“Experience the magic”

Originally opened as the Felman Swing Club in 1942, the iconic yet intimate venue now known as the 100 Club, did not disappoint. The world’s oldest independent venue, holding a capacity of 350 people, has had the likes of Sex Pistols, The Jam, The Kinks, Oasis and Ocean Colour Scene perform there, with secret shows from The Rolling Stones and Metallica and more recently it has hosted Babyshambles, Idols, and Huey Morgan of Fun-Lovin’ Criminals.

Founded in 2019, Peter Doherty and Jai Stanley’s Strap Originals have snapped up and signed some of the best emerging talent on the scene. These include Andrew Cushin, Trampolene, Pregoblin, and Evan Williams. The anniversary event celebrated the success that the label and artists have achieved over the last five years.

The show kicked off with Evan Williams, an indie punk 4-piece band formed in Thanet, Kent. They started proceedings with album opener ‘Doghouse’ Evan sings “You’re never like this when you’re sober,” over a heavy riff rattled out by the bands’ lead guitarist Rocco Marche. The band effortlessly glided into their first, currently unreleased single ‘Kindred Sin.’ A moody yet melodic track with grungy overtones. The band broke into ‘Ride On’ a full-on punk powerhouse designed to get the crowd moving. Evan takes to the keyboard to swirl through some slower numbers, such as ‘Wouldn’t it Be Easier’ an anthemic track with a rousing chorus. The band slam into their set closer with crowd pleaser ‘The Arsonist.’ The punchy tune went down a storm, Arguably the bands’ most significant gig to date, they certainly lived up to the Strap name.

Next up is the Q&A with Peter Doherty and presenter for Apple Music Matt Wilkinson. Peter exerts his charismatic and endearing charm throughout the interview process, showcasing himself as a fine raconteur, poet and songwriter. Peter takes to the acoustic guitar when an audience member requests ‘All At Sea’ originally recorded at an early Babyshambles session and later became a Puta Madres song. Peter then continues with a discussion about how Evan was discovered whilst working behind the Bar at The Libertines’ Hotel and studio The Albion Rooms, before performing the melancholic Babyshambles track ‘Merry Go Round.’ Peter hints at plans on releasing unheard Babyshambles sessions, as well as a new solo album due for release in the Autumn with a debut track titled ‘Better Alive.’ The interview is rounded off with ‘Songs They Never Play On the Radio’ the closing track on The Libertines’ latest number one album ‘All Quiet on The Eastern Esplanade’.

Swansea rockers Trampolene took to the stage, to the audience chant of “You Jack Bastard.” Jack’s energy as a frontman was electric from the off, the infectious guitar hook to ‘Alcohol Kiss’ was met with enthusiasm from the crowd. The track, taken from the band’s debut album ‘From Swansea to Hornsey’. Despite some technical issues or as Jack put it “guitar exploding and voice box imploding,” Jack’s natural wit and energy never faltered throughout, with the frontman taking a professional camera to snap the crowd during ‘No Love, No Kisses.’

Peter returned to the stage for ‘Uncle Brians Abattoir.’ Originally written during lockdown about the frustrations of being stuck indoors, Jack and Peter’s onstage chemistry is never in doubt. Another crowd pleaser, ‘Ketamine’ with its rhythmic yet haunting overtones also went down a storm. Jack switched the mood with the tongue in cheek ‘Poundland’ which had the audience collectively shout, ‘we love Poundland, hip hip hooray,’ resulting in Jack finishing the song sporting a Poundland bag as mask, (might become a new trend?!)

Trampolene‘s ramshackle approach combined with their relatable melodies are a perfect representation of the Strap Label.

The anniversary show delivered exactly what the crowd wanted, a classic cocktail of energy, emotion with a dash of chaos. Given the artists that have been signed in such a short period, it’s undeniable that the label will have exciting acts in store for the next anniversary.

Review and all photos / videos by Sarah Stanley