This is the type of gig that you want to find yourself at: free, bring your own booze, smoke indoors, stay as long as you want and listen to some great live music; truly, this is a gig to remember.
First up are Pillow Talk, playing out of the very room where the singer ordinarily sleeps; his bed is on its side in the corner of the room, his table covered in cans and ashtrays already in front of a couch.
The singer and guitarist Callum Grindle is supported by his younger brother Luc Grindle who is hammering the drums with remarkable tenacity.
The two play through some very well written and engaging songs without any hiccups, unfortunately there is no bassist – on account of some scheduling issues – but, unlike some bands I have seen recently without a bassist, it’s not as noticeable and doesn’t detract from the overall experience as much as it may were the musicians involved not so talented.
Callum is also the bassist in Polarnecks – whose lead singer is Lukas Clasen, who is headlining as Sulka, you may notice that Sulka is an anagram of Lukas, I didn’t.
Second up is an act for which I have a well-documented love and which I am happy to say does not disappoint.
Chrissy Barnacle arrives late – as rock and roll stars should – and starts her set effectively immediately.
Some people opt to sit down while others stand, despite the kitchen and the large front room being very full, there is very little extraneous noise during Barnacle’s set.
As usual, Barnacle delivers an honest, evolving and impressive performance, talking a lot between songs, contextualising each in the canon of her artistic development.
Despite having seen her play numerous times in the last year, this discourse is fresh, funny and enjoyable every time.
This performance sets everybody up nicely for the main event – Sulka – whose album is available for purchase directly from GoldMold’s surly CEO; the tapes almost sell out, which is a testament to the performance.
Still crowded but with more noise, Sulka deliver a decisively heavier and louder performance than the album might lead one to expect.
Thankfully, both the live and recorded renditions of the songs are equally enjoyable, highlighting their versatility.
Sulka play a good few songs and keep the drunken crowds attention throughout, their light and airy feel permeating throughout their heavy and grungy live style, seemingly on account of their technical ability and notable chemistry on stage – or in room, as it were.
The act finishes before eleven and I leave at about five in the morning, so truly it was a good gig.
As far as I could tell, everyone had a blast… with the possible exception of the neighbours… and Lukas, who was ceremoniously and accidentally put through his own table at about half past three in the morning; rock on.
Words: Paul Aitken
Rave Child 