The Metro Flood

The Brent Flood @ The Metro Club, London, 23rd October 2008

Three bands are set to play before the act that got me to the Metro Club last night.

Opening acts try their best to get everyone's attention but it seems worthless. People rather chat, even if it means shouting at each other's ears. The bands don't give up - they can't give up. The attempt to make people sing-along to one of the songs is pointless, not worth putting your beer down for that. "Well we'll just get on with the song and you'll learn it on the way", as they lay down their arms. And then comes the cover - "oh, here's a song i recognize!" - playing a Nelly Furtado cover at an underground club in London is a statement: “we’re so cool and indie we can even afford to play a poppy mainstream song”. Not sure I agree though. The venue gradually fills up for the headline of the night.

The Brent Flood no longer need these gimmicks. Known to be one of the most promising up and coming acts in and around London, they ended their 16 day UK tour yesterday at the Metro Club in London. The 11 year old (!) band knows how to put on a good, straightforward, what-you-see-is-what-you-get indie gig.

Lead singer Jay stares at the audience in the eye, knowing his self confidence is big enough to make us lack our own. A hell of a good strategy, considering the huge female community who deliberately surrenders to his charms and won't get their hands off the camera, zooming in and out, trying their best to frame the sweaty skinny and hot Jay.

Charisma and sex appeal aside, for a first time listen, some songs are great, others average, some catchy, others not so much. The crowd seems to know and like them all and cheer and sing-along even when not invited to - something the previous bands could only wish for.

An overall positive feel to the gig and the band, who definitely seem to be on the right track.