As
I’ve got older, the experience of a gig goes beyond enjoying the music and the
company of good friends (in this case my long time gig buddy Bossman)
It
also, more recently includes sampling new drink and food, exploring a
new venue or part of London, so on Mayday we ventured to Hackney Central to
enjoy all of the above experiences where we went to the great bar and
kitchen known as Oslo.
I
spent a lot of my childhood in Stoke Newington, so I had an inkling as to
how far Hackney is from central London by public transport, however, I will say
it’s well worth the bus or train ride.
It’s
a great venue for food (the burgers are amazing), drink, conversation,
with great staff and fast service. The band were sitting behind us enjoying
some pre-gig beers and food. And of course they have a gig / club venue
attached to them. This review from the Guardian
pretty much sums it up.
The
gig space itself is intimate with a great view of the stage and fantastic
acoustics.
As
for the gig itself, dälek were fearsome hip hop noise merchants, churning out
brutal beats and grooves overlaid with beautiful white noise with the
MC, dälek, throwing himself into the moment with his lyrics. Their energy
live is just astounding.
As
this article points out on
their long absence and return to the live scene and recording, they do take
from the more brutal end of shoegaze noise combined with the scalding power of
rebellious hip hop and rap. Together it’s a powerful combination.
I
love all sorts of music and these guys are so unique and eclectic. Sometimes I
love my music to be quiet and contemplative, but sometimes I want the noise to
consume me, so I break into fragments, atomise, become nothing. And when I
reform, I’m renewed and refreshed. This is what I wanted that night. Noise. The
Beautiful Noise.
