This rousing tune from 7-piece London folksters Patch and The Giant combines heartfelt lyrics with an uplifting melody and chorus so catchy it’s unbelievable they’re still unsigned.
Even better, Patch are ‘band in residence’ at Highgate’s Boogaloo, where once a month they whip out the bunting for their already-cult ‘Sunday Fete’ night. Despite it being a miserable Sunday afternoon last weekend, when we arrive a handful of people have braved the weather to gather in.
It’s worth reflecting that The Boogaloo was one of the first Coaching Inns on the way in to London. The stables still remain as part of the beer garden, and the inside walls are littered with amusing quotes. Nowadays it puts on a range of nights, from film quizzes to vintage fairs, to the best artists around. We sip a traditional lemonade and wait.
Kicking things off is Stephen Gilethero (of Americana folkies Frankie and the Gambler). Now a steady stream of people are creeping in and, by the time he finishes, he’s playing to a room so packed that someone’s using part of their drum kit as a seat. Next up is Will O’Donaghue, whose standout moments are a poignant tribute to his father and possibly the greatest cheese-related jokes we’ve ever heard.
Before the break are Oxford duo Matt Chanarin and Jo Clarke performing some beautiful rootsy tunes for the appreciative crowd, while our glorious residents get to work making dinner, a delicious chilli con carne (at a bargainous £3). How many headline bands cook for you too?
Bellies full, we kick back and watch the last few bands: best is alt-folk 5 piece Indigo Earth, whose lead vocalist Amy Wilson wows the crowd with her youthful energy and impressive set of lungs – and there are a few soaring harmonies from keyboard player Jess Sawers.
As the night winds to a close, it’s time for Patch and the Giant to take the stage. This being the fourth stint of their residency, they’ve already built up a good following. It shows tonight as they stomp out fan faves ‘The Heretic’ and ‘The Ballad of Kelly Slade’. By popular demand, they even do an encore and finish things off with the classic ‘San Salvador’.
Not a bad way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. And early evening, for that matter.
Words: Natalie Gardiner
