Live

The Young Knives, Ahuman, Rosie Oddie and the Odd Squad, The Bishops

Matt Churchill 13/12/2007

Hidden away behind King's Cross station in an industrial estate lies Canvas, home of London's finest Rollerdisco nightclub. The middle-of-nowhere venue, chosen to host 'The Rage Out In Winter' put on by party promoters 'All The Rage', was the perfect platform for a night of grown up gigging.

The quirky venue has all the charisma and charm of a cheeky north London vagabond, chic 60's wallpaper adorns the walls in seated areas populated by plush sofas and warm orange lighting that surround the intimate dancefloor space. A trigger happy smoke machine operator and wandering lights created a relaxed atmosphere out front for a crowd who stood sipping their beers, nodding their heads and tapping their feet throughout the evening.

Rosie Oddie and the Oddie Squad, a Siouxsie And The Banshees meets Pete Doherty and Mick Jones on a hedonistic night out electro indie band, captured the mood of the event with their lively stage show and buoyant songs. A great band to have at a party, ROATOS are a band who have a definitive sound that is absolutely their own and makes for great dancing material.

The surprise of the night were late additions Ahuman. Fronted by a Jim Morrison/Ian Curtis poetic lyricist type, the band are following the same path paved by reverend And The Makers with that indie-dance-rock vibe that is an upto date equivalent of the Stone Roses. Their cover of America's classic 'A Horse With No Name' was a highlight of the evening. Hearing the electro dance beat backing the “La la, la la la la” chorus was an experience that shouldn't be forgotten by anyone who witnessed it. A band definitely worth finding on Myspace.

Headliners The Young Knives were at their boisterous best, with the banter flying between House Of Lords and Henry Dartnall like paper bullets. A lively set featured tracks from their forthcoming second album, due out in March, as well as the usual clutch of crowd favourites. The rapturously received trio played a storming set that was a fitting end to a relaxed night of sophistication, that succeeded in providing an older crowd with a good line up of bands in an uber cool setting.

With more events lined up, 'All The Rage' may have cracked a formula that should attract more and more attention as their reputation grows.