Bodega / Working Men’s Club, Concorde 2 Brighton, 27th August 2019

Tuesday night saw a much anticipated line up arrive at Brighton’s Concorde 2 in the sweltering heat. The support slot was filled by Working Men’s Club, fast gaining a following and live reputation of their own. With a short but sweet set, they brought bags of energy and pulled in a good crowd. Pending headline dates of their own will paint a fuller picture of their potential.

Playing to a now packed room, headliners Bodega’s performance was in no way hampered by the temperature as they leapt around the stage and beyond. Their sound is quintessentially New York art pop and that’s meant in a very complimentary way. Double drums are always welcome, more so when you have two drummers channelling the spirits of Moe Tucker and Animal combined. Bodega’s sound overall is like the lovechild of Talking Heads and Devo attending a frenzied dance party with a welcoming electronic host.

Incorporating favourites Shiny New Model and Jack in Titanic, the music was visually enhanced by the stage show and their hour long set (excluding encore) was warmly received – in more ways than one. Some bands just don’t look like they’re having fun. Bodega look like they’re living their best lives and it’s impossible not to join in; catch them live if you can.

Bodega are playing at Esquires in Bedford tonight (29th August) then head to End of the Road Festival tomorrow (30th August) before commencing their US tour dates – check out all things Bodega here and catch up with Working Men’s Club here.

Words and photos by Siobhan

29th August 2019