LIVE REVIEW ::: GUARDIAN NEW BAND OF THE DAY LIVE

With some of the UK scenes biggest breaking artists on the bill the Barfly was buzzing for the return of the Guardian’s ‘New Band of the Day Live’. Paul Lester’s reputation with new artists is highly respected. There are not many live music nights that boast Bob Geldof, Michael Kiwanuka, Nick Grimshaw & Bill Oddie as casually popping by for a drink on a Wednesday night.

Violet, Pixie Geldof’s band played to a packed out surprisingly impressed crowd. The Magic Number’s Michele Stodart struck a beautifully painful heart chord, as she stood strong as a solo artist.

Taking to the stage in Burger Kings crowns and controversial t-shirts BIGKids push buttons before they had even sung a note. Front girl Rosie Oddie’s high energy backed by a tight and lively band broke every single judgement. Think summer, festivals, pints of cider and a big fat grin on your face.

Having recently topped the charts with his collaboration with Wretch 32, Josh Kumra took us to another polarity. It’s very rare that you see a crowd so immersed in a performance that time stands still. Savouring every word, every note, spellbound by his voice.

Island Record’s new kid on the block Angel hit the Urban note for the night. Clear vocals, buckets of enthusiasm and well-written songs leave a Barfly crowd pretty content.

There are not many nights where you can genuinely say that you loved every act on the bill. Paul Lester hit this right, covered every base and showed us why all eyes are on UK music right now.