North London Food & Culture

Stereo Freaks at Surya, King’s Cross

Bronze Medallists headlined a new night at the teeny basement club on Wednesday. But did they outshine the strong support acts? Musician Gav Duffy reports

Bronze Medallists. Image: Stereo Freaks
Bronze Medallists. Photo: Tape Club Records

On Pentonville Road, Surya hosted a new music night on Wednesday called Stereo Freaks. And yes, anyone could be forgiven for a sense of caution at the prospect of three guitar bands being cheered on by friends and family.

But don’t be afraid, this was not a bunch of Libertines-loving youths trying to bring back rock ‘n’ roll. With a vibe leaning more towards current indie bands such as Childhood, Charlie Boyer and The Voyeurs, there was not a leather jacket in sight, the mostly student crowd having an obvious lust for all things synth as well as guitars.

Kicking off the soiree was brand new act The Pierrots, for which Stereo Freaks headboy Dean Baker plays drums. The music? Upbeat garage rock influenced by the post-punk revival; it worked in getting the crowd moving away from the bar to the front of the stage. There was a sense of Essex boys-meets-art school about these guys reminiscent of – even – Blur or Suede. And how many Essex bands do you think there are named after seventeenth-century Italian pantomime characters?

Next on the bill was Nicolas Stevenson and, rather than the to-be-expected acoustic guitar solo act, he was joined by a full band including possibly the best drummer I’ve ever heard. (This guy was possessed by the spirit of Keith Moon.) Strong examples of storytelling with a diverse array of themes abounded, from kids’ parties to parallel places, mystical people, imaginary houses – and even a comet. The crowd? Loosening up now, polite applause replaced by hollers and wolf-whistles.


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Stevenson reminded me of a young Billy Corgan and songs like I’m Not Busy fitted the overall vibe of the night, recalling Smashing Pumpkins in their Siamese Dream-era. Besides a shy and awkward demeanour, Stevenson was endearing, his banter between songs making the crowd warm to him. He was also not afraid to put on a bit of a show during the songs, simply allowing himself to have fun.

This, unfortunately, cannot be said of the last act: Bronze Medallists. Within a few songs, the crowd seemed to be going through the same thought process as myself – these tracks were all pretty strong but why, I wondered, wasn’t I enjoying this as much as the others?

The answer is that they have the least likely frontman in London. When in full swing, this quartet were knocking out lo-fi indie electro bangers such as Mathematics with real zest. The particularly easy-on-the-eye female synth player swayed provocatively while playing,  the drummer solid as a rock on the backbeat. Visually there were some treats such as the two TV sets on either side of the stage, a little like critics’ darlings Public Service Broadcasting at the moment.

So what was the problem? The momentum of the set was disrupted by long awkward silences as singer Oliver Price attempted to amuse the audience with pre-prepared anecdotes. I can envisage him telling jokes to his friends in the pub while smiling smugly to himself when they didn’t get him. “Just play already,” whispered my mate. Exactly.

But nonetheless, it was all a rip-roaring success. And as a regular night, Stereo Freaks is packed with potential, with the DJs knowing how to swoop in and keep spirits high, with many feet still dancing as last orders chimed at 2am.

Surya is at 154-156 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9JL

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