Photography by Philip Nash
London-based independent label Fierce Panda Records are in the midst of an exciting few months; for they have been putting on an array of shows here, there and everywhere around the great city that is London in celebration of 20 years of success for the label and the musicians they have been collecting along the way.
On the 14th of March we made our way down to Islington's The Lexington for Birmingham quartet, The Traps 'My Grip'/'Imposter' single launch show as part of Fierce Pandas 20th Birthday shows. As Jamie Berry (vox/guitar) and Nick Berry (bass/vox), James Minhas (guitar) and Daniel Webb (drums) of The Traps took to the stage to perform their 10-track set there was something immediately endearing about the band. Something that demands attention.
Perhaps it was the way that lead singer Jamie Berry is built like a mountain and towered above us all. But not in an intimidating way, not in an aggressive way. In a very down-to-earth, grounded way. Throughout the set Berry's melodic yet gruff, mature and confident vocals reminded us that this is not about image or theatrics, or deep angsty indie melancholy. This is pure and simple alt-pop that combines its influences from all over the musical spectrum. It's rough around the edges with pulsating, throbbing beats, rugged instrumentation from manly men who have spent more time making sure they have cultivated their combined talents instead of how good their hair looks (which, is not to say they looked like tramps, they are a rather dashing bunch!). The guys were also joined by two lovely ladies on brass (sax & trumpet) which gave a sexy, sultry touch to all the testosterone. If you’re looking for an enjoyable, uplifting performance from a really intriguing act who have a hell of a lot to offer, get yourself down to one of The Traps shows. No doubt you’ll be smiling like loons and jiggling away all over the place throughout the entirety of the set, just like we were. Included are some highlights of the night in photo form.
Set list:
Eyes Open
Moving Pictures
Imposter
Your Headland
Echoes
Cicada
My Grip
The Honey Drip
Calypso
Triumphs Cornerstone
The Traps' website
Buy the single
Catch them live:
Apr 03 CLUB FANDANGO PRESENTS RISING (SUPPORTED BY MUSIC WEEK), London, United Kingdom
Apr 12 COUNTERACT'S 4TH BIRTHDAY FT. THE TRAPS + SPECIAL GUESTS, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Apr 15 Sebright Arms, London, United Kingdom
Apr 21 Shacklewell Arms London, United Kingdom
May 08 Great Escape Festival, Brighton, United Kingdom
May 09 The Worlds End, London, United Kingdom
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