Live Review :: BERRIES :: Black Heart, London - Oct 19 2017

Live

BERRIES

Black Heart, London

October 19 2017

Words: Davey Blade

Pictures: Rhona Murphy

I file into Camden's Black Heart relatively late in the evening’s proceedings (unfortunately having missed the supports) and slowly make my way to the front to catch the headline act BERRIES with their blend of indie, rock and grunge, projected through punchy and striking songs, that has seen them described as “a mixture between Biffy Clyro and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Subways with a splash of Indie”.

It was clear by the size of the audience who’d filled the room to capacity that the band is developing a significant devoted following, particularly on the London circuit. Everyone in the crowd shouted excitedly when the three girls finally walked onto the stage, and immediately launch into an explosive song called ‘Siren’, with singer and guitarist Holly mesmerising the audience with her guitar virtuosity and restless energy that instantly drew attention. Ably supported by rhythm powerhouse Lucie on drums and Lauren on bass providing a pounding dub like beat pattern with its menacing marching cadence merged with Holly’s stabbing power chords and exultant vocals.

Next number ‘Faults’ is an interesting counterpoint between a disarming melody with its upbeat tempo abruptly offset with Holly’s biting lyrical lines, a perceptive commentary on the way people cruelly pass judgement on others with the lines, "Thank God you have no faults today." ‘Discreetly’ draws you into a hypnotic pulsating rhythm fusing elements of complex reggae rim/high hat beats which the drummer Lucie does effortlessly, that then speeds to a rockier crescendo, and receives a resounding audience response. ‘Stormy’ follows with its memorable melody and infectious beat that has a sea of people at the front feverishly dancing, with Lauren’s funky bass line driving things forwards, while ‘Waiting’ - from the band’s debut EP -  a song about unrequited love, takes things to another level with singer Holly's clean, bluesy guitar lines combined with a smooth melody, which has the audience clapping in unison before the explosive lead guitar that draws screams of delight from the crowd.

The band then showcase an impromptu performance of a new song ‘Wits’. Still obviously in its raw state, but it admirably displays the band’s adventurous spirit, and capacity to stretch their musicianship beyond safe, again drawing a massive scream of approval from the audience. Penultimate song ‘Dangerous’ - one of my favourites in the band’s set  - captures the mood and adventure of a James Bond thriller while retaining a style that is uniquely its own.

Closing the set with ‘Wild VOW’, which sees the band crank up the distortion with a heavy riff and pounding drum beat, the crowd demand for an encore sees them pull out fan favourite ‘Written in Paint' from their debut EP, and is the closest Berries steer to a ballad., This brings the night to an exciting close with everyone left desperately wanting more.

From the evidence of tonight’s show, it validates BERRIES as one of the most exciting and original bands on the London circuit who are winning new fans wherever they perform.