I arrived at The Monarch just in time to catch the end of the last tune by The K’s and the applause they received leaving the stage was enough for me to make sure I check them out next time they’re in town.
Up next was Newport born and bred Jack Perrett who I was keen to see live. Jack had benefitted from some decent press coverage early on in his career after which things went a bit quiet. However, following the recent video release of ‘Portlife’ (yes of course, a take on Blur’s Parklife!) he’s received some more decent exposure which seems to have given him new inspiration with the release of ‘Like A Fever’ to further critical acclaim. Jack wears his Britpop influences on his sleeve both metaphorically and literally as he takes the stage donned in a classic, long sleeve white and black adidas t-shirt and kicks off with the Oasis influenced ‘What You Saying’. A great tune which is quickly followed up with another Britpop infusion, ‘In The Morning’ which could have easily be penned by Cast back in the 90’s.
Not as extrovert as some of his entertaining videos may suggest, Jack still holds the stage with confidence and purpose as the catchy tunes come thick and fast. I get the feeling that the overall sound would benefit from an extra guitar as well as completing the image of the band, however, the variety of styles highlights his considerable talent. ‘Like a Fever’ is a fast and furious upbeat tune and we're then treated to new single ‘Army Of Two’, another fast paced, uplifting two minute banger. ‘No Time For Me’ is more of a garage rock number with dirty guitars and heavy basslines. The psychedelic ‘Drunk and Stoned’ is another crowd favourite and the gig ends on a happy high with his rendition of ‘Portlife’.
You can find out about his next gigs at
jackperrettmusic.co.uk.
Last up are South Londoners Lavender Hills. They immediately look polished and comfortable on stage all dressed in black jeans and a white t-shirt other than the front man who's all in black. His vocals are a mixture of Morrissey and Van McCann and he looks like he's revelling in the opportunity of headlining The Monarch as they deliver an accomplished set including new single 'Who's Talking'. Driving guitars and great riffs throughout with influences varying from the Artic Monkeys, Kasabian and Biffy Clyro, they leave the stage to rapturous appreciation.
Lavender Hills are still relatively new and don't have many recordings online yet but they're definitely one to keep tabs on and to check them out live. I look forward to hearing more from them.
