Coalition, 21st May

I walked in and the DJ was surprisingly playing At The Drive-In, Rival Schools and Minus The Bear. Instead of being heavily indie-based, this club is very much in the alternative rock vein. The drinks are cheap, which is perfect for a rock-loving student in Brighton with limited funds. I like the idea of a club with a couple of bands placed in the night too.

What was refreshing about Brighton’s This City was there were absolutely no pretensions to them whatsoever; they play high octane songs, full of hooks and melodies. They have a lot of potential but at the moment they’re just a good impression of a better band (At The Drive-In or AFI, perhaps). No doubt, they would have been exciting listening ten years ago, but having said all that, I liked this band. They’re worth a look and listen.

The DJ went back to spinning discs and while the crowd had a drink and a chat while the headliners set up. I quite liked that vibe; it was more like a hang out. Late drinking and late bands – makes sense to me.

Next up were London’s The Ghost Frequency, a band without a bass player but a lot of bass. Their image adds to their sound in a bizarre way; I liked the contrast of image and substance. These guys ooze charisma and trust me, you’ll love their songs; it’s dark yet uplifting, heavy but not, hard yet beautifully melodic. The band have a fresh sound and potential, essential if you’re young and want to listen to something that’s your own and not what your older brother or sister is listening to. I literally stood there thinking that I’m watching 2009’s best band.

The turn-out was good and from the front to the back of the crowd people were moving and totally immersed. Their influences obviously stem from ‘80s alternative bands mixed in with contemporary rock bands. If you like intelligent, dark, catchy guitar pop songs you need to check them out. A shit-load of bands try so hard to be this cool, but The Ghost Frequency do so with ease.

The verdict on Club NME? A good turn-out and atmosphere, and great bands; Long may it continue.

Words by Mo Mostowfi
Photos by Robert Thomas