Hidden Herd x Goo Records All-Dayer at The Hope & Ruin, Brighton, 7th December 2024
If you had to spend all day in one place in Brighton, as it rightfully says in lights outside the The Hope & Ruin, ‘this must be the place’. A perfect reminder of why grassroots music venues are so important, the pub regularly hosts live music in its dedicated venue space upstairs, and also in the bar downstairs. Both are well supported by regulars and visitors to the city, and it remains my favourite local venue despite plenty of competition. Saturday saw the harmoniously joined forces of promoter of consistently good new music Hidden Herd, and a label with an eclectic roster of compelling new artists in Goo Records.
The first three acts played in the bar and drew a decent crowd in early on. That Band Called Susan came recommended, and proved to be an excellent way to start proceedings. It’s always impressive when a duo doesn’t need to be anything more than that, and some killer drumming topped with short, sharp tunes and lots of humour had things off to a running start. Next up, Nina Kohout performed a simply stunning set; working keys and loops to create the wall of sound that becomes her backing track, her vocals are haunting and pure. I’ve seen her play before and will see her play again. And then to Doom Club, sharing instruments and vocals on their collection of dance punk tracks. A tight-knit trio with loads of energy.
First act on upstairs was Opal Mag, proving popular on the Brighton scene with a bunch of regular followers already. Their lo-fi dream-pop seems effortless and they look to be gaining in confidence with each show. Back to the bar for Ry Guy, with interesting layers of soul, psych and rock that find them cropping up on new music lists across the board. Then a further yo-yo up for Pyncher, sounds ranging from Europop to Hives-esque, and downstairs again for another band that are much talked about, indie-folk collective The Roebucks.
The final four all took to the venue stage, a great example of how to mix and match a line-up. My Fat Pony visually had something of the Scooby Doo team about them, coordinating T-shirts introducing each band member in retro font. Catchy, fuzzy pop songs with an all inclusive trumpet – what’s not to like? Black Bordello meanwhile brought serious goth vibes with a jazz undertone (not an often used phrase). Theirs was one of the most interactive performances, the added theatricality keeping the crowd captivated start to finish. Next on, a standout set from PleasureInc. Sometimes when you see a band for the first time and they’re ridiculously entertaining to watch, you have see them a second time just to check they were as good as you first thought. Suffice to say, I’ll be looking out for that second opportunity and pretty sure I won’t be disappointed. Headliners The Stanford Family Band finished up a hugely enjoyable day with another twist in genre, taking indie back to the whimsy and nostalgia of a 60’s leaning blues/pop hybrid.
Black Bordello (and header shot)
Huge shout out to Hidden Herd, Goo Records and all at The Hope & Ruin for a stellar line-up and impeccably smooth running throughout the whole event! Follow them for info on upcoming events and releases on the links below.
Hidden Herd
Goo Records
The Hope & Ruin
Words and photos © Siobhan 16beasleystphotography.com
Published 11th December 2024
Breaking Glass Magazine 