#nn cafe

James Acaster is back in town

The NN Cafe has come back to life in Northampton’s Guildhall Road and James Acaster, who usually treats his home county to a few intimate Christmas gigs, is bringing the treat forward performing there this weekend.

The show is called Move On and comes in the wake of what many would assume has been a breakthrough period in his career.

He has had four specials on Netflix and is a regular on a…

James Acaster is back in town

The NN Cafe has come back to life in Northampton’s Guildhall Road and James Acaster, who usually treats his home county to a few intimate Christmas gigs, is bringing the treat forward performing there this weekend.

The show is called Move On and comes in the wake of what many would assume has been a breakthrough period in his career.

He has had four specials on Netflix and is a regular on a…

          Future Sound Northampton is a platform for those constructing music and visual art. It’s held in the petite, unassuming NN Café in Northampton town centre and the small scale venue allows for an intimate experience viewing both the bands and acoustic acts performing, and the art that is displayed between each act. Future Sound Northampton is dissimilar to any other music event held in Northampton and is one of the most enjoyable. When I first arrived I was greeted by the pungent smell of coffee and a small room bursting with vintage décor where people were ready for a night of music so it was clear I was in for a good night all-round.

           The first act of the night was George Rose who was flying solo armed with just his acoustic guitar and, as usual, heaps of charisma- it was a first for me seeing him perform unaided. A particular highlight was at the beginning when he pulled a dazzling mash up out of the bag which included songs like: Superstitious, Get Lucky and I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor, all of which were songs from contrasting artists and he managed to do each one justice to his own eccentric, imitable, intelligent panache. Additionally, added scopes were added to his songs by using remarkable, intricate techniques on his guitar resulting in his songs sounding complete and not commodious in the slightest. George was increasingly adventurous too whilst he played an instrumental cover of ‘Old Pine’ by Ben Howard which was captivating to watch and listen to sparkle along the way. Like always his set was gratifying to view.

           Latasha Martini was the next acoustic act of the night who played simple chords to accompany her expressive and distinctive vocals; she also played an unexpected mash up which was convincing enough to believe that these were her own songs. Moreover, it was interesting to hear how she altered them marginally to make them her own and unalike from the originals. In the songs she had written herself, Latasha showed flagrant flair for writing lyrics which she incorporated ingenuity through the few rapped segments which added disarming variability. To conclude her set she performed ‘Where is the love?’ alongside a friend who played a bongo drum whilst she sat back and sang without the worry of playing guitar. Although, this was something inventive and eccentric- I admire that- it could have benefited by having supplementary present bongo drums. This would have occupied the space, but also if they were played confidently with added command and technique it would have enhanced the song a lot more too making the cover as powerful as the original.

           Ivory Yardsale were my favourite act of the night. Whilst using samples underneath the bright guitar and dexterous drums they proved that they were tentative and distinctive; the indie aura they carried made them sound like a superior version of Mac Demarco with further phlegmatic sensations. Ivory Yardsale featured just two members but still accomplished enough noise to sound like a full band who were harmonious and prevailing. The vocals were imperturbable, the guitar was perfectly played frivolously and the drums were hit with full pelt and proficiency. I really enjoyed them and I hope that they play a gig in Northampton soon so I can see them again now I have listened to their EP I found online after researching them.

           Last on was “the coolest cats in town” as they like to be known- The Incidents. All members were dressed in leather jackets which made me feel like the Sex Pistols had been reborn right before me. Their set was crammed with chunky guitar, dense bass, coarse vocals and dominant drums. The Incidents performed like a professional band and it was outward they knew this and came across as very self-assured in doing so. Although they weren’t my cup of tea they still performed well on the modest stage and exuded a significant amount of aptitude. Additionally, it was ostensive they were well practiced because they worked well supporting each other during the songs and looked as though they were having fun too. The Incidents were a good band, but were not well suited to the venue which catered for the calmer of acts therefore it would be great to see them in a different setting and see how I prefer them then.

TONIGHT IN NORTHAMPTON AT THE NN CAFE WITH DEVOTIONS.