Hatcham Social

The
Lexington,

London

25/10/2011

As Hatcham Social take to the stage it’s clear from the start that one thing they have on their side is confidence, and with names such as Tim Burgess and Faris Badwan in their contacts list, who wouldn’t have acquired such a tangible sense of self belief?

Subverting expectations, the band open with the emotively stripped back ‘Nicola Tells Me’, a seemingly strange choice but one that works surprisingly well to command attention, subsequently leaving the London four-piece to power through their more assertive material in a set that gives melancholy a paradoxical joy. And the paradox does not end here: the ferocious energy with which the band belt out track after track, demonstrating undeniable talent from every corner of the stage, is juxtaposed with singer Toby Kidd’s extraordinarily laid back stage presence (even abandoning the mic to take a break during old single ‘So So Happy Making’). He exudes an arrogance not dissimilar to that of many an early 80s frontman, to which the band’s sound frequently alludes. And such over-confident pretentions complement the powerfully dark vocals which grab the crowd and suck them in wholeheartedly.

Tonight’s set merges old and new material in equal measures, providing an acoustic timeline which showcases Hatcham Social’s not-to-be-scoffed-at musical progression. Recent single ‘Like an Animal’ provides the Lexington with veering guitars and a catchy chorus, whilst ‘New York Girl’ maintains their purposefully raucous sound, with pounding drums giving justice to Finnigan Kidd’s aptitude in measures no Klaxons’ track ever did. And from the minute Hatcham Social brake into ‘I Cannot Cure My Pure Evil’, they produce a sound so full, accomplished and engaging that it fills the

Lexington to bursting. Bigger stages beckon.

Christine Peart