To see out the old year and see in the next and of course Debbie's birthday we decide to hit that old stalwart that is the Windmill in Brixton. The we is me, Debs, Pete and Wendy. Us two cycle into the Brixton hinterland first of all dropping by Ginny's for a swift chat and drink then up to the Windmill. The place is empty and although 9pm is early for NYE, even so it's a bit depressing. Pete and Wendy have already bagged a couple of bar stools, tho not hard tonight, and we have a convivial enough time catching up on Christmas experiences. Turns out that, apart from the usual locals who I'm sure haven't paid the 6 quid entrance, most of the folk here are part of the various bands.
First up on stage is
Iyamah who seems fairly self-effacing but I guess it's very difficult playing to such an empty room. And empty in the Windmill means empty as it's hardly a cathedral like edifice. However Iyamah puts her all into a great set. Just her with pre-recorded music and some pre-rec vocals and whereas I usually prefer a band live, I think I'm gonna be disappointed tonight as a bank of computers and mixing stuff on stage in place of the drum kit, she comes over very well. Great laid back soulful voice over laid back soulful beats with a sharp modern twist. A lovely way to ease us into the evening and to be honest as it's going to be a long one best not to start too hectic. By the end of the set there are a few more punters here and a bit of dancing going on down the front. Worth checking out again before she gets too big which may well happen.
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| Swirly whirly gig |
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| Psychedelic soulfulness |
So it's filling up a bit but not enough for any queueing at the bar which, again, I can live without. An excellent DJ which I think is the guy behind Dandadda playing mainly old school reggae. Old school as in 70s / 80s reggae Dunbar / Shakespeare style like Black Uhuru mixes with some lovers rock thrown in for good measure. This is backed up by a fantastic light show which looked like it came out of a grungy psychedelic acid rock club rather than a dance hall but I guess all musical genres eventually mash up and why not with the lights too. And it worked. Great atmosphere in here now as filling out a bit more and getting into the groove.
Next up is one guy with guitar who plays some very pleasant tunes which are competent enough but not really heavy or fast enough for my tastes. Went down well with the audience though and certainly not offensive so no complaints. Not sure whether he was Madboy (unlikely) or Tom Belton or possibly someone else completely different. Had a lovely silver hat covering his dreads which was perfect for the light show playing on it.
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| A moment of darkness... |
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| ... into the light |
After a few more skanking tunes the main act are up on stage which consists of a couple of guitarists, a saxophonist, various singers and a couple of guys on the mixing desk / computers or whatever. Hard hitting heavy reggae influenced sounds that got the up for it crowd skanking jumping and generally bopping about down by the stage and even going back a bit into the pub. Not packed so some space for a bit of a shuffle and a thoroughly enjoyable and energetic set. I guess that
Dandadda are a music collective and by the end they'd invited a few more of their mates on stage to sing or dance along. All a bit chaotic visually but tight enough aurally. A great set and, again, one to catch again.
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| Collectiveness |
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| Stage invasion - by invite / coaxing |
At the end of the set we have the new years countdown, which was signally missed last time we were here a couple of years ago, and having popped the party poppers handed out by the band the whole place replaces skanking for country dancing and we all dance around swinging partners by the arm then onto the next to the strains of Auld Lang Syne. Then wishing Debbie Happy Birthday. After all that excitement quite a few people leave which is surprising as I'm sure they're too young to worry about a sensible bed time but maybe there's an after party somewhere. So it's pretty empty again although the regulars are taking advantage of the late opening and there's a few out in the garden. The DJ has wrapped up the reggae and much to Wendy's delight is hitting us with some ravy dance tunes. Before we know it it's gone 2 o'clock and as we've all had quite enough to drink, thanks for the tequila Pete!, we head off. Pete and Wendy down into Brixton and me and Debs enjoying the night air freewheeling back to Balham. Another great night at the Windmill. Thank god it's not too popular!
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| Happy New Year! |
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