crazybobbles

Last night Anika invited me to see Sky Larkin play at the ICA, I’ve never been to ICA before so it was a totally new experience in there. The gig was pretty epic and I’m still recovering from how loud that venue was!

After meeting up with Anika at Zavvi (who have unfortunately announced more stores closing down that day) we went off to have a quick meal involving roast duck and pork in China Town (nom), I insisted we ate a fancy meal and didn’t mind paying (mmm forceful me), we then made our way to Trafalgar Square to find the ICA. Looking at the site, the venue seemed pretty fancy and posh, it hosted galleries and exhibitions (some of them were free) and the gig was taking place in the theatre room.

We entered the venue at around 8.30pm odd (guestlist stuff, always a hasslehoff) and waltzed our way to the front of the stage. Quite surprised at how the audience had formed a semi circle with a 1-2m radius around the first act (Little Death) as they played their folky ambient set. Granted they were pretty close to the front so being that close would have probably made both the audience and/or the band nervous (we need our space innit). I quite liked Little Death, only caught the last few songs though mind.

After Little Death, along comes in “Pull Apart by Horses”. They were quite the juxtaposition of Little Death, they were rocky and fun! The guitarist and singer weren’t afraid of rocking out in front of the cameras (which we like most because that’s where all the money shots go) and there were moments where the singer descending onto the audience and rocked out from there (no photos though since it’s too dark down there). They got me quite excited when they paid respect to “beef” (i know! though i’m wondering whether he was referring to the meat or you know.. “b33f” (for those who enjoy 1337 speak)) and when they started dishing out hi5’s to everyone and encouraged people to hi5 each other. Seeing them made me want to watch some more all out rock and roll bands play (so fingers crossed for a Muse tour this year!). I’m quite fond of their name, probably the best way to go..

Sky Larkin themselves were amazing, I loved Katie’s (the singer) little quirky lines she occasionally says behind the mic (so you need to be in front to actually hear it) and her nice taste in shoes (they were shiney and green, Anika has a photo of it, I do too but they came out rubbish). The first thing she said when she was on stage was admiring how big the stage was (it is indeed an awesome venue). I found it funny because I’m sure she noticed that during soundchecks :p The songs were bouncy and fun and they finished with “Beeline” which was one of my favourites. I was standing right next to the PA system which kinda totally mashed up my ears during the gig so after all of it, my ears were ringing (and I had an exam the next day… ooops). Ah good times, no encores unfortunately.

They will be playing a free instore gig at Rough Trade East on February the 11th so go check them out (do check the site regularly though, in case things happen). Hope you like the shots and all, keep it cool kids.