Chris Gravett

Following a big night at The Borderline last Thursday resulting in my last blog being completed around 3:30 Friday morning I spent a long day at Uni only to head off to another gig at the Water Rats, Kings Cross. I'm not too proud to say that by the time I got there I was pretty knackered and looking forward to getting home for some kip. I had promised a new friend from my course, Lucia, that I would shoot her band, The Lugosi, and was not about to let her down. There were two bands still to go before The Lugosi so I met the band and some of their friends, had a drink and perked up a little. The Lugosi were on at 9:30 for a thirty minute set so with a bit of luck I could make the 10:20 train home. Lucia understood and was pleased that I'd bothered to come along at all. By now I was looking forward to seeing The Lugosi having met them and had a chat. We stood at the back of the venue and talked as the penultimate band came on. I didn't catch their name intially and to be honest took little notice other than joking that they looked young enough to be at school (sorry lads! Oh but then you are students eh?)

I started to take note of their second number and by the third I was down the front shooting them.

Two guitars, drums and what I (ignorantly) thought was an alto sax. I've since learnt it's a soprano sax, so I guess I was close! Anyway what matters is the music. These kids are soooo talented. It's a big ask to follow an 'indie rock' band in the back bar of a Kings Cross pub with what I can only describe as a jazz instrumental set. The crowd initially at least paid little heed. Gradually more and more of the clientele took notice until midway through the set they'd attracted everyones attention and their talent was being acknowledged.

 

They are called Idiot Joy, not the only band of that name according to Google. These are the North London variety made up originally of two bassists Claude Newcombe and Lewis Hargreaves and drummer Tom Reeder. They were joined later by George Whinstone and his soprano sax. As my old mate Mark Knopfler said - 'The boys can play' (well he said boy but a bit of poetic license eh?).

You could be fooled into believing that George and his sax are the leading light of Idiot Joy (especially at the Water Rats as the only decent light in the place was on him) but you'd be wrong. The talent runs through the whole band and the way they harmonise instrumentally is just beautiful. Check out their sounds here . Better still check them out live at their next gig December 20th (time to save up the admission of £4) at 93 Feet East  in Whitechapel.

Oh dear I've been rambling on about how enthused I was about Idiot Joy I nearly for The Lugosi - the reason I went there in the first place. Well they were the icing on the cake. Check them out here .

Other than to say The Lugosi were the icing on the cake, a total contrast to Idiot Joy, but again so talented. I understand it was their bass players last appearance which was such a shame as in true rock and roll fashion he had his shirt off within two numbers - guess he had to do something to compete with the flamboyant lead singer Richard - who was a joy to both hear and see.

/

/

/