GROUPLOVE @ The Old Queen's Head, 17/02/2011

Yeah yeah another GROUPLOVE gig! I got a little bit obsessed despite being all focused on one song on their 5 track EP, my first shift working on Xfm's X-posure they were in session, it got me hella excited as I got to meet and hang out with them a bit. They were nice guys and I ended up wrangling myself a spot on the guestlist for their Old Queen’s Head gig.

This one sold out too, but unlike the Hoxton Hall gig a younger crowd came to see them which made for a lot more energy in the room. They came on to a stage barely big enough to contain the five of them to a heaving sweaty room. The set was exactly the same as the Hoxton Hall gig but they energy in the room and the appreciationg made it all the better.

Singer Christian Zucconi has glare in his eye which bears witness to a band on the last night of a short but full on European tour readying themselves for further dates in the states including SxSW. He jumps and stamps his way through the songs singing with the passion of a young upstart keen to make himself heard over everyone else. Drummer Ryan Rabin, possibly the coolest member of the band drums in long johns, today they happen to be Zucconi’s, not something he’s best pleased about but not something he can do much about. The band have a 10 or so song set which proves hopeful for the eventual album, “Lovely Cup” is a nice addition to tracks from the EP. “Don’t Say Oh Well”, “Gold Coast” and “Colours” are all belted out and for the crowd, many of whom are seeing the band for the first time give it all back.

I wish the Hoxton Hall gig had had this much energy to it, the setting and space would have made it all the better than the geriatric bopping which took place. I look forward to seeing them again in some field somewhere this summer when their music should really be able to light a spark and kick up something bigger.