Hidden Herd All-Dayer at The Green Door Store, Brighton, 6th July 2024
A day filled with music and a chance to see some class acts return to Brighton (or just pop down the road for the locals), as Saturday saw Brighton’s Green Door taken over by the latest Hidden Herd all-dayer. A prior commitment meant I sadly missed The Stanford Family Band and Room Service, though judging by how busy the room was when I got there, an early turnout seemed apparent.
Happily I made it in time to catch the inimitable Vanity Fairy for the second time in as many weeks, following their support slot for CSS at Chalk last Friday. Proof if needed that their performance is equally engaging in a small or large venue, and always a good fit for Brighton shows.
Next up, Ladylike have certainly made a dent on the Brighton scene over the last couple of years, an appealing mix of soft vocals and thrashing guitars ensuring there are no lulls in the set and interest is held.
An excellent choice to follow on, Fraulein seem to constantly be gigging, the pay-off being that the two-piece are completely in sync with each other. I’ve never seen them play a bad show and, despite some technical issues on the day, that still stands.
Ladylike
Some more local talent in the next two acts, firstly it’s always nice to run into a cowboy as you navigate the curtained entrance to the live room at Green Door, and the inclusion of Trip Westerns on the bill facilitated this in style. With the strapline ‘Rock n Roll / Psych n Soul’, the band added an atmospheric splash of nostalgia while retaining a decidedly current feel to their tunes sprinkled with drops of surf rock, 6os soul and spaghetti-psychedelia.
And next up the ever popular Currls played their last gig with Jack on bass, giving a performance for him to remember. In turn his opening speech based around the lyrics of Bruce Springsteen formed an equally memorable point for those attending. Indie-grunge to the max and a skillful segue into the evening.
Just about squeezing onto the stage, Bishopskin took the penultimate slot with another of their trademark immersive performances. Instrument swaps coupled with complex compositions make their sets compelling to a level that somehow turns the crowd into a congregation – always an experience.
Finally, the headline slot and the warmest of welcomes back to Brighton for the staggeringly good Adult DVD. They maintain that they don’t get this kind of reception in other places and seriously, if that’s true, other places need to step up their game big time. There’s an absolute buzz about this six piece from Leeds, industrial synths, dance beats and quick-witted lyrics coming together to provide sheer entertainment and an impromptu dance session for the whole room.
Alongside their increasing catalogue of infectious tunes, their set included just one of many deserved shout-outs to Jim at Hidden Herd for consistently putting on shows that draw in and showcase new talent – Adult DVD played across the road at The Albert for HH back in February, and many of those who were at that show were back for this one. The band promised to be back again – fingers crossed that will be sooner than later, what a way to end a fantastic day.
Words and photos © Siobhan – 16beasleystphotography.com | Instagram
Published 24th June 2024
Breaking Glass Magazine 