Sundara Karma @ Waterfront Studio
I left feeling ten times happier than when I arrived.
Flashback two years ago to this day and I was experiencing the most memorably wonderful gig of my life so far; Bombay Bicycle Club playing at the LCR, changing the way I listen and involve myself with the music world. Flash forward to present day and you have a grumpy sixth former who's off to see a night full of potentially run of the mill indie bands that all sound pretty much the same.Potentially being the variable word, I was proven wrong as soon as I stepped into Waterfront Studio. Kicking off the night are Manchester foursome Pale Waves, a Black Honey meets Swim Deep collision fronted by the female embodiment of Harry Koisser. Their cool and submerged selves are confident, with a touch of self preservation and mystery that sparks interest for the crowd. Although a little lacklustre energy wise, Pale Waves have a crisp sound that I’d happily pay to see in the future.Next up are Beach Baby, another set of four indie jet setters- but this time with a surf pop tone. Having seen them in October during Norwich Sound and Vision week, their happy and energised presence as a band has most definitely grown, smiles from all as they take to the stage. The upbeat and beach-like sound resonates through the crowd, feet moving and energy rising. Even though they're a bit repetitive in some places, Ladybird is the tune that demonstrates what a tight knit group they are, and I hope to see them around again soon.
A wave of satisfaction and happiness pours over the crowd as Sundara Karma leap on to the stage. Bounding straight into A Young Understanding, their energy is electric. The lead singer is a little arrogant, leaning over the barrier for girls to touch his guitar and hair, but to be honest it works and their charisma is sharp and vibrant. Letting excitable drunk fans on stage to dance for songs, and various mosh pits opening up, Sundara Karma smile to each other as their sold out show gets more and more lively. Single Flame brings the crowd together, ‘Hold my fire screaming inside out’ fittingly being screamed from our lungs. Once again, the songs are all quite similar and if you’re not careful the set could just blend into one indie mess, but the crowd don’t seem bothered and for a Wednesday night it’s an absolutely uplifting atmosphere. Ending on Loveblood, Sundara Karma have done really well to change my narrow minded expectations of the night, and have left me feeling ten times happier than when I arrived.
The crowd tonight was inevitably filled with over-excited pre teens that are just discovering this genre of music. However, said grumpy sixth former, whose initial reaction would be to scowl and disapprove, couldn’t help but feel their energy for starting mosh pits and jumping all over the place (even when it probably wasn’t quite the right moment) to be endearing and heart-warming . As pre-mentioned, two years ago today I was seeing a band that actually opened my eyes to music and friends and all things brilliant about live gigs, and to get annoyed at a lively group having a fun time would be hypocritical and quite frankly impossible. Their enjoyment spurred mine on, and I hope that gigs like tonight stay in people's minds for a long time.
