It's never easy to run a quiescent night in a warehouse. Especially when that warehouse operates in a scene notorious for it's deranged debauchery, insane penchant for excess and ridiculous three day benders.
However, that is exactly what ambitious visionaries ‘BattleandDonen Present’ are attempting with their clandestine acoustic revue, ‘Silent Night’.
Invitation is limited to a select few: the list has been carefully (and somewhat controversially) trimmed to exclude the undesirables who generally turn these sort of functions into carnivals of sin...
And with some success. There are inevitable interruptions from the more rambunctious elements in the crowd. The nervous, bordeline-paranoid authority of the organisers soon puts a stop to that though.
These acts need silence after all. With no amplification in a room of a hundred people the slightest murmur is a massive hindrance to what gradually, as things progress, looks to be shaping up to be something very special indeed.
….
With a style reminiscent of Nick Drake and a somewhat crazed insistence that relentlessly draws in the audience, Adam Donen's success on stage befits the man who, along with cohort Gary Battle, put this night together.
Tonight is not just about Donen though, as his relatively short spell on stage attests. The spotlight tonight is reserved for the acts the fledgling promotion team have put together...
However, that is exactly what ambitious visionaries ‘BattleandDonen Present’ are attempting with their clandestine acoustic revue, ‘Silent Night’.
Invitation is limited to a select few: the list has been carefully (and somewhat controversially) trimmed to exclude the undesirables who generally turn these sort of functions into carnivals of sin...
And with some success. There are inevitable interruptions from the more rambunctious elements in the crowd. The nervous, bordeline-paranoid authority of the organisers soon puts a stop to that though.
These acts need silence after all. With no amplification in a room of a hundred people the slightest murmur is a massive hindrance to what gradually, as things progress, looks to be shaping up to be something very special indeed.
….
With a style reminiscent of Nick Drake and a somewhat crazed insistence that relentlessly draws in the audience, Adam Donen's success on stage befits the man who, along with cohort Gary Battle, put this night together.
Tonight is not just about Donen though, as his relatively short spell on stage attests. The spotlight tonight is reserved for the acts the fledgling promotion team have put together...
Orlando Seale is the first big highlight of the night. His thoughtful, soaring compositions and almost bukowski-esque lyrics of romanticism in the blight of London are in equal parts inspiring and intimidating. As is his somewhat insane glare between songs...
Seale looks every part the wild-eyed zealot. Rightly so though.. with a little honing he could become a major talent for 2011.
Similarly, Lucy Rose looks set to rise to prominence in the coming months. Her captivating, deeply personal lyrics draw the audience in with a power that defies the delicacy and intimacy of her delivery.
Finally, a show stopping performance from the always excellent Milly Blue rounds proceedings off in classy style.Her insightful, cutting lyrics and measured delivery enthralling the audience, as ever.The standing ovation that punctuated her performance was more than justified.
...
With more shows planned for next year this night looks set to make a real mark on the event calender of 2011. Check it out... if you can find it.
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