As a once promoter of my own band/club-night in New Cross, I am always a little dismayed and encouraged that the format still exists in some form or another. The Coronet is a great venue, the size of Koko but with the 'décor' of its predecessor 'The Camden Palais'. Infamous for years in Camden as a relic of late 90's rave culture that took a decade to grow up. The Coronet like the Palais could soon be at it's end, at the bar is a petition to save the grand venue which I duly signed before grabbing a beer before settling down to watch the bands.
First, Lois and The Love – The sparse crowd gathered with more intrigue in Lois's spandex jump suit that anything else. The sound reverberated heavily around the empty room. In fairness, she gave it her all but the few ears that were there remained unmoved. At their best I saw Blondie and Iggy mixed into one but less 'Raw Power' and more 'One Way or Another'.
Then, Movie – Angular guitars and dance rhythms, this three piece deserved a bigger crowd. I will always have affection for a band from South London and these guys don't disappoint with originality over novelty. The Goldsmith's alumni know how to put on a show.
Headliners, Escapists – Having listened on record to Escapists, they sound better in the flesh. They are a gang and it's refreshing to see an on stage chemistry that can effortlessly develop a rapport with a small crowd. They remind me of Florida rockers Merchandise, another band whose character live is rarely captured on record.
Finally, Maccabees DJ set – The old trick of using a band generalisation as branding when a few members need some cash for pressing play on iTunes. Those few who remained and too bored to dance took the opportunity to request a selfie, and the lead guitarist (the most recognizable Maccabee) was more than happy to oblige.
Thomas Cavanagh
