I’ve waxed lyrical about the transition Mr Steve has made this past year, rising from punter to promoter.
It’s a fair assumption to make that these shows run like a well-oiled machine, but it wouldn’t be rock ‘n’ roll that way.
Fuse the chaos of band dropouts, late soundcheck’s and the natural chaos of Mr Steve’s brain, you have all the ingredients for a perfect show.
This latest iteration was no different, but it adds a characterful charm and nature to proceedings. One talent Mr Steve has an undeniable knack of, is drumming up a crowd.
Friends and family from London, Southampton and beyond swarm upon The Good Mixer, Camden, once a month to celebrate one of his shows with him. Pair this with the Mixer locals, popping for a quiet night and persuaded to stay from a rock show.
For the first time, Timothy Midnight was on poster creation duty, blending his Cats Who Smoke signature style with the gig lineup, on multiple canvases scattered through the historic Good Mixer.
Opening duties fell to Speakeasy frontman Jude Willburn, one of the many artists captured by Mr Steve along his musical journey.
Willburn effortlessly drew the attention of the early attendees, and those in The Good Mixer for a post-work social. With the rest of Speakeasy not in attendance, he took the opportunity to strip the performance back and showcase a delicate side to his songwriting.
Armed with an acoustic guitar and a mic, he worked through a set of Speakeasy releases like ‘Back in Time’, a live debut for new song ‘Carriage and Horses’ and a fitting cover of ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ by Camden favourites The Libertines, taking on both sides of the Doherty/Barat duet.
There was also time for a track that was created at Carl Barat’s songwriting retreat in Margate last year. The highlight of the set for me, came in a fusion of Fontaines DC’s ‘Boys in the Better Land’ and Jake Bugg’s ‘Lightning bolt’.
Next up came Darisuh, who’s genre blending sound acts a sharp contrast to the indie, acoustic show on offering just before, once again proving Mr Steve’s ability to throw together a varied but effective mix.
This set was darker and more visceral than the youthful exuberance that preceded it. Anchored by Dariush’s raspy, weathered vocals, his full band brought an authentic rawness to the hallowed stage.
Musically, this set sat somewhere between psychedelic rock, punk with a sprinkling of western country, blues and jazz. His sound certainly rattled the walls of the historic pub, with no escape from the swaggering urgency of the act.
This left The Good Mixer primed and ready for the nights headliner. Kent-based alt-rock trio Penny Skint filled the room with towering riffs, thunderous drums and a well-balanced blend of the youthful ambition and grit sen in the two acts before them.
Recently labelled as “too loud” to play the Boogaloo Pub, they found their home on The Good Mixer Stage. The bands infectious energy ensured there was never a lull in the set.
It had equal parts menace, swagger and vulnerability. They were certainly loud, but there was plenty of substance beneath the noise. They were tightly crafted songs, that felt like they were going to rattle the photo’s of historic previous performers from the walls.
On paper, It was another ambitious Mr Steve bill, however in practice it worked brilliantly. Three vastly different acts in a packed room full of adoration for live music.
These names may not be plastered over festival posters yet, on nights like this, it gives you the feeling you’re catching tomorrow’s success stories early.
It’s often easier to stay at home than coming to support live music, but the grassroots music scene Mr Steve is building offers a sense of community, of people coming together and of course, a showcasing ground for the artists of tomorrow.
Written by Brad Halcrow for The Songbird HQ
All photo’s by Carolynzik+