Nothing like flying all night across the ocean, walking what seems miles (reality: not far at all) dragging my luggage, upstairs, unpack at the posh London flat, shower, then off for first night of music and fun. As if being across the world from home wasn’t enough, I’m sitting here in the Notting Hill Arts Club listening to Hammer No More The Fingers, one of my local (as in Durham NC) bands.
This place is like an underground club. Literally. It’s down in a basement. Totally cool indie vibe. No corporate sell outs here. It’s a place to be seen while not wanting to be seen. Not the cheapest beer, and cider was much too expensive for my wallet. Did I mention good ole American dollars don’t go far here in the UK, much less London? Think NYC prices, then multiple by 1.63, the exchange rate, and there you go. Yikes.
Ok, let’s back up a minute. Opening band is Voo, a band based in Liverpool (birth place of the beatles). Good. I liked their set. Didn’t take any photos, sorry. My ears are still ringing. you can check them out on their myspace page. http://www.myspace.com/voorock
Ok, back to the story. Where was I? Oh yes, basement club, NC band, expensive drinks. Hammer is the NC trio of Jeff Stickley (drums), Joe Hall (guitar), Duncan Webster (bass, vocals).
Their second full length, The Black Shark, dropped a couple weeks ago and it’s mighty fine. Check it out on their bandcamp page, and go buy it on iTunes. http://hnmtf.bandcamp.com/
Their set? They killed it. The club suddenly filled and went wild. They rocked the club and the whole room was a solid mass of jumping dancing bodies. When they finished, the crowd cried for more, and with the thumbs up from club management, and encore (orgy). Nice to see my local making a splash across the pond. And for you local NC peeps, no worries, they return home soon, triumphant.
After the live music ends, this place morphs into a dance Club. Great DJ. Can’t barely move. It’s a great fun place, now filled with rich drunk people. Haha. But they’re fun. A bunch of mods were fun to hang with for a bit. Hipsters don’t seem to be visible or they take a different form. Everyone is dressed rather, um, put together? You won’t see girls in scrubby jeans and tshirts (like me). They’re in dresses, heels, hose. And the guys, lots of blazers and those without are wearing well constructed outfits. This definitely isn’t USA. Hipsters wouldn’t be caught dead looking like they are trying. Not that they don’t try. It takes an hour and 4 different hair products to get that “I don’t give a shit I just rolled out of bed” look. Ahhhh, the cultural differences. Americans try hard to look like they’re not trying. Brits don’t waste time playing that game.
Next up: Strummerville and Frank Turner. 1000th gigs he’s celebrating. Quite the milestone.
Cheers!
If you missed it, be sure to check out the rest of my London adventure featuring music, shopping, and a royal wedding.
Strummerville and Frank Turner’s 1000th gig
The Airborne Toxic Event @ Koko London
Superhero band Justice Force 5 in Camden Town
London and Royal Wedding Souvenirs
Kensington gardens and Afternoon tea at the Orangery
by leighann
9 comments
Portobello Market [Durhan Chapel Hill Raleigh NC Lifestyle Photography] - [...] Hammer No More The Fingers @ Notting Hill Arts Club [...]
London Bound - [...] Hammer No More The Fingers @ Notting Hill Arts Club [...]
Grayc - awesome awesome awesome. hehe about the hipsters. you nailed it perfect!
Frank Turner concert photos [Durham NC and London Concert Photography] - [...] Hammer No More The Fingers @ Notting Hill Arts Club [...]
An American In London [Durham NC Lifestyle Photographer] - [...] Hammer No More The Fingers @ Notting Hill Arts Club [...]
Afternoon Tea in Kensington Palace - [...] Hammer No More The Fingers @ Notting Hill Arts Club [...]
Adelaide - Awesome. I’ll check them out.
Jack - Maybe they’ll head to west coast. I’m always looking for new music.
Kevin - How did I miss this? Awesome.