt like no time at all, Vangoffey’s set was over, as Goffey cheerfully exclaimed “The album’s only got eight tracks, that’s it!”. Fortunately, a nationwide tour is in the pipeline, so fans won’t have to wait too long for another glimpse of the group. Vangoffey need to be seen live to be appreciated in all their honest, hap-hazard, and humble glory – keep your eyes open for more details of upcoming live dates!

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate Crudgington

Kate Crudgington

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