Brighton Coalition, 26th March

Kong Promotions and Redhot Promotions have teamed up with Rough Trade to bring us a fortnightly unsigned night at the freshly-unveiled Brighton Coalition. In case you need reminding, this excellent label has brought us The Smiths, The Fall and Scritti Politti, and currently releases The Strokes, British Sea Power and Babyshambles, amongst others. Tonight, four local bands made up the eclectic first bill, under the ever-watchful eye of XYZ’s Mo Mostowfi.

Openers Teardrop Melodies started things off with their brand of repetitive acid jazz, swiftly followed by The Defenders, who offered a slice of guitar pop. Despite giving it their all there was nothing groundbreaking here. Fighting against a terrible sound (most their set sounded like a cacophony of treble-ridden jangly guitars, bum notes and flat vocals), their song execution frankly wasn’t up to scratch.

Thank God then for rockers Storm Engine. They took to the stage and immediately woke everyone up with their imaginative melodies and tight, awesome musicianship. They all had a great stage presence and for a band that is only four months old, they were very, very good. I wasn’t sure about the virtuoso drum solo section at the end of their set, but it’s clear that they’re a professional outfit. If they carry on at this rate, expect bigger things.

I’m going to choose my words carefully here as I know headliners Rob the Rich are still wet behind the ears. Storm Engine made Rob the Rich sound very bland. I’m sure they think their sound has an urgency and energy to it, but it’s really not really telling me anything new. Yes, they are tight, and look like they’re having fun and believe in what they do, but were it not for my notes I wouldn’t remember a single song from their set. I’m sure there’s an audience for them somewhere but whether or not it’ll branch out of student union bars is debatable.

Brighton Coalition is a new and attractive venue, and will undoubtedly host many great nights with great live bands, especially teaming up with the Kong and Redhot, currently the hottest promoters on the scene. Unfortunately, Storm Engine aside, tonight was not one of them. 

Words by Mo Mostowfi
Photos by Robert Thomas