Crack

Starting life in 2008 as a monthly rock ‘n’ roll happening, Sexbeat has ended up being one of the best gig promoting agencies in London. Bringing the dirty old town the international joys of Ariel Pink, Fucked Up, Crocodiles and Cerebral Ballzy as well as pushing local heroes like Male Bonding and Fair Ohs, Sexbeat nights never disappoint. So Crack ventured south of the river for the 3rd annual festival of Sexbeat merriment, Radfest, which was – honestly and more than obviously - rad.

Up early doors were enigmatic northerners Mob Rule, who you won’t be finding on Myspace, and more power to them for that. This displayed some typically creative programming from the Sexbeat crew, as there’s really nothing like a hardcore punk thrash off to wake you up on a Sunday afternoon.

Shimmering Stars from Vancouver rocked up in a Hives-esque uniform of black shirts and ties. We’ll forgive them for that though, as their Shangri-Las/Everly Brothers-style pop reminiscence would warm the cockles of old Phil Spector’s heart. Each of the three-piece sing harmonies that brightened up the warehouse room, especially their cover of The Beach Boys' In My Room. Lovely.

Recent Fat Possum signings Gross Magic absolutely stole the show with infectious tunes and a true gem of a frontman in Sam McGarrigle, who surprised newcomers and converted them to new fans. High pitched, highly stylized and highly cute, Crack did not expect that voice to come out of that guy who looks like an extra from Kids. When he reverts to his low tones to thank the audience it's surprising again. If The Pastels and Sonic Youth ran a summer band camp the recital might sound like this. Sam and his band are heroes of the day, even the guys in Mazes thought so. Watch this space.

S.C.U.M were up next. Never failing to disappoint with tight performances of their atmospheric and sultry brand of not-goth dark-rock. Frontman Thomas Cohen is the most flamboyant performer of the day, flailing around like a young Nick Cave. He climbs the amps, he sways for Great Britain, he paces the stage in his red socks. No shoes, we’re all friends here. Supported by Huw Webb (brother of Spider) on bass, Melissa Rigby on drums and Bradley Baker and Sam Kilcoyne on synthy dream machines, they power through tracks like the almighty Amber Hands with commitment and self-assurance. They’ll go far. Winstone’s taking bets on it.

Everyone’s favourite indie stars Mazes bring more surprises to the day, starting their set with a slow-jam instrumental track. Even throughout this newer, calmer pace though, frontman Jack Cooper is finding it impossible to stay still. Business as usual. And business is good. These new songs have a sound not dissimilar to 70s heroes Fleetwood Mac or The Allman Brothers. The boys have been busy penning riffs, that's for sure. They do not neglect their spiraling post punk classics though, and keep fans happy with Go-Betweens and No Way. Jack is as chatty as ever, declaring that "it's nice to play in Peckham. We've had a lot of hits here." For non-Londoners, Peckham is very, very far away from Mazes’ Dalston haunts. Crack will be in east to catch them again soon.

The Wedding Present headlined the festival and ended proceedings with the impact of an Eastenders Christmas Special. Legends of hefty influence, with a huge fan base (rumour round the fanzines stall that massive fan Keanu Reeves was allegedly on the band’s guestlist led to much Where’s Wally-style searching through the throng) and a huge sound, the band have an epic back catalogue which Crack can’t honestly claim to know. We can say, however, that they opened with their classic hit Spangled and played tracks that spanned their career as well as throwing in some new offerings in an exceptional display of their enduring powers.

To keep up to date with Sexbeat shows, visit http://sexbeatlondon.com/


- - - - - - - - - -

Words: Lucie Grace Trotman

- - - - - - - - - -