Any good night on the town in London usually ends in a kebab shop eating chips (fries), but in the ‘burg the best place to quench those munchies is Oasis on North 7th St, and with a falafel sandwich at only 3 bucks it’s not likely to put strain on your wallet. I love the ‘take-away’ margaritas at the Turkey’s Nest on Bedford Ave for only $10, so there is no need to spend hundreds on a night out in the neighbourhood, especially when there are so many free gigs nearly every night.
Last night at The Lovin’ Cup located on North 6th St a few local bands put on a free show. Two of the bands doing their thing, when I stopped by, were The Bottom Dollars and Baby States. The Bottom Dollars have a residency at the venue, meaning that every Tues at 8.30pm one is likely to catch them on stage playing songs from the wonder years. They describe themselves as playing rock ‘n roll. The vocals possess a retro sound giving the band an old school rock ‘n roll feel which was perfectly symbolised in vintage fedora hats they were sporting. Baby States are Ben Davis, Bridet Kearney, Alec Spiegelman and Jeremy Gustin, who describe their music as ‘new old time,’ a genre I am not accustomed to. After listening to their set I personally would describe them as playing indie folk, but that’s just me. The songs are very chilled and the voices match the music as they have a crooning element. Their music reminded me of some of Frank Turner’s slower tunes as they carry that same ease. Both bands were found outside smoking with their friends (the fans) before and after their shows, which gave the gig itself a relaxed and intimate vibe. Something you have to look very hard and very deeply underground in London to find.
Speaking to Baby States after their set they said that “there were no words to describe what happened here tonight,” in true musician fashion.
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