Brighton Coalition, 9th April

Having missed its opening night, XYZ’s Andrea Fox was pleasantly surprised at the new decor for Brighton Coalition (or TBC as she hopes it becomes known). It’s not just the fancy lights, new bars and food menu that have changed at the venue formally know as The Beach. The events calendar has had an overhaul too; Thursday now features comedy, and Wednesday is Rough Trade Unsigned.

The evening kicked off with lesbian three-piece Eddit Berlitz with their shouty yet melodic rock that unfortunately didn’t stick in mind. Nevertheless, they enjoyed themselves even though the venue was hardly heaving at 8pm, they were the only band who hassled me to sign up for the mailing list, and they offered me a badge. All of which made me happy.

Up next was The Reveals, who raised the bar with their catchy Britpop guitars. Part-Oasis, Part-The Enemy, their tracks ‘Above and Below’ and ‘Shut Up and Deal’ stood out as chart-worthy ditties.

Surely Kovak should be signed by now; if only so that their perfect brand of electro-indie-pop can be heard by the masses. Their set typically got the crowd moving, especially during ‘Big Brother’s Perfect Pete Bennett’.

The Grams were the forth and final band up that night, but by this time it was clear that everyone was really there to see Kovak.

Although the new layout lends itself to a decent view whether you like to dance or sit at a gig, the turnout wasn’t as impressive as it could have been, especially given the fact that the Kovak resident nights at Hectors House are so well attended. But, with an entry price of £1-per-band, surely this will change?

Words by Andrea Fox
Photos by Robert Thomas