This was the third night of celebrations for the 15th birthday celebrations of the Fortuna pop record label. Boss of said label ‘Sean’ was the subject of much adulation all night long.

The Ladybug Transistor formed in the mid1990s in Brooklyn. I only discovered the band this year on the launch of their latest album, Clutching Stems. A quite remarkable band, this year’s LP was their sixth! Not a million miles away from the National in sound, but more with a Neil Hannon vocal style and a Belle & Sebastian stage presence I guess. A very nice set, even when they get the said ‘Sean’ onstage for the last song, that he is more than reluctant to sing or play guitar too. Just excellent though to see the band live and hopefully, more next year!!!?? 

 

Tender Trap are led by Amelia Fletcher. The five strong band are a bouncy happy smiley indie band aith a great pop spirit  so you can forgive some of the odd missed notes and vocals sequence as they jump around the stage. Songs come from the first album Dansette, Dansette plus a new song from the record the band are now recording, which should be out in time for them to conquer the UK festival afternoons next summer .

 

Darren Hayman(ex Hefner) & The Secondary Modern are a full band tonight (including Allo Darlin’s bass player) and are in prime form. Half a dozen songs played with gusto, banter in freefall between songs it’s a great set of songs from the Essex landscape.

 

On the Merchandise stand there is a 6 track 10" EP from Darren in a hand screen printed sleeve, which, comes with digital download code and Darren's choice of loose leaf lapsang souchong (I could not make up my mind what the package contained when I got home late last night, so had to look it up) and a recipe for Julia's Christmas Cake. Fika Recordings are here where you can find Christmas in Hayworth.

 

Allo Darlin' are the epitome of a good night out, bright shiny indie things they had the audience’s toes tapping and hips swaying within minutes of the opening song. Like Tender Trap a second album is underway and with Darren Hayman’s violin player tagging along, he makes it a collaborative night.

Australian singer  Elizabeth Morris leads the band with her ukulele ,occasional  electric guitar and fabulous voice and personality. This band will be around for a long while to come. 

 

All this for £11.50 a ticket. just wonderful and happy Birthday Fortuna Pop!

 

Pete