Chris Douridas and mfg’s School Night is known for bringing the best of the underground to Bardot Hollywood. This week, the team brought a very special act: London Grammar. What made it even more special was the fact that this was the trio’s US debut. We caught a live experience of their beautiful vocals and tunes.
Disclosure – Help Me to Lose My Mind (ft. London Grammar)
[audio:https://controlaltdelight.com/Music/disclosure/14%20Help%20Me%20Lose%20My%20Mind.mp3]
The three UK artists made a name for themselves with Hey Now in late 2012 and Metal & Dust earlier this year. I’d argue that they got the most of their attention from the US, however, as collaborators with UK powerhouse Disclosure on Help Me Lose My Mind.
I get in mid-way through the first act. There are people everywhere; I suspect that the majority has come to welcome our friends from over the pond. After people surge to find a good spot, London Grammar takes to the stage at 10:50 and get straight into it with “Hey Now.” I took the liberty of recording the intro to give you a little taste.
The ambient noise rises with applause and chatter from the lounge. Hannah, almost inaudibly, apologizes that she is feeling a bit under the weather. [At least, that’s what I heard. I don’t think anyone would have noticed at all. Props to their sound-tech!] They play through their songs: Strong, Darling Are You Gonna Leave Me, Shyer, Wasting My Young Years, Metal & Dust. The bar babble takes over during all the quiet parts. Despite all the white noise; Hannah’s gorgeous voice, Dot’s awesome hair and djembe jamming, and Dan’s laid-back, sultry guitar keep the mood sensually sweet. It hits me: they sound as good as if they were in the studio, if not better. And then all too soon, it’s over.
I’m anxious to hear more. And so, I can’t help but be excited for London Grammar’s future. Few bands make it big as quickly as they have; even fewer are as humble about it. It’s an absolute pleasure just to be part of their audience. I stay for a few more minutes. Unfortunately, it’s a School Night, and I have a date with a 6am wake up call.
