Brainlove Tour 2010 – CAMP Basement, London 28/09/2010

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Mat Riviere

Having kicked things off in Cardiff, CAMP Basement tonight is the second stop along the bus route that is BRNLV Records 2010 Tour. Up first is the ever-intense Mat Riviere: lurching half bent on the floor a stream of esoteric lyrics splutter out over his incredible array of noise, gadgetry and instruments. A certain ferocity seems to overcome this quiet natured Norwich based artist the moment his trembling lips reach the microphone, only to be hushed by rare moments of uncanny silence ushered in by delicate keys. These are only momentary states of flux though; electronic distortion and reverb are a must as he plunges back down into the screeching, screaming mass that he was before.

Pagan Wanderer Lu

Taking to the stage shortly afterwards is the one-man ‘indietronica’ band that is Andy Regan, aka Pagan Wanderer Lu. Dishing up slices of intricate 8-bit inspired rave music, songs like ‘Even Cacti’ are punctuated by witty, infectious and unassumingly honest lyrics that gently roll off Regan’s tongue: “I’ll pay the bills but that’s it/I don’t want the rest of that shit/I’m not cut out for an adult life/Every plant I’ve ever owned has died/ Even the cacti.” Never one for stagnation, Pagan Wanderer Lu’s soundscapes switch from euro-trance numbers with warped bassslines, to guitar led indie romps and further still to the delicate lo-fi percussion dominated brand new single ‘Chemicals Like you’. You couldn’t fake this kind of sound even if you wanted to.

Napoleon IIIrd

Shining through unfortunate technical hiccups and the constant ringing of feedback it’s Napoleon IIIrd’s turn at the helm. His eccentric off-kilter melodies are a real treat, brimming with contagious pop sensibilities the Leed’s based artist’s joyous acoustics fuse with his more abrasive electronica on highlights such as ‘This Is My Call To Arms’.

Stairs To Korea

It’s a shame but it’s getting late and the CAMP Basement crowd is becoming thin on the ground as the bearded Barnet via Iceland Stairs To Korea finds himself headlining. The unusual twang of Will Vaughan’s layered vocals rush towards the ears of those who have eagerly awaited the hour. The pulsating bass lines and gently soaring synths are executed with a peculiar sense of urgency that make young Vaughan’s own brand of electronic pop so unique. The curious undertones of melancholia are coupled with obscure lyrics about things such as ‘Guy Fawkes’ and separating ‘kitsch from camp’, all of which are delivered in a matter-of-fact manner. His output is incredibly infectious and with guitar strings, upbeat keys and handclaps a plenty previous single ‘Paul, Is This How You Wanted It’ verges on and occasionally tips over into pure 80s synth pop territory.

If that sounds like a whole bunch of stuff you wish you hadn’t missed then fear not because there’s a few more dates around the country to go for this travelling van of one-man-bands.

Photographs courtesy of Sonny Malhotra