Categories
Music News

Action Bronson to play Koko in June

New York rap master Action Bronson will be revisiting the UK on June 7th for a show at Camden’s Koko. Expect tracks off the ‘Rare Chandeliers’ mixtape he release last year. Download it for free, you will not be disappointed if you are a rap fan.

Koko tickets go on sale this Friday.

Categories
Live Reviews

Converge and Touché Amoré live at London Koko

Converge,
London Koko,
25/11/12

Tall, cavernous theatres like Koko may not be the ideal setting for a hardcore show, but then Converge are no ordinary hardcore band, and tonight’s line-up reflects this.

A Storm Of Light are armed with some seriously seismic grooves that fill the venue with ease, and give its foundations a bit of a shake into the bargain. Behind the band, a huge projector screen shows footage of rioting, war and burning cities – an appropriate backdrop if ever there was one, as this is perfect ‘impending apocalypse’ music. It’s an assault on the senses, and an oddly reassuring one at that.

A combination of almost non-stop touring and last year’s excellent ‘Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me’ album have gained Touché Amoré plenty of well-deserved recognition, and tonight they justify the hype in fine style. Every word is screamed back at vocalist Jeremy Bolm as his band rip through the likes of ‘Pathfinder’ and ‘Home Away From Home’ with minimum stage patter and maximum conviction. They’re clearly stoked to be touring with Converge, and with their intelligent, honest approach to hardcore, greater things surely await Touché Amoré.

The last time we witnessed Converge separated from their audience by a barrier (at the Electric Ballroom a few years ago), frontman Jacob Bannon seemed uncomfortable – prowling the stage like a lion unable to savage a nearby herd of wildebeest. This time around, he comes across more like a hardcore Spiderman – zipping around the stage with barely a pause for breath, and that’s when he’s not actually down on the barrier screaming into the front rows.

Never slouches in the live department, Converge get through a good 20-odd songs tonight. ‘Sadness Comes Home’ (a highlight of recent album ‘All We Love We Leave Behind’) is already a crowd favourite, although – as ever – ‘Jane Doe’ era favourites like ‘Bitter And Then Some’ are the ones that really push the already-seething pit into overdrive.

Few bands find themselves making some of their best records after nearly two decades’ existence, but such is Converge’s position. No surprise that their fans are as devoted as they come, and on tonight’s evidence, that shouldn’t change anytime soon.

Alex Gosman

Categories
Music News

Bonobo announces Koko dates

After wowing crowds at the Troxy at the end of last year, Bonobo is back with a full live band to play two dates at Koko.

With Andreya Triana lending her unique vocals to proceedings and the brilliant Anchorsong [who we saw rock the stage opening for Prefuse 73 not long back] as support, it’s set to be a date to remember.

Playing on the 25th and 26th of April, tickets are available from here and here, with early bird tickets priced at £19.50, advance tickets at £24 and tickets on the door priced at £27. Get in quick or else you’ll miss out on what’s sure to be one hell of a show.

Categories
Music News

Kid Koala hits London

Turntablist extraordinaire Kid Koala is hitting London this month.

The Canadian DJ, who has wowed crowds across the globe with his quick hand skills and ability to turn anything into a coherent tune, will be playing Koko on March 12th. He will be ably supported by DJ Vadim, a live set by Polar Bear and Mr Thing, which is set to be a stellar night.

Make sure you grab your tickets while they’re still available from www.soundcrashmusic.com

Check out what to expect below:

Categories
Music Events Music News

Dam Funk, Rustie and more to play KOKO

Soundcrash have announced a very special night at London’s KOKO on September 4th to play out one of the last sunsets of an unexpectedly hot and rad UK summer. The line-up is very special indeed…

Stones Throw honcho Dam-Funk brings the modern funk in a full live set with Master Master, exciting new Warp producer Rustie plays an exclusive live set, Tokimonsta represents Fly-Lo’s eclectic beat-dropping Brainfeeder crew and Dimlite is down to bring his packed bag full of electronic soul too. Huge line-up! Get to it London heads.

Scroll past the flyer for a free download from Rustie. Treat yourself!

Rustie – Inside Pikachu’s Cunt by Crossfire Music