A black-painted dark room seated above a bar with walls plastered in promotional stickers and messages from ghosts of bands who took up residence at The Hope and Ruin for the night over previous years. An ageing disco ball graced the corner of the room - a delicate touch to what was yet to come.
Headlining the show was indie rock band Dove House showcasing their latest single, ‘Teeth’ supported by psych rock band, ‘Hake’ and anthemic scuzz band ‘Idle Crooks and Englishmen’ all homegrown in Sussex.
Kicking off the show was Idle Crooks & The Englishmen performing record after record from their EP ‘I Feel Like You Should be More Dangerous’. These risk-takers were the perfect choice to open with, breaking through with a catalyst. In particular their track, ‘Witchcraft’’s complex riffs set the atmosphere for the show. A combination of heavy guitar sounds and drummer, Adam Hall’s passionately-driven energy, previously described in Bittersweet Symphonies Blog as simply “I just like playing loud” complete the essence of the band. All in all, their stage presence simply looks like they’re having a lot of fun - solely in it for the music.
Chilled indie psych-rock band Hake followed shortly after, performing tracks from their debut EP. They dedicated their first track to a friend’s birthday emphasising the close yet warm intimacy of the gig. Their sound softened the atmosphere with melodic riffs and raspy vocals. Bringing dreamy sounding songs with deeper lyrics to the stage.
Concluding the show were headliners, Dove House consisting of Jack Peacock on guitar and vocals, Kieran Philbin on lead guitar, Steve Ray on drums and Ish Hussein on backing vocals and bass. These fresh-faced young artists gradually formed through years of education and have since been making music and touring together having supported musicians like Declan McKenna and Lisbon.
After performing a few older tracks, Jack introduced their latest single ‘Teeth’ from their upcoming EP, due to be out in March. The track opens with addictive guitar riffs from Kieran which immediately set the mood of the song later entwined with Jack’s clear, suave and mysterious vocals to create the perfect ensemble of mist further enhanced by the lyrics, “Never believed your lies, show me your teeth tonight.”
Lead singer, Jack describes this track as “Feeling like you don't have a voice as a young person and how it can feel like you don't have a say in what happens in the world.” The alternating battle and collision between instruments, during the bridge, lead by guitar really express the ongoing electric fight by the youth screaming for our voices to be heard.
Whilst performing, well-loved bass player Ish Hussein was given a shout out by Jack, “Hands up guys, if you love Ish. ” Small waves of hands all rippled in appreciation of the charismatic musician. At the end of the set, the crowd chant, “One more song!” multiple times before deciding on The Killers’ classic ‘Mr Brightside.’ This level of community and spontaneity epitomises the local alternative rock scene in Brighton - everyone’s just there to enjoy themselves doing what they love. Dove House particularly drive this by pouring everything they have into their music emulated by their facial expressions whilst playing. They are definitely ones to watch this year.
Catch them on tour at one of these dates:
Wednesday 21st February | The Forum | Tunbridge Wells
Saturday 10th March | The Haunt | Brighton
Saturday 24th March | The Islington | London
Wednesday 4th April | The Hope | Brighton
Thursday 19th April | Belle Isle | Chichester
Dove House
Hake
Idle Crooks and Englishmen